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Top German Shepherd Names (Cool, Popular, Cute & Badass)

Naming your new German Shepherd is one of the hardest things to do. Although you may have a few ideas of some names floating around in your head, it’s still pretty tough to decide on a name for your new dog.

But before we look at choosing a top name for your German Shepherd, we need to consider how to name your dog.

When naming your German Shepherd, choose a name that you genuinely like and that your dog will easily understand. Short words are best, so avoid those with too many syllables. Do not choose a name that sounds similar to a command, which will confuse your dog.

There are hundreds of top names for German Shepherds, so I’ve sorted them all into handy sections, such as names based on gender, color, personality, type, and tons more.

So, if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration when picking a top name for your German Shepherd – you’ll love all the detailed lists below to find your match.

Let’s get started!

Two GSD Puppies. Top German Shepherd Names
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Top 10 German Shepherd Names

There are loads of top German Shepherd names to choose from, ranging from the traditional to the unique, and you’ll find a vast selection below.

I recommend that you don’t choose a dog name based on current trends or fads, as you may later regret it, especially if it sounds embarrassing when you have to yell out to your dog at the dog park. German Shepherds live between 10-13 years, so you’ll be stuck with it for a while!

Do Choose:

  • A name that you like
  • A short name
  • A name your GSD can easily understand
  • A name to fit your GSD’s personality

Don’t Choose:

  • A name that sounds like a command
  • A name based on a current fad
  • A name with too many syllables
  • An embarrassing name

Nonetheless, you may prefer a unique, cool, cute, or funny name, whereas others may choose a common, traditional, strong, or even badass, police or military name. It really does come down to the type of person you are and what you prefer.

As a former Police Officer, I loved meeting the new pups who were about to start their training to see the cuddly bundle of fun and find out what their police names were.

But if you want my TLDR version and like the cream of the crop, these are the current top male GSD names. Say them out loud to get a better idea to see if you like their sound.

Top Male GSD Names

  • Tyson
  • Bear
  • Thor
  • Duke
  • Zeus
  • Max
  • Buddy
  • Charlie
  • Shadow
  • Cooper

Top Female GSD Names

However, if you’ve decided on a girl, whether your new pup looks like a Skye or a Lily, these top female German Shepherd names will give you some great ideas.

  • Luna
  • Willow
  • Bella
  • Storm
  • Lily
  • Blue
  • Nala
  • Coco
  • Skye
  • Sasha

Popular German Shepherd Names

It’s only natural that you can’t wait to visit your breeder to choose your gorgeous new pup. That’s the easy part!

You know how difficult it can be to choose a dog’s name. German Shepherds are good family dogs, which means you have to please the rest of the family – but you all have different ideas! So you ask the breeder, “what is the most popular GSD name?” But whatever he tells you might be completely different from what you had in mind!

Nonetheless, if you like to be part of the crowd, these are some popular names you can choose.

Bella
Bailey
Diesel
Lola
Teddy
Ellie
Jax
Fin
Louis
Marley
Ollie
Gracie
Lily
Winston
Zeus
Milo
Duke
Hank
Gus
Sophie
Bentley
Riley
Pepper
Jack
Loki
Harley
Willow
Thor
Koda
Dexter
Charlie
Mia
Toby
Buddy
Coco
Lucky
Leo
Nala
Roxy
Max
Cooper
Luna
Nellie

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Unique German Shepherd Names

Let’s now look at the opposite of common names. You might not want to be that person that hears all the same names when out with your pup. Make your best friend stand out with these unique German Shepherd names. After all, every dog is special, no matter its breed.

I’ve done an excellent job if you haven’t heard of many of these!

Rock
Lizzo
Marlo
Tilo
Shyla
Darwin
Phantom
Zorah
Sirius
Kobe
Sunny
Moon
Skip
Plum
Dash
Nelson
Luca
Krypto
Bo
Ari
Reese
Tessie
Tino
Soda
Nia
Zara
Odin
Womble
Coco
Rowan
Zora
Raven
Arwen
Mozart
Ripley
Sansa
Spirit
Jay
Fifi
Xena
Eli
Endo
Group of German Shepherd dogs

Male German Shepherd Names

You visit your nearest rescue center and see a cute boy German Shepherd mix seized from a puppy mill. You instantly fall in love and immediately arrange to adopt the pup. All you have to do now is think of a name before bringing your new best friend home. Check out the below handy list of top German Shepherd names for males to find your match.

Enzo
Pepper
Charlie
Dexter
Harley
Oscar
Maverick
Shadow
Adonis
Bach
Max
Rebel
Axel
Asher
Otto
Lucky
Zane
Chief
Cooper
Scooter
Bruno
Zak
Jet
Digger
Gino
Neo
Bo
Bozo
Milo
Flynn
Levi
Hans
Prince
Shane
Ralph
Jasper
Murphy
Baxter
Major
Rascal
Ziggy
Otis
Xander
Theo
Finn
Hank
Rocky
Sirius

Female German Shepherd Names

If you’re a novice dog owner-to-be, you’ve taken your breeder’s advice and opted for a girl. Now that’s a good decision as a first-time German Shepherd owner – and it’s exactly what I did. But you’re now wondering what some top German Shepherd names for females are.

Check out this list of girl names for some great ideas.

Willow
Elsa
Layla
Lola
Tilly
Petra
Ellie
Molly
Ariel
Freya
Belle
Sadie
Harley
Princess
Zelda
Cookie
Lady
Chloe
Harmony
Annie
Billie
Poppy
Penny
Zoey
Star
Charlie
Sheba
Paris
Millie
Princess
Lucy
Pandora
Maggie
Daisy
Penny
Rose
Red
Lily
Juno
Sadie
Angel
Bonnie
Trixie
Venus

Cool German Shepherd Names

If you want your dog to follow in the footsteps of the Fonz or Steve McQueen and be the coolest pup on the block, look no further as these cool German Shepherd names will tell the world about your new trendy pup.

Whether your doggo thinks his name is cool does not matter as long as you stay up with the neighborhood’s fashion, and you won’t go wrong if you pick from these.

Tracker
Neo
Archer
King
Dragon
Zed
Tank
Jazz
Mack
Blaze
Coke
Storm
Mitzy
Kai
Prince
Ace
Mac
Chip
India
Ghost
Loki
Beast
Rebel
Elvis
Argon
Drake
Dash
Tula
Spider
Xenon
Groot
Carbon
Piper
Mika
Salsa
River
Finn
Freddie
Arya
Koda
Bolt
Wizard
Boomer
Axl
Luna
Dusty
Cash

Cute German Shepherd Names

Everyone loves a cute name, especially for the latest cute pup of the neighborhood. Take your pick from the below list of adorable cute names for German Shepherds, and you won’t be disappointed.

Just remember one thing, they don’t stay cute for long! German Shepherds grow quickly, and you’ll have a 60-90lb furbaby before you know it!

Elsa
Winston
Quinn
Coral
Biscuit
Toddy
Apple
Finn
Dash
Noodle
Cuddles
Scoot
Colby
Amber
Coco
Poppy
Summer
Taco
Chip
Bella
Boogie
Bunny
Marshmallow
Pip
Riley
Asher
Leo
Marbles
Pinkie
Fudge
Kiki
Lopez
Molly
Lola
Frankie
Peaches
Bella
Trixie
Budy
Pancakes
Muffin
Marley
Popcorn
River
Jellybean
Mowgli
Waffle
Maggie

Black German Shepherd Names

A Black German Shepherd. Black German Shepherd Names

All types of GSDs are amazing, no matter their color or pattern. Potential new owners will often ask me if the temperament of a Black German Shepherd is any different from the standard variety. The answer, of course, is no, but I can see where the confusion may arise.

Pro Tip! If you have your heart set on a black GSD, jump to this article to learn more, Black German Shepherds: 9 Cool (Important) Facts You Didn’t Know!

If you prefer to choose a name based on his color when naming a black puppy, don’t worry, as we have you covered. So, what is a good name for a Black German Shepherd? Here are tons of ideas to get you thinking.

Ebony
Nero
Midnight
Dusk
Ember
Phantom
Graphite
Slate
Opal
Jet
Panther
Nightshade
Harley
Pepsi
Kiera
Storm
Treacle
Coal
Noir
Onyx
Raven
Spade
Twighlight
Licorice
Smoky
Sooty
Diesel
Vader
Guinness
Bear
Sable
Knight
Indigo
Cosmos
Blake
Velvet
Shadow
Thunder
Carbon

White German Shepherd Names

White German Shepherd

While we’re on discussing different colors, it would be rude not to mention the stunning White German Shepherd. If you’ve set your heart on the gorgeous purebred white variety, you may wonder what a good name for a white dog sounds like. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Snowy
Angel
Ivory
Ghost
Igloo
Wolf
Pearl
Winter
Cloud
Cotton
Lily
Casper
Yeti
Sugar
Arctic
Alaska
Frosty
Swan
Crystal
Blanche
Dove
Polar
Beluga
Powder
Elektra
Cottonball
Aspen
Ice
Blondie
Bolt
Flash
Atlas
Candy
Blaze
Luna

Sable German Shepherd Names

The Sable German Shepherd is one of my favorite color patterns. Notice how I said color patterns and not simply color? It can get confusing; however, sable is a pattern, not a color. If you’re less than crystal clear right now, check out this article, What Is a Sable German Shepherd?

German Shepherd Puppies

Sable GSDs include the many working line dogs, from the athletic DDR German Shepherd to the protective Czech Alsatians. But if you choose a worker over a show line, how do you find a top German Shepherd name for your new friend?

The below list of names for sable German Shepherds will give you tons of ideas. It would have been rude of me not to have the name “Sable” first on the list!

Sable
Cinnamon
Ginger
Toast
Sienna
Butterscotch
Amaretto
Mosaic
Honey
Cider
Bailey
Chip
Tiger
Spruce
Chestnut
Cocoa
Tanner
Whiskey
Bear
Camo
Pine
Ember
Moose
Hershey
Snickers
Woody
Brandy
Copper
Sadie

Badass German Shepherd Dog Names

So you want a badass name to match your badass personality? Or you might want a strong name to match your badass German Shepherd Dog. Now, here’s where I disappoint you if you’re new to the breed.

German Shepherds are affectionate and clingy due to forming a solid bond with their owner and their highly protective nature. They will even follow you to the bathroom! But some owners want a name to make their dog seem mean and tough, which is just fine.

Check out these badass German Shepherd names and let them roll off your tongue to see which one works for you.

Scar
Hulk
Brutus
Damien
Malice
Tank
Vader
Strong
Hannibal
Lex
Inferno
Boomer
Rocky
Thor
Hercules
Beast
Vinnie
Fury
Kong
Storm
Maximus
Shaka
Tempus
Bison
Ripley
Crusher
Killer
Wolverine
Tron
Reaper
Bones
Warrior
Savage
Mercy
Clubber
Bronson

Military German Shepherd Names

German Shepherds from working bloodlines are often used as military dogs, and many have served in recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Whether you’re from a military background or just like the sound of tough military dog names, you won’t go far wrong if you pick one of these.

Gunner
Captain
Magnum
Bullet
Rocket
General
Tracker
Chips
Tank
Chesty
Lava
Scout
Sherman
Ranger
Hunter
Blackhawk
Cannon
Torpedo
Colonel
Rin Tin Tin
Bomber
Freedom
Lex
Major
Radar
Apache
Admiral
Soldier
Panzer
Spirit
Military GSD. Military German Shepherd Names

German Shepherd Police Dog Names

As a retired cop, it would have been rude not to include all the police dog names for German Shepherds. I worked alongside many police dogs throughout my service, and while watching their unique tracking and detection skills, I loved asking the names of these brave and hard-working dogs.

So whether you have police in your blood or enjoy crime documentaries or cop movies like Turner and Hooch, check out the below police names suitable for a GSD.

Hunter
Tracker
Chief
Trooper
Faith
Justice
Blue
Finn
King
Pepper
Prowler
Ace
Hulk
Tango
Hoover
Bang
Dagger
Noble
Courage
Bomber
Rookie
Rogue
Strong
Xena
Fuzz
Colt
Boss
Partner
Mace
Liberty
Bullitt
Axel
McLaine
Cagney
Holster
Thor
Diesel
Cash
Spike
Remington
Lacey

Famous German Shepherd Names

Sticking with the movie theme, if you’re a big-screen addict or love keeping up with all the latest canine stars, here are some famous dog names. These are a mix of German Shepherd dogs from Hollywood to past and present military and rescue heroes. I’ve also included some famous dog names of other breeds to help you decide.

Braveheart
Bullet
Strongheart
Lady
Chance
Beethoven
Trakr
Rin Tin Tin
Rumor
Nemo
Chips
Buddy
Goofy
Marmaduke
Dug
Max
Horand von Grafrath
Apollo
Happy
Lassie
Blue
Bingo
Comet
Fang
Odie
Eddie
Krypto
Bolt
Bruno
Hobo
Astro
Pluto
Fido
Pickles
Gromit
Scooby
Toto
Patch
Balto
Shadow
Shiloh
Snoopy
Pongo
Rover
Penny

Greek German Shepherd Names

If Greek mythology or culture is your thing, you’ll want the best Greek name for your German Shepherd. From Achilles to Zeus, you’ll undoubtedly find the name to suit your passion, whether a mythological monster or a real Greek hero.

Greek names have to match the breed’s personality – so you can’t go wrong choosing one of these.

Atlas
Titan
Aphrodite
Raki
Melina
Olympia
Nico
Zeus
Athens
Sparta
Morpheus
Darius
Adonis
Corfu
Aura
Feta
Orion
Achilles
Neo
Phoenix
Cole
Helena
Helios
Genesis
Aristotle
Socrates
Kudos
Poseidon
Larissa
Cyclops
Oracle
Venus
Athena
Griffin
Pegasus
Sphinx

Food Names for German Shepherds

Check out this list of mouth-watering food names for your new puppy for the foodies out there. Whether it’s your favorite dish, snack, or treat, this list will trigger your imagination, and if you can’t find one of the below food names, they may help you think of some more delicious ideas.

Biscuit
Fudge
Pepper
Cinnamon
Meatball
Sage
Mocha
Cocoa
Taco
Pumpkin
Kiwi
Peanut
Chip
Smokey
Coconut
Vino
Brandy
Mochi
Sherbet
Oreo
Brownie
Bean
Pickles