Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

250+ German Shepherd Names: Popular & Unique Ideas 2024

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Ashley Bates

250+ German Shepherd Names: Popular & Unique Ideas 2024

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 on earth 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.divider-dog

How to Name Your German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd Puppy
Image Credit: GSDLover, Pixabay

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 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.
divider-dog

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

Alaskan Shepherd (Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Mix)
Image Credit: Steve Heap, Shutterstock

What’s better to consider than names from their country of origin? While there are countless German names for both male and female shepherds, 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
divider-dog

Names Meaning Strength for German Shepherds

German Shepherd_Osetrik, Shutterstock
Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock

German Shepherds are well 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

divider-dog

Ancient Names for German Shepherds

german shepherd on a leash
Image Credit: nori jaafer, Pixabay

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 meaning—is 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
divider-dog

Regular Joe & Jane Names for German Shepherds

german shepherd head tilt
Image Credit: Diego Cervo, Shutterstock

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
divider-dog

Popular Dog Names for German Shepherds

german-shepherd-dog
Image Credit: Rob Wee, Pixabay

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

divider-dog

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’re 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.

Next on your reading list:


Featured Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.