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German Shepherd Names: Over 200 Great Ideas for Boy and Girl Dogs

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German Shepherd NamesWelcome to our complete guide to German Shepherd names. We love giving you lots of creative name choices that perfectly complement these courageous and beautiful dogs.

So, you’re bringing home a German Shepherd dog or puppy. What are you going to call the handsome new addition?

According to one pet insurance company, the most popular German Shepherd names right now are:

  • Max
  • Bella
  • Kaiser
  • Shadow
  • Roxy

But you’re probably looking for something a little different!

Meet the German Shepherd Dog (GSD)

The GSD is an extremely versatile breed that is a favored service dog, police dog, guard dog, or household pet. They are incredibly loyal dogs that bond closely with their family and are easy to train.

Shepherds are most commonly associated with a long bicolor coat (solid tan, silver, red, or cream coat with black saddle, face, and leg markings). But they also come in solid colors like black, blue, gray, liver, sable, and white.

Check out our huge Dog Names library for ideas to suit every pup.

These are some truly handsome and noble dogs that deserve names just as regal as they are! And we’d love to help you select a name that complements your pooch. So, we’ve broken down potential German Shepherd (Alsatian) dog names into categories based on their looks, personality, or job.

We’ve also added some reader favorites and other names which are just too fun to resist. Look no further for lots of inspiring and creative GSD dog names! We’ve got you covered whether you’re on the hunt for male German Shepherd names or female German Shepherd names.

Good German Shepherd Dog Names

The German Shepherd is a truly one-of-a-kind breed that is incredibly popular. In fact, it ranks second in the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds in the United States!

German Shepherd Names - Over 200 Great Ideas For Naming Your German Shepherd Dog

They are generally perceived as working dogs that are fiercely loyal and excellent protectors.

Read more

German Shepherd dogs are the first breed you think of when a police dog or guard dog is mentioned. You might consider naming your GSD based on his bold personality. Or, you might even want to name them based on their beautiful profile or quirky personality.

We’ve split up German Shepherd names by gender in the following sections.

Female German Shepherd Names

Female German Shepherd names can reflect your dog’s feminine looks and “pampered pooch” status. They may also reflect her strong female personality, if you prefer.

We think that powerful and independent women, both real and fictional, serve very well as an inspiration for your German Shepherd girl’s name!

Here is a list of names reminiscent of strong women that would perfectly complement a female German Shepherd.

  • Ella (short for Eleanor Roosevelt)
  • Amelia (Amelia Earhart)
  • Katniss (after the main character in The Hunger Games trilogy)
  • Liz (short for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)
  • Hermione (Harry Potter)
  • Nancy (Nancy Drew series)
  • Xena (Xena the Warrior Princess)
  • River (Dr. Who)
  • Jackie (Kennedy)
  • Cleo (Cleopatra of Egypt)
  • Ursula

Male German Shepherd Names

Not only are there powerful women in history, but there are also plenty of courageous and heroic male figures. You have ample choice of male German Shepherd names as you make your selection.. f

Here is a list of male German Shepherd names that will help to convey your boy’s intelligence or strength.

  • Apollo
  • Julius (Caesar)
  • Caesar
  • Achilles (of Troy)
  • Bert (short for Albert Einstein)
  • Huck (Finn)
  • Teddy (Roosevelt)
  • Thor (Norse god)
  • Stallone (Sylvester)
  • Rambo
  • Aladdin (Disney)
  • Rocky (from the movie)
  • Zorro (Legend of)
  • Zeus

German Dog Names – Male

A list of German Shepherd Dog names wouldn’t be complete without a few names from the GSD’s country of origin!

As its name suggests, the GSD breed was created in Germany back in 1899.

Here are some German names and their meanings that may suit a male German Shepherd.

  • Adalard (“brave”)
  • Agustine (“majestic”)
  • Alaric (“noble leader”)
  • Dolphus (“noble wolf”)
  • Fonsie (“noble and eager”)
  • Fremont (“noble protector”)
  • Gregor (“vigilant watchman”)
  • Hubbard (“bright mind”)
  • Kaiser (“long haired”)
  • Kort (“bold”)
  • Otto (“wealthy”)

German Dog Names – Female

Here are some German names and their meanings that may suit a female German Shepherd.

  • Ada (“noble and serene”)
  • Bathilda (“heroine”)
  • Erma (“warrior)
  • Ethel (“noble”)
  • Felisberta (“intelligent”)
  • Githa (“bright and shiny”)
  • Schatzi (“sweetheart”)
  • Holle (“beloved”)
  • Ida (“hard working”)
  • Joli (“pretty”)
  • Mady (“maiden”)
  • Minne (“resolute protector”)

Police Dog Names

As we mentioned previously, German Shepherds are commonly used as police dogs.

German Shepherd Dog Names

When they’re part of a K-9 unit, GSD dogs need a name that’s easy to pronounce when the handler gives commands, but that also packs a little “oomph.” Besides, police dogs are hard workers and deserve a commanding name!

Here are a few names we think would be suitable for police dogs or those who clearly have aspirations in that area!

  • Sarge
  • Scout
  • Blue
  • Tracker
  • Duke
  • Hooch
  • Chip
  • Gunner
  • Boots
  • Flash
  • Storm
  • Buzz
  • Ritz
  • Blitz
  • Rango
  • Ranger
  • Tazz
  • Bells
  • Captain
  • Snoop
  • Scooby

White German Shepherd names

Some solid-colored German Shepherd Dogs are white. Bicolor Shepherds can also be white with dark points.

The following is a list of names that draw attention to your pooch’s pearly white fur coat!

  • Lacey
  • Cloud
  • Glacier
  • Nilla
  • Puff
  • Clover
  • Skylark
  • Ivory
  • Champaign
  • Bones
  • Whiteout
  • Powder
  • Sugar
  • Doily
  • Pasty
  • Alabaster
  • Prism
  • Snowman
  • Suds
  • Coolwhip

Black German Shepherd Names

There’s nothing more visually striking than a solid black German Shepherd Dog—what a handsome sight!

Black German Shepherd Names

Here are some names inspired by your pup’s dark coloring.

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  • Ember
  • Ash
  • Knight
  • Midnight
  • Moonshine
  • Bear
  • Panda
  • Tophat
  • Panther
  • Shade
  • Thunder
  • Tornado
  • Jet
  • Smoke
  • Shadow
  • Pebbles
  • Rocky
  • Black Top
  • Pumice
  • Vulcan
  • Twilight

Cute German Shepherd Puppy Names

Let’s be honest, all puppies are super adorable, regardless of their breed.

Still, your German Shepherd pup won’t stay little forever. But you can still give them a name that will preserve their cuteness even after they’re grown.

If you’ve got a cute puppy, consider one of these names for your fur baby!

Cute Male German Shepherd Names

  • Gremlin
  • Tater Tot
  • Tudball
  • Mudbug
  • Ruger
  • Chewy
  • Bugsy
  • Nipper
  • Zippy
  • Bowser

Cute Female German Shepherd Names

  • Bunny
  • Baby
  • Geisha
  • Missy
  • Daisy
  • Marbles
  • Butterbean
  • Thimble
  • Tiny Tot
  • Tink
  • Screech
  • Barky

Cool German Shepherd Names

If there ever was a cool dog, it’s definitely the German Shepherd Dog.

Cool German Shepherd Names

With his noble profile and stoic physique, the Shepherd just oozes confidence and style.

So, if you’d like to play up how cool your pup is, we recommend selecting one of the following super suave names.

Cool Male German Shepherd Names

  • Ice
  • Maverick
  • Mr. Freeze
  • Rico Sauvé
  • Dash
  • Arrow
  • Dude
  • Titus
  • Axle
  • Ferris
  • Zarr
  • Kai
  • Blaze

Cool Female German Shepherd Names

  • Harper
  • Gwen
  • Pizazz
  • Estella
  • Quinn
  • Annala
  • Sonora
  • Branwen
  • Claude
  • Damaris
  • Juniper
  • Neva

Unique German Shepherd Names

Every dog is a unique individual with their own personality and mannerisms. Their name should set them apart from the crowd!

You can find inspiration for a unique name in everyday objects. You might also try looking up famous landmarks or even city, country, or state names for ideas.

Here are a few of our top choices for truly unique names.

Unique Male German Shepherd Names

  • Arris
  • Cairo
  • Monticello
  • Forge
  • Kylo
  • Gunther (“Gunny” for short)
  • Big Ben
  • Berlin
  • Bangor
  • Peru
  • Taj
  • Hollywood
  • Macchu

Unique Female German Shepherd Names

  • Liberty Bell
  • Paris
  • Nevada
  • Asia
  • Sydney
  • Topeka
  • Indiana
  • Mississippi (Missy for short)
  • Arizona
  • Niagara
  • Kaya
  • Fergie
  • Zelda
  • Zedakia

German Shepherd Names

Strong German Shepherd Names

As we mentioned earlier, German Shepherds are working dogs that know their jobs. They have an incredible work ethic. As a working dog, the Shepherd is built to withstand long hours and tough conditions. So, his name should highlight your dog’s role as man’s best friend and work partner.

Below are some names that literally mean “strong” in different languages.

Strong Male German Shepherd Names

  • Ethan
  • Ekon
  • Zale
  • Neron
  • Takeshi
  • Angus
  • Barrett
  • Bernard
  • Brian
  • Denzell
  • Steele

Strong Female German Shepherd Names

  • Adira
  • Bree
  • Briana
  • Gabriella
  • Isa
  • Ivy
  • Keren
  • Rita
  • Valentina
  • Valerie
  • Kwan

Big Dog Names – German Shepherd

Your big dog should have a name to complement their formidable (but totally hug-able) size!

After all, what’s the fun in having a large dog if you can’t emphasize their “gentle giant” status?

Here is a list of names that complement a big dog rather nicely.

  • Tank
  • Bear
  • Titan
  • Gulliver
  • Mammoth
  • Bull
  • Mama Bear
  • Mac
  • King
  • Trooper
  • Cargo
  • Queenie
  • Goliath
  • Tonka
  • Maximus
  • Big Bertha
  • Tex
  • Moose
  • Moo-Moo
  • Little John

Tough German Shepherd Names

A hard-working dog with a can-do attitude needs a name as macho as they are!

 

The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy

 

Here are a few tough names for your favorite tough dog.

  • Jagger
  • Lucrezia
  • Major
  • Rebel
  • Bane
  • Terminator
  • Diesel
  • Roxy
  • Fang
  • Jaws
  • Nikita
  • Hawkeye
  • Natty Bumpo
  • Bond
  • Kade
  • Trinity
  • Uma
  • Carmen
  • Rizzo
  • Scully
  • Havoc
  • Chaos

German Shepherd Names – Foodie Edition

If you’re a foodie like I am, you’ll catch yourself often leaning toward food names for your pets. Not because you want to eat them (they’re cute, but not THAT cute), but because some of these names are just perfect! And we love food just as we love our pets. Win-win!

  • Juice
  • Sushi
  • Kale
  • Nacho
  • Oreo
  • Sage
  • Ginger
  • Olive
  • Cookie
  • Candy
  • Honey
  • Taco

Reader Picks: Male German Shepherd Names

Since first publishing this post until now (2019), our readers have shared some of their favorite German Shepherd names with us. We’ve incorporated some of your dog names into this post already. But here are some extras we loved!

  • Bruce
  • Raider
  • Stormi
  • Foggy
  • Jasper
  • Judge
  • Levi
  • Rudy
  • Baron
  • Hunter
  • Remington
  • Baus (pronounced “boss” but with a German spelling twist)

Reader Picks: Female German Shepherd Names

  • Priscilla
  • Nadia
  • Lily
  • Ava
  • Star
  • Abby
  • Jade
  • Duchess
  • Aja (pronounced asia)
  • HeidiHo
  • Coco

Top German Shepherd Names

The best names for German Shepherd dogs can draw attention to your pup’s heritage, personality, size or looks.

Also, you might name your dog after a favorite place that you’ve been or a beloved character in a movie or novel that reminds you of your best four-legged friend.

The way in which you name your GSD doesn’t matter so much, but what does matter is that your Shepherd ends up with a name that you’ll both love!

After all, you’ll be repeating that name over and over again, and your dog will be hearing its name over and over again!

There are lots of suitable names for German Shepherd Dogs. Hopefully, the names we’ve listed have gotten your creative juices flowing!

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Comments

  1. I was thinking an all white GSD should be called Krypto, or Rex: A more conventional coloured one should be Ace…

    Reply

  2. My long haired GS was called Cain it has taken me many years to get over his loss but today I finally took the plunge and have chosen another male long haired GS which I pick up in 7 weeks, I can’t wait and like Cain he will be highly trained in obedience and I also some limited search and rescue.

    Reply

  5. My 14 and a half year old GSD girls name is Githa meaning bright and shiney in old German. Im from South Africa.

    Reply

    • We loss our male shepheard 14 years and two months in November miss him so much. His name was Zarr. We are looking for a new pup now I like the name Kaiser or Arris.what do you think?

      Reply

      • Please look at the rescues it’s better to adopt I am adopting a German Sheppard Anatolian Sheppard mix puppy I don’t know where you are the joy committee is a wonderful rescue group they have many full blooded Sheppard’s but they are in Florida but there may be one near you

        Reply

  6. Another strong female name is Zedakia pronounced ZED-a-KY-a.

    I think it’s a beautiful name, named after our Black and Tan girl who passed away a couple years ago.

    Reply

  7. I had a beautiful GS called Karma and should I be fortunate again to have another beautiful GS the name would be Karma to live in my heart always

    Reply

  9. I lost my big beautiful boy in dec his name was Maxwell he was named after a nintendo game called dogs life there were three names that were repeated constantly lucky maxwell daisy called him maxi for short going to see a female gsd pup tomorrow .

    Reply

  12. Our beautiful shepherd girl is named “Uschi”…the pet name for “Ursula”

    It means little/ baby bear ( female)
    ..it still suits her at 5 y.o.?

    Reply

  13. Our shepherd was named Gretchen. Her mother was Lady Cindy Ann and her father was Baron VanCler. So her registered name was Lady Gretchen VanCler.
    Before Gretchen we had a small dog…part Spitz..and don’t know the rest. My husband named her “Deeogee” pronounced with the emphasis on th “o” so it sounded like Dee -OH – gee. Once when I took her to the vet and said her name, the receptionist sarcastically said, “I KNOW that! What is her name” I had to explain.

    Reply

    • The last part about the woman “ I KNOW THAT, Whats the dogs name?!?”!!! Lol it had me laughing!!! I am going to name my dog “deeogee” cuz it’s such a cute name!!

      Reply

  14. We are getting a make GSD from southafrica today, i want a good seetname for him , a name short and easy to pronounce.the previous dog we had was not active

    Reply

  15. My working line German Shepherd service dog is named Krueger. Why? He came into my life right before Halloween and he just “looks” like a Krueger.

    Reply

  16. We just adopted a 1 year old full blooded beautiful GS. She wasn’t treated well. Her given name is Luna but due to the traumatic past we would like To change it. I would like something that means something special to us. We have a Maddie (lab), Lochi (border collie/lab mix pronounced LOKI.. but stands for LOve CHIld), when we got Lochi we were actually looking to rescue a female but fell in love with our boy. We were going to name a girl Elsie (for L.C. Love child— since my new husband and I won’t have children together except for our pups)

    But I’m not sure Elsie fits a German Shepard. Oh the decisions.

    Reply

    • Elsie was the name of my super tough Russian grandfather’s dog. I would use Elsie again without hesitation or go for Alda.

      Reply

  19. Our boy was 11 years old and died yesterday. His name was Otto and we loved him dearly, he was the most amazing companion and friend. My whole family is devastated. Otto is a great German name.

    Reply

    • Our white shepherd who is nearly 13, is so beautiful, just been diagnosed with a tumour of spleen. It is a terrible loss you have experienced, we have been through
      it on 3 occasions and does not get any easier.
      Our only advise is to get another GSD and in time you will love the new boy/girl
      Just as much.

      Reply

    • We lost ours October 25. I understand your loss and share in your tears and pain.
      We will welcome our new GSD puppy in December.
      Blessings to you.

      Reply

  21. I have two beautiful gsd my girl is Summer and my boy is Jax love them both very dearly. My other boy died when he was only 6 his name Zak

    Reply

    • Lost my 8 yr old long haired sable coat german shepherd called Bengal Bear whilst staying in a kennal, in Perth, W.A. after 22 nights he had a heart attack. I had to go to the Uk to my eldery parents and got the phone call, just 3 hours before driving back to Heathrow. We think he was too home sick. In memory of Bengal Bear.

      Reply

  23. Called my girl Elsa , she was a long coat Black and Tan looked like a lion , ,loved her sooooo much ,, miss her

    Reply

  24. We just rescued a 10 month old female long haired gsd. ❤️ Her name was Priscilla but we changed it to Luna. The police had to break down the door and confiscate her because her owner was deceased inside…carted her off to the shelter where she was attacked by another dog. This poor girl has had a rough couple of weeks, but we are giving her tons of love and helping her mend.

    Reply

    • So sorry for your loss. We just put our Lily down on April 17th. Rare skin cancer. I’d have to say this has been harder than when I lost my mom. Those furry kids are so special. Hoping to get another GSD real soon. Take care.

      Reply

  28. My German Shepherd will be One year June and her name is Coco.She is gorgeous that’s why I gave her that name.

    Reply

  29. My German Shepherds name was Remington
    He past away in December 2017.
    I said I would never get another then I rescued a Malinois German shepherd mix named Swipe which I want to change he is black mostly with brindle legs. He is 1 year and seven months. Any suggestions

    Reply

  32. We lost our baby girl 5 weeks ago. She was just 10.4 years. Swore I would be waiting at least a year for another. Yea, right!!! We loved our HeidiHo with all our hearts. She was the greatest dog ever ( to us), now the whole in our hearts needs to be filled. We will get brother and sister next time. Love the names ALL of you came up with. Has anyone ever gotten 2 litter mates? Is that recommended?

    Reply

    • Yes, it is so much fun watching them grow up together BUT the one down size they both get old at the same time. I just lost one in Sept at just over 12 yrs old & now her sister will b 13 on July 6th, IF she lasts that long. Her health is really going downhill the last couple of months?The ONLY pain my babies ever caused is when they pass over!

      Reply

      • I’m just seeing this post. How awesome is that,How are they doing together? I’m curious to know because I’m getting 2 puppies in February sisters. I hope 2 is better then one.. ??? Now I have to think of names for them.

        Reply

        • Get one train that one later get the second when you get two together the tend to bond to each other more than to you

          Reply

    • Just got 2 sisters…10wks, transition has been pretty easy so far. No crying for mama because they have each other. They do everything together! Even potty. Haha
      On here to get name ideas! So i recommend getting siblings!

      Reply

      • Congratulations that’s what I’m about to do in February get sisters. I’m so excited,but haven’t a clue about names.

        Reply

  35. We have 3 GSD,2 males and a female. The boys are Sampson and Riley and then my elder female, Ellie. I’m looking for a female pup, but have no idea on a name yet.

    Reply

  37. I have had two female shepherds, both are in heaven now. My first lived to be 17 and her name was Sheeba. My second lived to be 18 and her name was Brianna. I am currently looking for a new member for our family although I still miss both of my girls very much.

    Reply

  38. My Gsd is named JUDGE. He’s mostly black with tan fore-paws. His name fits pretty well for a big dog.

    Reply

  39. I am just gettin a four month old female tan and black german shepherd but am at a lost for a name can anyone help me? My past shepherds were named Chip, Taz, Raider, Stormi amd Foggy

    Reply

  41. My German Shepherd’s name is Blaze and his nickname is “little bit” cuz when I got him he weighed only 6 pounds…now he’s 2 and he’s already 75 pounds but it still so funny to call him little bit and ppl are like, yeah right…little bit my ass ?

    Reply

    • May I ask you how long did you wait in between getting the 4 or did you get them all at 1 time? I really want another one so bad but the one I have now is super attatched to me and already very, very protective of me and I’m just afraid that he’ll think I don’t love him as much anymore and maybe he’ll harm the new puppy out of jealousy, my big guy is only 2.

      Reply

      • I had a very loyal and loving boy who was always waiting for me to come home and my shadow when I was. I got worried he might be lonely through the day when I was at work and got him a female, he nipped her when she first came home but after that they loved each other greatly and he would let her eat first, always come in from outside and give her a lick and they would sleep together with paws touching. I made sure they both knew they were loved and got equal me time. It’s easy to pay both at once making them both feel loved. My boy died last year and my girl is now sad without him and I will now be getting her another puppy for companionship.

        Reply

      • Get a girl and they will get along but usually socializing German Shepard is real important when owing 2 please try to get them at once next time so they can learn to get along. I brought 2 The same time and they still fight but live each other dearly so I’m hoping they can stay together forever and it’s crazy Because I have 3 boys and they both still protect me always

        Reply

        • I had a white had, called Carla. When she was 5 I got a black Belgium shepherd, Carla passed at 15. Tannis my black girl, pinned so much she stripped her own fur. So I got her a play mate, again when she was 5. A boy called Taren (means tractor)., he is a sable. Tannis is very poorly and vets says she doesn’t have long, she is nearly 10. She has major health issues and recently had her spleen and a tumour the size of a football removed. On saturday we are collecting a new puppy, so that when Tannis does pass, Taren won’t be on his own when she is gone. Strangely enough he is nearly 5.

          Reply

    • I have 7 German Shepherds, 4 females and 3 males.
      Duchess
      Heidi
      Riley
      Lexi
      Dakota
      Levi
      Rudy
      And have a new baby that was born today, her name is Harper.

      Reply

    • I love Baron – my kids had a book called “Baron and Fluffy” – based on her childhood pets, a GSD and his best friend, a duck! ?

      Reply

    • Over the years we’ve had 3 gsds: Lady, Charlie (male), and Bridget. All sweethearts and dearly missed.

      Reply

  48. We named our GSD Female Juniper & Male Jasper … they had pups this year … we kept one – named her JJ (a blend of Juniper & Jasper you get JJ) 🙂

    Reply

    • We had a wonderful male named Trooper(different spelling) too, he just left us Jan 22.
      Best dog ever!

      Reply

  51. Named our GSD “Cargo” because he is precious cargo to our lives and means the whole world to us. Our GSD in dog heaven now was named “Malcom”. We miss him bunches.

    Reply

    • I helped my BFF name her GSD “STEELE” after the Pittsburgh Steelers, her favorite team. Thus far he has lived up to his name, he’s rough, tough and his bark alone will make you shiver. Protects the fam like a body guard.

      Reply

  54. Another great one would be Wuotanaz (Wotanaz) or Wuotan (Wotan) for short, Wuotanaz is one of many names for the North Germanic God “Odin”, and Wuotanaz is a very old name for him, coming from pre-christianity Germania.

    Reply

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