German shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds. They’re loyal, intelligent, and just the right amount of goofy. I have a rescued GSD mix of my own, and she fits that to a tee. When you decide to bring one of these noble dogs into your home, you have a big decision to make: their name!
When we adopted my dog, we had a long list of names ready. During our hour long drive from the shelter to our home, we tried all of the names out loud to see if one would fit.
But from Freyja to Lyra, none of them worked. While we sat in traffic, I started saying every name I could think of.
But nothing really worked until suddenly, I came up with the winner. It was a spur-of-the-moment choice that stuck: Lana.
But I’d hate for all of the other names to go to waste, so here are some ideas that might be perfect for the GSD in your life.
For the Historian
Maybe you want your furry friend’s name to honor their German heritage. In that case, names like Hans or Heidi would be a good fit for your dog.
More German Dog Names
- Bruno
- Axel
- Elsa
- Zelda
For the Pop Culture Junkie
Popular culture is a great resource for fun dog names. For a ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, Drogon or Arya might work for your German shepherd.
Other Pop Culture Dog Names
- Kylo
- Khaleesi
- Rey
- Thor
Via Flickr User Karoliina T
For the Traditionalist
Some names never go out of style, and remind you of your GSD’s true nature. Bear and Shadow reflect on the German shepherd’s large size and incredible loyalty.
Other Classic Dog Names
- Cooper
- Bailey
- Bella
- Gunner
For the Mythology Buff
With their human-like intelligence and unbelievable grace, German shepherds sometimes seem like they’ve walked out of a myth or legend. Show your love of mythology by calling your dog Zeus or Athena.
Other Mythological Dog Names
- Apollo
- Echo
- Odin
- Juno
For the Nature Fans
If you plan on hiking, camping, or otherwise exploring with your German shepherd, choose a name that reflects your love of the natural world. Cedar and Meadow are great names for an outdoor adventure buddy!
Other Nature Dog Names
- Aspen
- River
- Maple
- Forrest
Via Flickr User How I See Life
Naming your German shepherd is an important first step in integrating them into your family. You want to be absolutely sure it fits their personality and is easy for them to understand.
Gather inspiration from this list, and then try out every name you like when you meet your dog for the first time. You never know what will click.
More Top Dog Names
For more on naming your dog, check out these articles! Rover is a leading expert in dog names and we’ve got tons of ideas and tips for you.
