Meaning of German Girl Names Trivia Quiz

Answer: Noble

Adela is a name that means 'of noble rank'. Derived from the Germanic elements 'adal' (meaning noble) and 'heid' (meaning kind, sort, or type). In a sense, a form of mediaeval marketing to potential suitors. Notable figures include Saint Adela, a 7th Century Frankish princess, and Adela of Normandy, daughter of William the Conqueror.

Answer: Free

Germanic in origin, Carla is a derivative of Carl (or Charles in English), meaning free or free man. It is also a form of the English name Carol. There is also a link to the Old English ceorl, meaning free man. American Carla Bley was an important figure in the free jazz movement, a style of avant-garde jazz.

Answer: Work

Ida is of Germanic origin, however the meaning is obscure, with several origins possible. The Germanic root 'id' means 'labour, work', the meaning taken here. 'Woman' or 'virgin', or 'thirsty' are other meanings that can be inferred. Ida Tarbell is best known for her work exposing the business practices of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company, leading to the break-up of its monopoly.

Answer: Peace

Frida is a diminutive of Alfreda which means 'inspired advice' or 'peace'. Mainly used in the UK, Germany, Poland and Italy, the male version Alfred has two components: aelf (meaning 'elf' or 'supernatural being') and raed ('counsel, advice'). Berrigan is a peace activist and author.

Answer: Mighty in battle

Matilda and Maud stem from the same Germanic roots, combining the elements 'maht' (meaning might or strength) and 'hild' (battle). Matilda of Boulogne supported her husband Stephen of Blois in his claim to the English throne in the civil war against his cousin Empress Maud. He became King, Matilda became queen as consort but Maud's son succeeded him on his death in 1154.

Answer: Bringing of joy

Of Latin origin, made of three components: 'viatrix' (female traveller), later tied to 'beatus' (blessed) and 'beare' (to make happy). It became Beatrix as 'Via-' and 'Bea-' had similar pronunciations in Late Latin. British writer Beatrix Potter (1866 - 1943) is probably best known for her 23 children's tales which she also illustrated.

Answer: Comrade in arms

A two part name, 'hild' means battle or fight and 'gard' is for fence, boundary or enclosure. Variants include Hilda and Elda. The 12th Century Benedictine abbess Saint Hildegard achieved much but is probably best known for her compositions of sacred monophony.

Answer: Clear

Klara is a variant of Clare, coming from 'clarus', the Latin for clear, bright or famous. In a strange twist, Clara is a re-Latinised version of Clare (the mediaeval form), Clara being the feminine version of the Latin Clarus. Von Neumann was a bit of a pathfinder, being one of the first computer programmers. ENIAC, dating from 1945, was the first programmable general purpose digital computer.

Answer: Rock

Petra is a modern female form of Peter. The name itself comes from Ancient Greek 'petros', meaning rock or stone, and became popular after the discovery (in the West) of the archaeological ruins of Petra in Jordan. Petra, the Christian rock band, was formed in 1972.

Answer: Chosen protection

The name is of two parts: 'wil' for will or desire and 'helm' meaning helmet or protection, and is the female version of the name William. There are over 80 variants of the name. After fleeing to Britain, Queen Wilhelmina took charge of her government in exile.