300+ of the Best German Shepherd Dog Names

For decades now, German Shepherds have been a popular breed choice for a reason. That’s because pet parents who adopt a GSD are in for a treat: These striking pups are loyal, intelligent, brave, and hardworking. They tend to excel doing jobs, such as police work or being therapy dogs. 

Whether or not your newly adopted German Shepherd will be working, choosing a name that truly captures their essence is everything. If you want to do your GSD justice, check out our guide to peruse a selection of names that range from the most popular to the most unique.

Top female German Shepherd names

German Shepherd girls are just as hardworking as the boys. Depending on your preference, you may want a strong name to match her character or one that shows off your GSD’s sweet side. 

• Anka

• Annika

• Ava

• Bella 

• Carly

• Ella

• Emilia

• Emma

• Emmy

• Eloise

• Freda

• Freya

• Genevieve

• Greta

• Giselle

• Hazel

• Joli

• Kira

• Kona

• Lady

• Laurel

• Lilli

• Lola

• Luna

• Mia

• Margo

• Millie

• Penny

• Pepper

• Piper

• Rose

• Roxy

• Sophie

• Stella

• Willow

Top male German Shepherd names

Many pet parents of male German Shepherds choose names that really lean into the breed’s reputation for being brave, intelligent (and sometimes slightly intimidating) pups. 

• Bear

• Bob

• Chief

• Diesel 

• Emmett

• Erich

• Finn

• Fritz

• Hank

• Hans

• Hansel

• Helmut

• Jakob

• Jay

• Joss

• Kasper

• King

• Klaus

• Kurt

• Leon

• Lukas

• Moose

• Mozart

• Oliver

• Ollie

• Oskar

• Otto

• Rex 

• Reggie

• Richie

• Rocco

• Rocky

• Rudolph

• Simba

• Wilhelm

Strong names for your German Shepherd

German Shepherds are powerful and intelligent, so it makes sense to want to give your GSD a name that shows off their strength. Picking one of the following names (we’ve provided their powerful meanings next to each one) will practically guarantee that your GSD will be the king or queen of the dog park. 

• Alonzo (ready for a fight)

• Alva (army of elves)

• Amalie (labor)

• Ballard (bold or strong)

• Barnie (brave)

• Chriselda (quite literally means “strong”)

• Dietz (peoples’ ruler)

• Ebba (strength)

• Edward (strong as a boar)

• Evert (hardy, brave)

• Fernando (brave traveler)

• Garrin (a guardian)

• Jaecar (hunter)

• Maximilian (the greatest)

• Penn (commander)

• Rainer (strong counselor)

• Solvig (champion)

• Valda (power, rule)

German-origin names for German Shepherds

It may seem a bit on the nose. But since your pup’s breed is from Germany, why not give them a name with German origins? For extra personalization, be sure to factor in the translated meaning after each name.

• Addie (sweet, pleasant, or noble)

• Adrian (dark)

• Ahren (eagle)

• Aldo (old)

• Amara (eternal)

• Berg (mountain)

• Bren (flame)

• Conrad (honest advisor, brave, wise)

• Della (bright, noble)

• Derek (gifted ruler)

• Edwyn (happy friend)

• Franz (German form of Frank, which means “free”)

• Franziska (also means “free”)

• Georgia (farmer)

• Hal (means “home” or “house ruler” — perfect, if you expect your GSD to run the house)

• Hastings (swift one) 

• Heidi (nobility and kindness)

• Isa (strong-willed)

• Izaak (laughter)

• Jansen (someone who has been gracious)

• Jocelyn (one of the Goths)

• Katrina (pure)

• Kiefer (barrel-maker)

• Kikka (mistress of all)

• Lamar (famous land)

• Leopold (prince of the people)

• Maude (strength in battle)

• Nixie (little water sprite)

• Odo (wealth)

• Peppi (petitioner)

• Rabbie (famed or shining)

• Selig (blessed)

• Tab (brilliant)

• Terry (ruler of the people)

• Ulla (has willpower)

• Wolfgang (a nod to the breed’s origins, “wolf’s path”)

German-language names for German Shepherds

Perhaps there’s a word that perfectly describes how you feel about your GSD, but you don’t want to straight-up call them “favorite.” Hide your adoration in plain sight by using a German word as their name. 

• Burke/Birke (birch tree)

• Schatz  (treasure)

• Liebling (favorite)

• Süsser/Süsse (sweet)

• Maus (mouse)

• Perle (pearl)

• Hase (bunny)

• Schatzi (little treasure)

• Knuddelbär (cuddle bear)

• Fräulein (miss)

• Frau (missus)

• Hahn (rooster)

• Herr (mister)

• Morgen (morning)

• Stein (stone)

Cute names for your GSD

If you want to soften up your GSD a bit, you could always choose an extra-cute name for them. 

• Bailey

• Callie

• Clara

• Indie

• Lulu

• Madalyn

• Pez

• Sadie

• Teddy 

• Tilly

• Zoe

Names for black German Shepherds

While people are most familiar with bi-colored German Shepherds, many GSDs have all-black coats. Pet parents with a distinguished all-black pup may want to pay homage to this striking color.

• Cola

• Cosmo

• Dust

• Jet 

• Mambo

• Midnight

• Nocturne

• Nova

• Nyx 

• Onyx

• Raven

• Sable

• Shadow 

• Slate

Names for white German Shepherds

White GSDs are a lot rarer, but they’re oh-so-glamorous! Add to your white German Shepherd’s elegance with a name inspired by their coat. 

• Aspen

• Atlas

• Bianco

• Blanca

• Blizzard

• Frost

• Ivory

• Kodiak

• Lumi

• Navia

• Nieve

• Opal

• Ren

• Snow

Celebrity German Shepherd names

Celebrity-obsessed pet parents may want to try out a name pulled straight from the red carpet. Because what’s more fun than a GSD with star power? 

• Benedict Cumberbatch

• Bruce Willis

• Martin Lawrence

• Charlemagne

• Christoph Waltz

• Daniel Brühl

• Diane Kruger

• Franke Potente

• Freddie Prinze Jr.

• Halle Berry

• Heidi Klum

• Kirsten Dunst

• Megan Markle

• Michael Fassbender

• Meryl Streep

• Zazie Beetz

• Zendaya

H2: German Shepherd names inspired by famous dogs

If human celebrities aren’t catching your attention, there are plenty of famous canines that might spark inspiration for your German Shepherd’s name. 

• Buddy — the first ever seeing eye dog

• Bullet— from The Roy Rogers Show

• Horand von Grafrath — considered the first official GSD

• London — from the movie and TV series The Littlest Hobo 

• Max — the famous GSD in The Bionic Woman

• Rin Tin Tin — GSD movie star with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 

• Strongheart — one of the first canine film stars

Military German Shepherd names

German Shepherds are often the top choice for police or military service. Even if your GSD won’t be reporting for duty, you can still give them a military-inspired name to honor their working dog roots. 

• Ace

• Apache

• Alpha

• Blaze

• Brigadier

• Captain

• Colonel

• General

• Gunner

• Hunter

• Lieutenant

• Major

• Private

• Ranger

• Sergeant

Car-inspired German Shepherd names

Just like many pups, Germans are known for their love of the open road. A whole lot of luxury vehicles also come from Germany. Car enthusiasts could try a car-inspired name for their GSD.

• Alpina

• Adler

• Artega

• Audi

• Benz

• Isadera

• Kambi

• Karmman

• Maybach

• Melkus

• Opel

• Porsche

Even more German Shepherd names

Your GSD is an individual. Give them a unique name to show off their individuality.  

• Astrid

• Enzo

• Helga

• Gerdie

• Leni

• Leonore

• Jan

• Jarvis

• Oates

• Odette

• Orie

• Petra

• Roch

• Selma

• Trudy

Food-centric German Shepherd names

Dogs with food names are becoming increasingly popular. They’re even on various “most popular dog names” lists. Try out a food-inspired name for your German Shepherd for something on-trend and adorable. 

• Basil

• Beans

• Biscuit

• Bratwurst

• Brownie

• Chip

• Cinnamon

• Cookie

• Ginger

• Gummy Bear

• Honey

• Maple

• Marzipan 

• Mochi

• Olive

• Pilsner

• Pretzel

• Pumpernickel

• Pumpkin

• Schnitzel

• Streusel

• Waffles

Names inspired by German wines

Are you a wine enthusiast or just really enjoy a good happy hour? There are plenty of German wines that could easily double as a name for your GSD. 

• Domina

• Dornfelder

• Franconia

• Gewürztraminer

• Gutedel

• Kerner

• Ortega

• Regent

• Riesling

• Sekt

• Silvaner

• Spätburgunder

German Shepherd names inspired by mythology

Your German Shepherd is powerful. What better way to show off their might than by naming them after all-powerful beings? 

• Apollo

• Athena 

• Hera

• Hercules

• Loki

• Markus

• Odin

• Thor 

• Zeus

Top TV/movie German Shepherd names

If you spend a lot of time at the movies or streaming your favorite shows, a TV or movie-related name could fit your German Shepherd.

• Bolt (Bolt)

• Bucky Barnes (Captain America: Civil War)

• Cash (The Fox and the Hound)

• Einstein (Back to the Future)

• Elsa (Frozen) 

• Khaleesi (Game of Thrones)

• Kylo Ren (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)

• Princess Fiona (Shrek) 

• Robb Stark (Game of Thrones)

Tips for naming your German Shepherd

Consider some of these tips when you start narrowing down name options for your German Shepherd:

• Factor in your dog’s personality and temperament. You want a name that suits their demeanor and attitude toward life. For instance, GSDs are loved for their intelligence and courage. 

• Some trainers suggest keeping names to one or two syllables, so it’s easier for your German Shepherd to learn their name. You may also want to avoid names that sound similar to commands you’ll use during training.

• Choose a name that’ll grow with your pet. If you adopt a puppy, something like “Tiny” probably won’t work in the long run (especially considering how big German Shepherds get).

Still stumped on a name? Grab some inspiration from one of our many other dog-name guides: 

• 100+ Gray Dog Names for Silver-Haired Pups

• 100+ Old Lady Dog Names with That Vintage Vibe

• 150+ Big Dog Names for Large Breed Dogs