German Dog Names

Bright and outdoorsy or vintage with a hint of clunkiness, Wilda may be viewed as a spin on the English word "wild" and as an alternative to the equally untamed Swedish Vilda. Alternatively, it could have emerged from names such as Alwilda (or Alvilda), giving it the meaning "to strive" or "to battle".
 
Familiar in the US in the first have of the 20th-century, when it ranked in the Top 500, Wilda might work as an unexpected vintage name, similar in feel to Wilma, Hilda, and Winifred. Alternatively, it could be viewed as an option for those who enjoy the likes of Wilder, Prairie, and Cove.

Wilda

Nicknames ending in o are invariably cute, though this one is a boys' name in its own right. And not just any boy name, but a saint's name no less. Saint Hanno, aka Saint Anno, was an 10th century archbishop of Cologne, He is also known as, less attractively, Hanno of Worms, which is one of the oldest cities in Germany. 

There is also a 5th century BC figure known as Hanno the Navigator, who was sent from his native Cathage to sail around and colonize West Africa, and take its gold as he went. His adventurism is admirable, his imperialism is not

Hanno

Johannes never caught on in the US, but popular European short form Hannes may be more accessible.

Hannes

Probably intended as a variant spelling of Kyle, this German word (meaning "wedge") is not used as a name there.

Keil

Nele originated as a German nickname for Cornelia, but it superseded its mother name and has been a Top 50 name in Germany since 2000.
 
Nell, or even the phonetic spelling, Nela, would be more intuitive to English speakers, but we love this Nele all the same.

Nele

A preppy surname of hidden German origin that would fit right in with currently trendy s-ending <a href="https://nameberry.com/boys-names">boy names</a> like Brooks and Hayes, Haines ultimately comes from the name Hagen. 
 
Also spelled as Haynes, it has surprising connections to mythology, appearing in the medieval saga, the Nibelungenlied. This spelling is currently less popular than the alternative Haynes in the US, though both are rare.

Haines

This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?

Lotta

A daring middle name possibility for classical concertgoers. Alternatives are Wolfgang and Amadeus. 

Mozart

Newswoman Paula brought the surname Zahn to the public eye. It makes a dramatic, unusual Zane alternative -- though you may not want to enlighten your child as to its prosaic meaning. 

Zahn

New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas brought his Latinate name into the spotlight, and he has an equally unusual middle name--DONQUAIL.

Adalius

Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not. 

Bach

Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off. 

Clotilda

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie. 
 
Pelleas and Melisande is a play by Maeterlinck, the inspiration for the Debussy opera of the same name. In modern times, Melisande became a princess via the Rankin and Bass film The Flight of Dragons. And Broadway buffs might remember Melisande as the name the main character Ella Peterson takes in the musical Bells are Ringing. The name of the beautiful red-haired character on Game of Thrones is spelled Melisandre.

Melisande

Luise

German dog names are perfect for dog breeds that originated from Germany, such as German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Dobermanns, German Shorthaired Pointers, and many many more. These dog names may also be intriguing for families looking to reflect their German heritage in their pup's name.

include well-loved favorites like Adelaide, Matilda, Elsa, and Amelia. 

 include Otto, Emmett, Albert, and Leo. Some quirkier, more 

 may fit your pup's goofy personality more such as Geraldine, Hildegarde, Bertram, or Theobald.

German dog names may also come from the German name data released in recent years. The 

 in 2023 include options like Linus, Oskar, Mika, and Finn for boys, as well as Maja, Leni, Tilda, and Lotta for girls.

Here's our full collection of German names for dogs.

German dog names, including female German dog names and male German dog names. (Page 19)