Pet names › German shepherd names
German shepherd names: strong German and heroic ideas
The German shepherd was standardised in Germany around 1900 as a herding and working dog, and today is known as a loyal, intelligent and protective companion. German names and brave, strong names are the classic choice.
40 german shepherd names with meanings
- KaiserGerman "emperor"
- WolfgangGerman "wolf path"
- Maxfrom Maximilian, "greatest"
- BrunoGermanic "brown"
- Zeusking of the Greek gods
- KlausGerman nickname for Nikolaus
- Bossin charge
- GretaGerman nickname for Margarete, "pearl"
- Rocky"rock"; strong
- ThorNorse god of thunder
- FriedaGerman "peace"
- LudwigGerman "famous warrior"
- ElsaGerman/Scandinavian, from Elisabeth
- FritzGerman nickname for Friedrich
- StrudelAustrian/German pastry
- SchatziGerman "little treasure"
- EmilGerman, "eager"
- Titangiant
- Majormilitary rank
- Gretelfrom Hansel and Gretel
- Rangerkeeper of the land
- HerculesGreek/Roman hero of strength
- Dukenoble title
- OttoGerman "wealth"
- Pretzelthe twisted bread; German Brezel
- Acethe best
- LotteGerman nickname for Charlotte
- Tankbig and sturdy
- Steelstrong grey metal
- Scoutexplorer
- Pantherthe black big cat
- Dieselstrong engine
- BlitzGerman "lightning"
- HeidiGerman nickname for Adelheid
- HansGerman nickname for Johannes
- Oliverfrom the olive tree
- KodaDakota "friend"
- DenaliAlaska's highest peak, "the high one"
- Darwinthe naturalist
- AngusScottish Gaelic "one strength"
Tips for choosing
- German classics: Fritz, Kaiser, Ludwig, Greta.
- Short, crisp names work well for training — Max, Rex, Ace.
- Pick a name with one or two syllables — dogs and cats pick those up fastest.
- Avoid names that sound like commands ("Kit" vs "sit", "Bo" vs "no").
Picked a name?
Celebrate your puppy with it — make a free preview of a birthday or "gotcha day" card, or a set of profile pictures.
Want more ideas?
Try the free name generator — filter by colour, personality, size and style.
Related: Dachshund names · Poodle names · Border collie names · Rottweiler names · Great Dane names · Akita names
FAQ
What is a good german shepherd name?
Popular picks from this list include Kaiser, Wolfgang, Max, Bruno, Zeus. The best name is short, easy to call and doesn't sound like a command.
How do I teach my pet its new name?
Say the name in a happy voice and reward with a treat or praise the moment your pet looks at you. Short sessions a few times a day work best; most pets respond within one to two weeks.