Bringing home your new German Shepherd puppy is sure to bring out a variety of emotions. With the anxieties and joys, you might wonder what you will call them.
Everyone has a different method of picking a name for their pets. Some want a name that has a specific meaning, while others just name them whatever fits when they see them. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but here’s our list! With any luck, it will help you out.
How to Name Your German Shepherd Puppy
No matter what name you pick, it’s sure to fit eventually. You might already have something in mind and just want to mull over your options.
So, before you sift through this list, keep these few things in mind.
- Pick a Name YOU Love: Ultimately, you’re the one who has to use this name all your dog’s life. You might as well pick a name you’re absolutely crazy about.
- Consider Heritage: When you learn more about German Shepherds, you might like the idea of sticking with a more traditional name that fits the lineage.
- Let the Name Find You: Sometimes, you hear a name and it just clicks. When you’re reading over names, one might stand out like a sore thumb. So, maybe it’s time to read through some lists (like this one).
- Pull a Name Out of a Hat: If you just can’t decide, put a few favorites into a hat and pull one out! Then, you won’t have to spend time racking your brain to decide which one you like best.
250+ Names for Your German Shepherd
If you’ve been searching for inspiration, look no further. We’ve got you covered.
German Shepherd Names From Their Homeland of Germany
What’s better to consider than names from their country of origin? While there are countless German names for both male and female GSDs, here are just a handful to get you started.
German Male Dog Names for Your German Shepherd
- Adolfo
- Archie
- Baer
- Baldwin
- Carlin
- Fabian
- Felix
- Finn
- Godfrey
- Gonzo
- Gus
- Hank
- Hans
- Jesko
- Jonas
- Lash
- Leon
- Leopold
- Lewis
- Lonzo
- Oscar
- Otto
- Ulrich
- Valentin
- Walden
German Female Names for Your German Shepherd
- Adele
- Anna
- Annalise
- Caroline
- Charlotte
- Claudia
- Edith
- Emilia
- Emma
- Freida
- Gertrude
- Gisela
- Gretchen
- Gretel
- Heidi
- Hildegard
- Ida
- Lara
- Leonine
- Liesel
- Lina
- Lorelei
- Mila
- Sophia
- Ursula
Names Meaning “Strength” for German Shepherds
German Shepherds are known to be intense and hard-working. If you want a name to match that energy, here are some names that sound strong, and some actually mean “strength.” Let’s take a look.
Strong Names for Your Male German Shepherd
- Zeus—sky, shine
- Bjorn—bear
- Aldric—strong, mighty warrior
- Achilles—pain
- Evander—bow warrior
- Imre—strength
- Jared—fierce, strong
- Griffin—strong lord
- Aziel—God is my strength
- Harvey—battle worthy
- Ragnar—warrior of judgment
- Osiris—strong eyesight
- Valentine—strength, health
- Nico—people of victory
- Ralph—wolf counsel
- Barrett—bear, strength
- Eamon—one who saves
- Apollo—manly beauty
- Atlas—enduring
- Norse—Viking people
- Franz—free man
- Draco—dragon
Strong Names for Your Female German Shepherd
- Mildred—gentle strength
- Philomena—lover of strength
- Minka—strong-willed warrior
- Millicent—worker and strength
- Adira—courageous, mighty
- Bree—power, high
- Larasati—strong, steadfast
- Gabriella—God is my strength
- Ermintrude—whole, strength
- Hilda—battle
- Simone—he has heard
- Kendra—royal power
- Meja—strength
- Valerie—to be strong
- Olesia—defender of men
- Signe—new victory
- Trudi—spear and strength
- Yi—decisive, firm
- Llewella—leader
- Velda—power, rule
- Jara—fierce
- Maude—battle mighty
Ancient Names for German Shepherds
Since German Shepherds are a rather ancient breed themselves, giving them a powerhouse name from olden times might just be the ticket. Here are some pretty radical names, along with their meanings—are any a perfect fit?
Ancient German Shepherd Male Dog Names and Meanings
- Laszlo—Hungarian surname
- Villa—Italian surname
- Caesar—hairy
- Maximus—greatest
- Osiris—God of the dead
- Balto—Baal protect the king
- Augustus—majestic
- Bruno—brown
- Orion—boundary, limit
- Abraham—father of nations
- Constantine—constant
- Odysseus—son of pain
- Hector—to hold back
- Ambrose—immortal
- Balthazar—Bel protects the king
- Shadrach—tender, nipple
- Remus—oar
- Oedipus—swollen foot
- Damon—one who tames, subdues
- Demetrius—Earth
- Ozius—strength from the Lord
- Romulus—man of Rome
- Severus—grave
- Wolfgang—wolf path
- Kodiak—island
Ancient German Shepherd Female Dog Names and Meanings
- Temperance—moderation, self-control
- Artemis—butcher
- Athena—war and wisdom
- Persephone—bringer of death
- Zelda—dark battle
- Xenia—outlander
- Freya—noble woman
- Calliope—beautiful voice
- Zinnia—flower
- Calypso—to cover
- Itzel—star of the Aurora sky
- Valeria—strong, brave
- Lucia—light
- Juno—youth
- Minerva—wisdom
- Cyra—sun, throne
- Zula—brilliant
- Diana—divine
- Camilla—acolyte
- Tyra—Thor’s fight
- Myla—soldier
- Lazuli—sky blue
- Winona—firstborn daughter
- Oneida—people of the standing stone
- Bianca—white, pure
Regular Joe & Jane Names for German Shepherds
There’s always the option to go with a plain old human name for your dog. It might be funny for outings to refer to your dog with the same name as a backyard barbecue father in New Balance tennis shoes, or the lady with a spray tan and hair sprayed hairdo about to go complain to the manager. The possibilities are endless.
Human Names for German Boy Dogs
- Barney
- Carl
- Clive
- Floyd
- Fred
- Gareth
- Gary
- Harry
- Hershel
- Manny
- Monty
- Nigel
- Orval
- Ralph
- Reggie
- Ronnie
- Roscoe
- Sam
- Terry
- Todd
- Tom
- Victor
- Vincent
- Virgil
- Waldo
Human Names for German Girl Dogs
- Bonnie
- Cathy
- Denise
- Dorothy
- Evelyn
- Georgia
- Greta
- Guinevere
- Jeanine
- Karen
- Lettie
- Margaret
- Mariam
- Matilda
- Mimi
- Mona
- Myrtle
- Priscilla
- Rhonda
- Rita
- Shirley
- Theresa
- Vivian
- Wilma
- Winnie
Popular Dog Names for German Shepherds
If you want a name that you hear a lot but can’t think of what they are, here you go! Here are some traditional, classical, and trendy dog names to consider.
Popular Names for Male German Shepherds
- Bandit
- Bear
- Bingo
- Blade
- Blitz
- Boomer
- Buck
- Bug
- Cane
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Cosmo
- Duke
- Fido
- Geronimo
- Ghost
- Gunnar
- Klaus
- Maverick
- Merlin
- Moose
- Pluto
- Prince
- Rambo
- Remington
- Rex
- Rin Tin Tin
- Rocco
- Rocky
- Ruger
- Sarge
- Shadow
- Smoky
- Spot
Popular Names for Female German Shepherds
- Baby
- Bailey
- Chloe
- Coco
- Dixie
- Duchess
- Fannie
- Gertie
- Gypsy
- Honey
- Izzy
- Jasmine
- Kelly
- Lassie
- Luna
- Miley
- Mimi
- Mitzi
- Moana
- Nanny
- Nina
- Nova
- Opal
- Paris
- Peach
- Penny
- Pepper
- Phoebe
- Polly
- Princess
- Pumpkin
- Roxy
- Sadie
- Sally
- Stormy
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you’ve found a few names on the list that struck your fancy. Everyone is different, and names will appeal to you for all sorts of reasons.
If you are still not sure, get to know your puppy a bit before you make the decision. Sometimes you need a feel for their personality before a name truly clicks.
- See also: Panda German Shepherd
Featured Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay
How to Name Your German Shepherd Puppy
