# Need a Female German Name for my Car: Suggestions? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 22, 2012, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849 "2012-12-22T17:16:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/41 "2012-12-22T23:07:11Z")
> [@Svejk\_1](#): > > P > > Liesl I messed up the e/i in the beginning of the name, but otherwise it is German. LIESEL: Pet form of German Elisabeth, meaning "God is my oath Also, from here: [Meaning, origin and history of the name Liesel - Behind the Name](http://www.behindthename.com/name/liesel) ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/42 "2012-12-22T23:27:28Z")
not necessarily Germanic - Portia? ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/43 "2012-12-22T23:40:54Z")
Gretchen or Greta. OK, not attractive-sounding. But German and female. [Carina](http://www.behindthename.com/name/carina-1). German/English. Several meanings but most common: Keel (of a ship) the Carina constellation, or “dear one” and similar epithets. Off the top of my head: Else, Ruth, Eva, Rowena, Liesl, Giselle, Zelda, Anna/Anya, Elise. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/44 "2012-12-22T23:58:32Z")
> [@Svejk\_1](#): > > People, please. Great suggestions but your German blows. Check yourselves before you wreck yourselves > > That first syllable is nothing like ‘oar’ - the sound is the same as in the second syllable - ‘u’. You can take it up with my high school German teacher. (Who was Bavarian, if that makes a difference.) “Ursula” was my German nickname for use in class, and she pronounced it “oar-su-la” and definitely not “oo-su-la”. ---
**Author:** ![MrsTango](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e7dd6/32.png) [@MrsTango](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsTango)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/45 "2012-12-23T00:12:57Z")
This is the first time I’ve posted to Straight Dope, or any message board for that matter. I’m counting on you guys to help me out here. I’m married to the originator of this thread. I appreciate all the great suggestions. But, here’s the real straight dope. Perhaps it’s been hard to find the right fit because this car is MALE. 🙂 His name is Manfred. I’m not sure how he got this name since the previous owners named HIM. It has always been a great fit in my opinion, but my husband clearly disagrees. BTW–I’ve had the car longer than I’ve had the husband. I just looked it up and Manfred means strength/power combined with peace/protection/safety. The only other Manfreds I know are Manfred Mann (“Do Wa Diddy” song) or Baron Manfred von Richthofen–the Red Baron. My husband has adopted the car, but now he wants to change the car’s name AND gender!? I wish I knew how to attach a picture, then you could clearly see that he is a cute and spunky Manfred, not a sexy voluptuous woman! I think the names you’ve suggested are great candidates for one day when my husband gets his 911. 😉 What do you think? Manfred…yes or no? ---
**Author:** ![cougar58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@cougar58](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cougar58)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/46 "2012-12-23T00:27:48Z")
Ivanna Vulva S80 ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/47 "2012-12-23T00:40:06Z")
> [@MrsTango](#): > > This is the first time I’ve posted to Straight Dope, or any message board for that matter. I’m counting on you guys to help me out here. > > I’m married to the originator of this thread. I appreciate all the great suggestions. But, here’s the real straight dope. Perhaps it’s been hard to find the right fit because this car is MALE. 🙂 > > His name is Manfred. I’m not sure how he got this name since the previous owners named HIM. It has always been a great fit in my opinion, but my husband clearly disagrees. BTW–I’ve had the car longer than I’ve had the husband. > > I just looked it up and Manfred means strength/power combined with peace/protection/safety. > > The only other Manfreds I know are Manfred Mann (“Do Wa Diddy” song) or Baron Manfred von Richthofen–the Red Baron. > > My husband has adopted the car, but now he wants to change the car’s name AND gender!? > > I wish I knew how to attach a picture, then you could clearly see that he is a cute and spunky Manfred, not a sexy voluptuous woman! > > I think the names you’ve suggested are great candidates for one day when my husband gets his 911. 😉 > > What do you think? Manfred…yes or no? Welcome to the Straight Dope **MrsTango**. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in suspecting your husband was attempting some freakish automotive genetic experiment. Now that we know the truth I’m sure the stigma associated with forcible transgendering an automobile will prevent him from committing this atrocity. I hope Manfred enjoys a long life. You however should prepare your own food from now on. Make sure you open all bottles yourself. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/48 "2012-12-23T00:47:18Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > Blondi. > [@RobDog](#): > > Eva > [@TriPolar](#): > > Adolphina > [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > Be bold. > > **[Leni](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leni_Riefenstahl)** Nice to know who’s snerking along. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/49 "2012-12-23T06:14:15Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > not necessarily Germanic - Portia? A Porsche named Portia? Yeah. Why hasn’t anyone suggested Gertrude yet? I had a car I named Gertrude - she was a small Japanese station wagon, old and rickety (I had no money at the time). That name was perfect. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/50 "2012-12-23T06:19:21Z")
> [@MrsTango](#): > > This is the first time I’ve posted to Straight Dope, or any message board for that matter. I’m counting on you guys to help me out here. > > I’m married to the originator of this thread. I appreciate all the great suggestions. But, here’s the real straight dope. Perhaps it’s been hard to find the right fit because this car is MALE. 🙂 > > His name is Manfred. I’m not sure how he got this name since the previous owners named HIM. It has always been a great fit in my opinion, but my husband clearly disagrees. BTW–I’ve had the car longer than I’ve had the husband. > > I just looked it up and Manfred means strength/power combined with peace/protection/safety. > > The only other Manfreds I know are Manfred Mann (“Do Wa Diddy” song) or Baron Manfred von Richthofen–the Red Baron. > > My husband has adopted the car, but now he wants to change the car’s name AND gender!? > > I wish I knew how to attach a picture, then you could clearly see that he is a cute and spunky Manfred, not a sexy voluptuous woman! > > I think the names you’ve suggested are great candidates for one day when my husband gets his 911. 😉 > > What do you think? Manfred…yes or no? **I AM BUSTED!!** Wow, she snuck in here and took this on! I shouldn’t have told her of my campaign, nor should I have read aloud the responses to her. Hmmm I vote for Katarina. ETA: it’s going to be a long, cold, lonely night! ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/51 "2012-12-23T06:29:14Z")
Go Wagnerian! Name her Getrune. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/52 "2012-12-23T14:44:45Z")
Well, if even Mr. and Mrs. Tango can’t figure out the gender of the car, there is no option but to name it: Victor/Victoria Or you could go gender undefined, like the old SNL skit, “It’s Pat!”…but call your foreign car “ex-Pat”. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/53 "2012-12-23T15:02:08Z")
Lili von Shtupp, the Teutonic Titwillow. For a man’s name, I like Otto (get it? Otto - Auto? :rolleyes: ) ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/54 "2012-12-23T15:10:59Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > For a man’s name, I like Otto (get it? Otto - Auto? :rolleyes: ) I would agree (see post #16)…so that makes 2 votes for Otto. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/55 "2012-12-23T17:37:31Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > I would agree (see post #16)…so that makes 2 votes for Otto. Missed it by _this much_. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/56 "2012-12-24T01:38:38Z")
I vote for Manfred, in honor of my Uncle Manfred, but make sure you pronounce it right–like An Fred with an M in front, not Man-Fred. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/57 "2012-12-24T01:54:21Z")
Inga ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/58 "2012-12-24T02:00:57Z")
> [@Brynda](#): > > I vote for Manfred, in honor of my Uncle Manfred, but make sure you pronounce it right–like An Fred with an M in front, not Man-Fred. I’m not sure what you mean. “An Fred” with an M in front and “Man-Fred” sounds the same to me. ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/59 "2012-12-24T03:06:07Z")
Erika or Hannelore. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2012, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849/60 "2012-12-24T04:43:07Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I’m not sure what you mean. “An Fred” with an M in front and “Man-Fred” sounds the same to me. Ok, try this–Mun-Fred, not Man-Fred. The correct pronunciation is softer, not Man like can. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-female-german-name-for-my-car-suggestions/644849.md?page=4)