Bayern is the German name for Bavaria, one of the 16 states of Germany.. Bayern may also refer to: . Kingdom of Bavaria (Königreich Bayern), a state existing from 1806 to 1918.. Electorate of Bavaria (Kurfürstentum Bayern), an independent hereditary electorate existing from 1623 to 1806.; FC Bayern Munich, the professional football team operated by a Munich-based sports club of the same name