The Anatolian Shepherd is a large working dog breed that hails from Turkey. Historically, the breed would have guarded livestock while also serving as a companion to the shepherd. Although still used as a working dog today, the Anatolian Shepherd also makes a popular companion pet and family dog. Loyal, loving, and intelligent, the breed can make a great addition to any home.

Choosing the right name for any dog is important. It needs to be short and easy to understand, it shouldn’t be easily complicated with another family member or other pet, and it should be something that you’re happy to call out at the dog park or while out walking. There are thousands of potential dog names to choose from, with options ranging from historical and religious names to those of your favorite movie stars or musicians.

Below, you will find 204 popular and unique Anatolian Shepherd dog names to choose from, or to inspire to help you pick the right name for your new pup.

Turkish Dog Names

The Anatolian Shepherd originates from the Anatolia region of Turkey where they were bred from shepherd dogs.¹ They were bred as working dogs and would have accompanied shepherds, while also guarding livestock and protecting them from wild predators.

The Anatolian Shepherd was introduced to the U.S. during World War II when the Department of Agriculture was looking for the best breed to work with flocks of sheep. When the project ended, the Anatolian Shepherds were sold to local breeders. With their Turkish heritage, it makes sense that a lot of owners choose to give their dogs Turkish names.

Historical Dog Names

Whether you have a love of history or you like to look through the history books for naming inspiration, there are plenty of important figures from the annals of time that you can bestow on your new best friend.

Religious Dog Names

Biblical and Quranic names are not only suitable for religious owners or those with faith. Religious names have long been popular with people, and there is no reason that you can’t carry this tradition over to your favorite pets. Below is a collection of names with a religious leaning.

Mythical Dog Names

To most owners, our dogs are magical and the subjects of legend. We continue to talk about them and think about them long after they’ve gone. Mythical dog names can range from the names of gods and goddesses to heroes and villains. It can be a good idea to do a little research on these names, just in case you’re asked about their provenance.

Literary Dog Names

Literary dog names can be inspired by the names of characters or even places in books or by the names of those who wrote them. We have thousands of years of literature from which to gain inspiration, and you can choose the name of your favorite author or use it as an excuse to re-read your favorite books to find a suitable moniker.

Inspired by the Movies

While there isn’t as long a history of movies and TV as there are books and religion, there is still plenty of scope to find a memorable and appropriate dog’s name from the big screen.

Artistic Dog Names

The world of art is a great source of inspiration for a lot of people, and it can inspire you to name your pet, too. Below is a collection of names from the world of art and fashion, as well as some names that just sound a little artistic.

Final Thoughts

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog breed with a lot of history. It is loyal, loving, intelligent, and strong. Wherever you find inspiration, choose a name that is short, easy to remember, and call, and that won’t be easily confused with other pets or people in your household.

• See also: Australian Dog Names: Popular Options from Down Under

Featured Image Credit: SusImage, Shutterstock