First Names from Grimms' Fairy Tales

Rapunzel, Hansel, Gretel: The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm have shaped generations – and their names still hold magic today. Between 1812 and 1858, these world-famous stories were created. We have collected and analyzed first names from over 200 Grimm fairy tales: Which ones sound timeless, which surprisingly modern, and which evoke true fairy tale magic?

The first names in the Grimms' fairy tales are often fewer in number, as the brothers frequently relied on general character designations like "witch" or "king." Nevertheless, there are some names that particularly stand out. Here are some of the most interesting names from the tales of the Brothers Grimm.

1. Benjamin

Benjamin is the youngest of the twelve brothers in the tale "The Twelve Brothers." The name Benjamin means "Son of the Right Hand" and has biblical origins. In the story, he represents the youngest and often most beloved son.

2. Cham

Cham is a character from the tale "The House Servants." The name itself is quite rare and does not have a widely recognized meaning. In the story, Cham plays a minor role, which is typical for many of the side characters in the Grimms' fairy tales.

3. Else

Else, the main character in "Clever Else," is known for her naivety and humorous mishaps. The name Else is derived from Elisabeth and means "My God is Abundance." Else is one of the few female characters in the tales who has her own name.

4. Falada

Falada is the talking horse of the chambermaid in "The Goose Girl." The name is unique and was specifically created for this tale. Falada plays a crucial role in uncovering the intrigues within the story.

5. Ferdinand

Ferdinand is the name of both main characters in "Ferdinand the Faithful and Ferdinand the Unfaithful." The name means "Brave Protector" and has Germanic origins. This story revolves around loyalty and betrayal, fitting the meanings of the names.

6. Grete

Grete is the wife of Farmer "Crab" in the tale "Doctor Know-It-All." The name Grete is a diminutive of Margarete and means "Pearl." Grete is one of the many down-to-earth characters in the tales.

7. Gretel

Gretel, known from "Hansel and Gretel," is Hansel's sister. She represents courage and resourcefulness. The name Gretel is also a diminutive of Margarete and plays a central role in one of the most famous tales of the Brothers Grimm.

8. Hans

Hans is a common name in the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales. It appears in various stories such as "The Clever Hans" and "Hans in Luck." The name Hans is a diminutive of Johannes and means "God is Gracious."

9. Heinrich

Heinrich, the loyal servant in "The Frog King," is known for his loyalty. The name Heinrich means "Home and Ruler" and has Germanic origins. Heinrich's loyalty is particularly emphasized in the tale.

10. Holle

Holle, the old woman in "Mother Holle," is a central figure who represents justice and reward. The name Holle is unique and closely associated with the fairy tale character. Mother Holle is one of the most well-known figures in the Grimms' fairy tales.

11. Ilsebill

Ilsebill, the fisherman's wife in "The Fisherman and His Wife," is known for her dissatisfaction and greed. The name Ilsebill is a northern German form of Elisabeth and symbolizes the insatiable longing for more in the story.

12. Johannes

Johannes, the loyal servant in "Faithful Johannes," represents devotion and loyalty. The name means "God is Gracious" and has biblical origins. Johannes' loyalty is tested and rewarded in the tale.

13. Jorinde

Jorinde, the beautiful maiden in "Jorinde and Joringel," is known for her beauty and grace. The name Jorinde is rare and was specifically chosen for this tale. Jorinde and Joringel are a well-known couple in the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales.

14. Joringel

Joringel, the handsome youth in "Jorinde and Joringel," is known for his love and bravery. The name Joringel is also rare and was specifically chosen for this tale. Joringel's love for Jorinde is a central theme of the story.

15. Konrad

Konrad, also known as "Kürdchen," is the gooseherd in "The Goose Girl." The name Konrad means "Brave Advisor" and has Germanic origins. In the story, Konrad plays an important role in uncovering the intrigue.

16. Lenchen

Lenchen, the stepsister of the foundling "Fundevogel," is a loving and caring character. The name Lenchen is a diminutive of Helena and means "The Shining One." Lenchen's role in the story is of great significance to the plot.

17. Lenz

Lenz, the husband of the "Skinny Liese" in "The Skinny Liese," is a simple yet important character. The name Lenz is a diminutive of Laurentius and means "The Laurel-Crowned." Lenz represents the down-to-earth characters in the tales.

18. Lieschen

Lieschen, the wife of Frider in the tale "Frider and Katherlieschen," is known for her simplicity and grounded nature. The name Lieschen is a diminutive of Elisabeth and means "My God is Abundance."

19. Maleen

Maleen, the king's daughter in "Virgin Maleen," is known for her patience and endurance. The name Maleen is a variant of Magdalena and means "The Exalted One." Maleen's story is one of the most famous tales of the Brothers Grimm.

20. Marie

Marie, known as Goldmarie and Pechmarie in "Mother Holle," represents diligence and reward. The name Marie is a form of Maria and means "The Beloved." Marie's story is one of the most well-known in the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales.

21. Marlene

Marlene, the little sister Marlenchen in "From the Juniper Tree," is known for her innocence and purity. The name Marlene is a combination of Maria and Magdalena and means "The Exalted One."

22. Reginer

Reginer, the brother of the stepdaughter in "The White and the Black Bride," is a minor character in the story. The name Reginer is rare and has no widely recognized meaning, but fits well into the fairy tale world of the Brothers Grimm.

23. Roland

Roland, the beloved of the hated stepdaughter of the witch in "The Dearest Roland," is known for his bravery and love. The name Roland means "The Famous One" and has Germanic origins.

24. Samuel

Samuel, the second oldest son of the farmer in "The Griffin Bird," is a minor character in the story. The name Samuel means "God has Heard" and has biblical origins. Samuel's role in the story is of minor significance.

25. Trine

Trine, the wife of the farmer and goat herder in various tales, is known for her grounded nature. The name Trine is a diminutive of Katharina and means "The Pure One." Trine is one of the many down-to-earth characters in the tales.

26. Ulrich

Ulrich, the oldest son of the farmer in "The Griffin Bird," is a minor character in the story. The name Ulrich means "The Powerful" and has Germanic origins. Ulrich's role is of minor significance but fits well into the fairy tale world of the Brothers Grimm.

27. Veitli

Veitli, one of the seven Swabians in "The Seven Swabians," is known for his courage and clumsiness. The name Veitli is a southern German form of Vitus and means "Alive."

28. Sultan

Sultan, the old dog of the farmer in "Old Sultan," is known for his loyalty and faithfulness. The name Sultan means "Ruler" and has Arabic origins. Sultan's story is one of the most famous animal tales of the Brothers Grimm.

29. Sanne

Sanne, the wicked cook in "Fundevogel," is known for her malice. The name Sanne is a diminutive of Susanne and means "The Lily." Sanne's role in the story is of great importance to the plot.

30. Trude

Trude, the evil witch "Mother Trude," is known for her wickedness. The name Trude is a diminutive of Gertrud and means "The Strong One." Trude's role in the story is of great importance to the plot.