Great German Dog Names

By Janice Jones   |Last Updated November 16, 2025

Looking for the perfect German name for your dog? Whether you have a breed that originated in Germany—like the Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, or Pomeranian—or you simply love the beauty and history of German culture, you’ll find hundreds of meaningful ideas below.

German names are known for their strong sounds, expressive meanings, and timeless charm, making them a great match for any small dog with a big personality.

Scroll through traditional names, cute options, fun food-inspired choices, famous musicians, scientists, fairy-tale characters, place names, and much more.

Here is a list of some of the more familiar names, but if you just want something fun, scroll down for those Cute German Dog Names.

Want to see what dogs originated in Germany?  We made a list for you.  This name list is broken down by foods, place names, and famous Germans.  Every good German dog deserves a great German Name.

German Dog Names Based on Traditional Food and Drinks

• Bratwurst - one of many different types of wurst
• Brezel – A Soft German Pretzel 
• Budweiser - not a German beer, but the name comes from the German, Budějovice, a city in Southern Bohemia.
• Goulash – Made with meat, vegetables, and seasoning, and often served over potatoes
• Knackwurst - another type of wurst
• Knockwurst - another kind of wurst
• Knödel – A dumpling that is made from flour or potatoes, then boiled. 
• Nudeln -  German noodles
• Pilsener (or Pils, Pilsner) - pale lager beer named after Pilsen, the German name of Plzeň, a city in Western Bohemia;
• Reis - German rice
• Sauerbraten - A dish made with sour beef and dumplings
• Sauerkraut – Cabbage that is sliced, salted, and allowed to ferment until sour.  
• Schnapps
• Schnitzel – A meal that includes veal, turkey, or chicken that is pounded thin, coated with breadcrumbs, and then fried.
• Spätzle – Small dumplings boiled in water. 
• Streusel - a Type of German dessert
• Wiener - German word adopted into English
• Wurst – German for sausage
• Zwieback - hard bread

Fun Names Based on a Little German

• Bärchen – meaning "little bear," this name is quite adorable.
• Deutsche – The word for German in that language.
• Frankfurter - German word for the English Hot Dog
• Frau or Fraulein –  Mrs. and Miss in German
• Hase – bunny
• Herr – German for mister.
• Hund –  German for dog
• Knuddel - German for cuddles
• Liebling - darling
• Maus – mouse
• Mausebär - mouse bear
• Perle - pearl
• Prinzessin - princess
• Prost – cheers
• Schatz – jewel or treasure
• Schnucki – close to sweetie pie
• Spatzi - little sparrow

German Locations and Place Names

• Bavaria – A region in Germany
• Berlin – The capital and most popular city in Germany, 
• Bonn - German city
• Cologne – Another populous city, 
• Dresden – A City that suffered heavy loses after World War II but now restored. 
• Düsseldorf – An international business and financial center
• Frankfurt – This large German city, Hamburg – The second largest city in Germany, 
• Hessia –  German state, 
• Munich – The third largest city in Germany, 
• Rhine – As in the Rhine River, 
• Salzburg – Another Austrian city known for its beautiful views.
• Stuttgart – City where Porsha and Mercedes-Benz  are headquartered 
• Vienna – The capital and largest city in Austria

German Dog Names Based on Famous Musicians

• Beethoven – Legendary composer known for the Moonlight Sonata and Symphony No. 9.
• Bach – Baroque composer famous for Brandenburg Concertos and Toccata and Fugue in D minor.
• Brahms – Romantic-era composer known for Hungarian Dances and Brahms’ Lullaby.
• Handel – Baroque composer best known for Messiah and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
• Wagner – Influential opera composer known for The Ring Cycle and powerful dramatic music.
• Schumann – Romantic composer celebrated for piano works like Kinderszenen and many art songs.
• Strauss – Composer known for The Blue Danube and other Viennese waltzes.

Famous German Scientists Make Great German Dog Names

• Einstein -  Brilliant mind and father of Physics
• Hertz - Physicist who proved the existence of electromagnetic waves
• Kepler - Skilled in many scientific and mathematical disciplines, was the first to prove the fundamental laws of planetary motion.
• Koch - Known for his role in bacteriology, including the study of anthrax and TB
• Max Planck (either first or last name makes an excellent choice)
• Mozart - Austrian composer
• Ohm - a German scientist and mathematician, best known for Ohm's Law
• Wundt laid the foundation for modern-day psychology

German Dog Names for Boys

• Adel:  Nobel
• Adolf:  Nobel Wolf
• Aldo: Wise one
• Alfons:  Ready for battle
• Arnold:  Powerful Eagle
• Arlo:  High Place
• Axel:  Peaceful
• Balder: Germanic god of light
• Baldwin:  Brave Friend
• Ballard:  Warrior
• Benno:  Brave like a bear
• Berger:  Mountain dweller
• Bismarck:  Former German Chancellor
• Blitz: Flash/ Lighting
• Boris: Fighter
• Bruno:  Brown
• Claus or Klaus:  Short for Nicholas
• Clovis:  Famous warrior
• Conrad or Konrad:  Bold counselor
• Derek:  Ruler
• Dieter:  Warrior
• Dustin:  Valiant fighter
• Edel:  Distinguished
• Edwin:  Prosperous friend
• Emery:  Industrious ruler
• Engel: Angel
• Erich:  Eternal ruler
• Ernie:  Vigorous
• Ernest: Vigorous
• Falk: Volf
• Felix: Lucky
• Fischer:  Fisherman
• Flöhchen:  Little Flea
• Fritz:  Peaceful ruler
• Franz:  Free
• Garin:  Warrior
• Gerbert: Glittering spear
• Gunther: Battle Warrior
• Hamlin: Loves his home
• Hank: Ruler of an estate
• Hansel: Good Luck Gift
• Hartwig: Strong battle
• Heinrich: Ruler
• Hans: God is Great
• Heinz: House ruler
• Hermann: Soldier
• Hugo: Smart
• Jung: Young
• Kaiser: King
• Karl: Strong
• Kasper: Treasurer
• Klaus: Victorious
• Klein: Little
• Krause: With Curly Hair
• Krieger: German for Warrior
• Kuno: Brave
• Kurt: Courageous advice
• Lance: A knight’s attendant
• Lucas: Light
• Luger: Old German gun
• Lutz:  Short for Ludwig
• Luther: Famous warrior
• Matthias: Gift from God
• Max: Great
• Odo: Wealthy
• Oskar: Spear
• Otto: Rich or prosperous
• Panzer: Armored tank
• Prinz: Prince
• Ritter: Knight
• Rolf: Form of Rudolph
• Roth: Red Haired
• Rudolph: Famous Wolf
• Saxon: Sharp Blade
• Schatz: Little Treasure
• Schwartz: Black
• Siegfried: Victory, peace
• Sigmund: Victory, protector
• Udo: Rich/prosperous
• Ulrik: Power of the Wolf
• Waldo: King
• Warren: Watchman, defender
• Wendel: Traveler
• Wolfgang: Rising Wolf

Characters from Grimms Fairy Tales make Clever German Dog Names

• Hansel 
• Grethel 
• Cinderella
• Rapunzel
• Rumpelstiltskin 
• Ferdinand
• Maid Maleen
• Snow-White 
• Rose-Red

Cars and Transportation-Inspired Dog Names

• Mercedes-Benz:  Mercedes is an excellent choice for a female dog
• Audi
• Volkswagen, or VW for short
• Zeppelin
• Diesel
• Opel
• BMW
• Porsche
• Alpina

German Dog Names for Girls

• Astrid: Beautiful God
• Ava: Birdlike
• Berta: Glorious
• Bertha: Bright and Strong
• Birgit: Protector
• Britta:  White
• Cissy, Cissi, Sissi
• Edelweiss: Small white flower
• Elke: Nobel
• Elsa:  Strength
• Emma: One who cares
• Engel: Angel
• Erika: Powerful ruler
• Etta:  Small
• Frieda: Peaceful
• Frida: Peace
• Fraulein: Young woman
• Gabi: Hero of God
• Grau (male or female): Gray
• Gretchen: Pearl
• Greta: Pearl
• Gretel: Pearl
• Grizelda: Ironlike
• Hedwig: Contending war
• Heide: Noble and kind
• Helga: Person of God
• Hund: German Word for Dog
• Ida: Hard working
• Jenelle: Knowledgeable
• Karla: Strong
• Kirsch: Cherry
• Klein: Little, Good for a boy or a girl
• Kristel: German for Christine
• Leni: Little Angel
• Leona: Feminine form of Leon
• Liebe: Love
• Lotti: Little woman
• Mallory: Wise in battle
• Marthe: Lady
• Milla:  Industries
• Millie:  Hard worker
• Mischa:  Who is like God
• Mitzi:  Beloved
• Nixie:  Water Fairy
• Olga: Holy
• Regan:  Rain
• Schatzie:  Little sweetheart
• Senta:  Assistant
• Sofie:  Sweet
• Susi:  Lily
• Tilli:  Battle maiden
• Trudi:  Of the spear
• Trudy:  Form of Gertrude
• Ulrika:  All ruling
• Ursula:  Female bear
• Uta:  Rich
• Vala:  Chosen one
• Vera:  Faith,  Truth
• Wanda:  Wanderer
• Wilma:  Bold protector
• Zelda: Battle Maid
• Zella:  Short for Marcella
• Zuker:  Sugar

Cute German Dog Names

Cute German Dog Names German names aren’t all serious or strong — many are absolutely adorable! These cute German dog names are short, sweet, playful, and perfect for tiny pups, fluffy breeds, gentle personalities, or any dog that makes you smile. Many of these come from German nicknames, endearments, and nature words that naturally sound soft and affectionate.

Short German Dog Names

Short German names are ideal for puppies and small dogs because they are easy to say, quick to recognize, and work beautifully for obedience training. These one- and two-syllable names come from traditional German words, nicknames, and personal names.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Choosing a German dog name is a meaningful way to honor the culture, history, and traditions of Germany—or to give your dog a name that sounds strong, elegant, or delightfully unique.

Whether you love traditional names, cute nicknames, place names, fairy-tale characters, or names inspired by famous scientists and musicians, there’s a perfect option for every pup.

If one of these names spoke to you, jot it down or bookmark this page so you can return to it later. Happy naming!

German Dog Breeds

Affenpinscher

American Eskimo Dog

Boxer

Dachshund

Doberman Pinscher

German Longhaired Pointer

German Pinscher

German Shepherd Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Spaniel

German Spitz

German Spitz Klein

German Spitz Mittel

Giant Schnauzer

Keeshond

Kromfohrlander

Landseer

Leonberger

Lowchen

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Schnauzer

Pomeranian

Rottweiler

Standard Schnauzer

Toy Poodle

Weimaraner

White Shepherd