40 German Girl Dog Names

Say "prost!" to these unique names inspired by German culture.

By

Published on 04/30/20

Dachshund Sitting On Grassy Field — Konrád Bálint / EyeEm / Getty Images

Whether you want to honor your German heritage, love German culture (and its delicious food!), or are bringing home a dog with German origins—like a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or Pinscher—Deutschland has produced tons of cool, unique names for female dogs. Check out our favorite German-inspired names for your family's brand new Hund!

Top German Names for Female Dogs

Ada: If your new dog has a sweet, gentle personality, consider naming her Ada—it means "kind" and "noble."
Astrid: Derived from the German compounds for "divine strength" and "divine beauty," this name is ideal for a dog that boasts bronze and beauty.
Elsa: Any name that means "noble" is suitable for the canine queen of your household, but this moniker will get you double points if your kids are obsessed with Frozen.
Lotti: Short, cute, and easy-to-hear (more on that later!), Lotti means "little woman." Perfect for a smaller-sized dog, right?
Matilda: Meaning "mighty in battle," Matilda is fitting for a rough-and-tumble girl dog. Plus, Tillie and Tilda are super cute nicknames!
Milla: Mia has been an incredibly popular name—for dogs and humans—for years upon years. Why not switch it up with a unique, German-inspired variation?
Nia: Another short and cute name, Nia is perfect for a bright doggy. Why? It literally means "bright"!
Sascha: If your dog acts like a watchdog—or just loves to watch birds from her spot at a window—name her Sascha. It means "defender of mankind."

Winifred/Winnie: Got a cuddler on your hands? Winifred—and its sweet nickname, Winnie—means "peaceful friend."
Zelda: Meaning "battle maid", you can take some inspiration from your favorite childhood video game.

Tips for Naming Your New Dog

Between shopping for new supplies—like a comfortable dog bed, engaging toys, and high-quality kibble—readying your home, and signing up for puppy or doggy school, preparing for a new dog is a lot of work. What's more? You have to pick a name you and the whole family will love for years. Feeling the pressure yet?

We get it: Choosing the perfect name for your new dog is no easy task. It's important to choose a name that exhibits your dog's unique personality and characteristics, but isn't too long, complicated, or difficult to understand. Not sure where to begin? Here's our advice:

Opt for names that are one to two syllables and contain hard consonants. These names will be easier for your dog to hear and understand.
Avoid names that could sound like commands. Think: "sit" and Kit, or "down" and "Brown."
Choose a name that's easy for humans to hear, understand, and spell, too. Remember: Your friends, family, and veterinarian will being saying and writing your new dog's name for years to come.
Avoid "funny" or embarrassing names. If you would feel uncomfortable shouting your dog's name across the park, don't use it.

How to Confidently Name Your New Dog

Dog Names Inspired by German Food

If you consider yourself a foodie—or, specifically, a German foodie!—look no further than your favorite German restaurant's menu for some serious dog naming inspiration.

Bock: A lager beer with German origins.
Brezel: The German word for "pretzel."
Dumpling: A staple in German cuisine. (The German word for "dumpling"—Knödel—may be a little too tricky!)
Kuchen: A cake.
Schnapps: A flavored, distilled spirit that's beloved in Germany.
Spaetzle: A type of pasta made with fresh eggs and covered in melted cheese.
Strudel: A flaky pastry that's typically stuffed with fruit.
Waffel: You guessed it—Waffel is the German word for "waffle"!

Dog Names Inspired by German Culture and History

From classical music, to classical literature, to luxury cars, German culture and history has tons of inspiration for your new dog's name.

Bach: A world-renowned German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach is one of history's most influential musicians.
Heidi: The main character in the famous children's story Heidi: Her Years of Wandering and Learning.
Gretel: The sister from the world-known fairytale, Hansel and Gretel.
Margaretha/Margie: The true name of Snow White (according to the author, Eckhard Sander) from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Mercedes & Porsche: If you love cars, these should be no-brainers. It's well-known that Germany produces many luxury vehicles.