German Dog Names

October 23, 2022July 2, 2022 by C.B. Daniels

German dog names

Finding German dog names

If you’ve found yourself on this page, it probably means you’re looking for some great German dog names for your pup. If so, you’ve come to the right place.

With 200 dog German dog names to choose from you’ll be sure to find the perfect one. We even have pronunciations and translations for each name to help you out.

And best of all, this list was compiled and written by a native German living in Germany.

List of German dog names

So without further ado, here is the list of 200 German dog names, I hope you find the perfect one for your pup!

Spitzbub

[shbits-buhb] rascal, scoundrel (in an innocent way)

A German expression for someone who likes to play mischievous tricks on people. Just like your dog, who steals your food while your eyes are glued to the newest series on Netflix, knowing darn well he is not allowed to do that, but does it anyways. A true spitzbub.

Pünktchen

[pühnk-tchen] dot (but in a cute way)

In German, you form the diminutive by adding the ending –chen. So essentially, pünktchen means a teeny tiny dot. Picture a Dalmatian with the name Pünktchen. So cute.

Nudel

[nuh-dell] noodle

Hear me out. I have no clue where this comes from, but calling someone a nudel (yes, an actual noodle), is a thing in Germany. Someone can be called a nudel when they said or did something silly or a bit childish. It is a very playful and loving expression, and being called a nudel by someone is a sign that they care for you. We think this is beautiful and would definitely recommend nudel as a dog name.

Keks

[keeks] cookie

Perfect for a little pooch with brown fur.

Biene

[bieh-nee] bee

Like a honeybee, fluffy and round.

Krümel

[krüh-mell] crumb, breadcrumb

The smaller your dog is, the better this name fits. A cute name for small creatures. It would also fit a newborn, but we’re focusing on dogs here.

Schnitzel

[shnitt-sell] Schnitzel

An all-time favorite of the whole population of Germany and Austria. Arguably one of the best things that we created. We love schnitzel so much, we would definitely pay respect and name our beloved dog schnitzel.

Niedlich

[nieht-lish] cute, sweet, adorable

The German word niedlich is an adjective commonly used to describe baby animals. They all have these big eyes, which just make you want to adopt them and give them a forever home. We just cannot resist.

Waldo

[wall-doh] Waldo

Surprisingly (or not, you decide), this is a popular name for sausage dogs, especially among the retiree community. We don’t really know why. Maybe one person just recommended this name to a friend who got a sausage dog and then they recommend it to the next person and the cycle continues and that’s how all sausage dogs in Germany end up being named Waldo.

Klößchen

[klöhs-shen] little dumplings/meatballs

Another diminutive (we love a good diminutive). Klößchen, essentially little meatballs, is a popular and traditional German dish. Respectively, you could also use the word kloß, which would be one big meatball. An elite name, no doubt.

Tollpatsch

[toll-pattsch] someone who is clumsy

You know those kinds of dogs who are just kind of clumsy? They walk into doors, trip over their own feet, and fall off the couch while taking a nap? Yeah that’s the right name for them.

Keck

[käck] sassy, cheeky

It’s incredible how each of our pups has a very distinct personality. Some are quiet and shy, some are hyperactive and loud, and then some are the epitome of sassiness. If your pup is the latter, keck would be a great name for it.

Zuckersüß

[tsukk-är-sühs] sugar-sweet, sweet as sugar

Some of our furry friends are just too cute to be true. Their puppy eyes melt our hearts and we cannot help but get googly-eyed over them. In German, if we want to clarify that something (or someone) is exceptionally cute, we use this word.

Zuckerwatte

[tsukk-är-watte] cotton candy

To keep the sugar theme going, there is also the German word for cotton candy, zuckerwatte. Zuckerwatte is not only delicious, it’s also a universal symbol of happiness. It’s true, if we think about what happiness would taste like, it would be the taste of cotton candy. And what would happiness look like? Like your dog!

Schneeflocke

[shneeh-flokk-e] snowflake

This is just a really cute name for a pooch with white fur.

Ernst

[ärnst] serious, grim

This makes for a great dog name, because not only does Ernst translate to “serious”, it’s also an actual German name. A nice pun right there. This might be the right name for your dog if it has an overbite which makes it look kind of fierce.

Honigkuchen

[ho-nich-kuh-chen] honey cake

Not only a tasty desert, but also a tender nickname for anyone you love. Obviously that should include your dog.

Gänseblümchen

[gän-se-blühm-shen] daisy

A super sweet name for any dog with white fur. Gänse is the German word for ducks, while blümchen is the diminutive form of flower. Rumor has it, daisies are called gänseblümchen because from afar they look like lots of tiny ducks standing in a field.

Bombe

[bom-beh] bomb

Now this is not for the easily offended, but if you have a tendency towards dark humor, this might just be the perfect name for your dog. Now allow us to elaborate: Bombe is the German word for bomb (yes, an explosive weapon). The German command to get your dog to lay down is to say platz, which is a word with two distinct meanings. First, a command for your dog to lay down. And second, a verb, meaning to explode. We thought this was kind of funny. Maybe don’t take your dog named Bombe to an airport though.

Faulpelz

[faul-pells] lazybones

A name for a dog who really takes after their owner…

Hoheit

[hoh-hait] majesty, highness

A lot of us like to spoil our furry companions and make sure they only get the best of the best. We treat them like royalty. Some of us even put little bow-ties in their fur and put Swarovski crystal studded collars around their necks. We don’t judge, you do you. Nothing says “I’m not the slightest bit ashamed of the way I spoil my dog” quite like calling them Hoheit.

Grimm

[grimm] wrath, fury

Remember the wolf-like creature in The Neverending Story called Gmork? With its massive stature and its deep black fur, Gmork is both impressive and terrifying. If your dog shows any similarities to Gmork (let’s hope not), grimm would be an excellent choice of a name.

Engel

[äng-el] angel

Our best friends are truly god-sent, angelic creatures, this is a widely known fact. Why not emphasize it with a fitting name?

Knutschkugel

[knuutsh-kuh-gäl] smooch ball

Germans love to come up with new words. What exactly is a knutschkugel you might ask? Nobody knows! But it sounds cute.

Rex

[reks] Rex

Rex, a German Shephard, was the STAR of an Austrian TV series called “Kommissar Rex” (Inspector Rex). Rex was a police dog, who helped police officers to catch the bad boys.

To not disrespect his legacy we politely ask you to only name your dog Rex if it’s a German Shepard as well.

Bohne

[booh-ne] bean

Bean seems to be among the more popular dog names in the US. It’s not common in Germany, but we think we should change that.

Bestie

[bes-ti-e] beast

With this name, you could get one of these signs for your door or fence, that reads “Beware the beast”. And then the beast is just your tiny Chihuahua.

Elfe

[älfe] fairy

Elfe describes a fairy in the style of Tinkerbell. A cute name for female dogs.

Goldschatz

[gold-shatts] golden treasure

The treasure of gold waiting to be discovered at the end of the rainbow… We’re not sure anyone ever made it to the end of a rainbow, so we think the Irish might have scammed us with that one. What we do know however, is that Goldschatz makes for a really great name for your Golden Retriever or any other pooch with golden fur.

Angie

[ähn-chie] Angie

For some reason the name Angie is a popular name for female dogs in Germany. There is some dispute as to whether its popularity stems from that one Rolling-Stones hit or from the German chancellor Angela Merkel, whose is affectionately nicknamed Angie. In any case – a great name.

Goldstück

[gold-shtükk] piece of gold

To stick to the theme, here is another great name for your golden-brown furry friend. Goldstück literally translates to piece of gold and we think that’s just about appropriate for our most loyal companion.

Goethe

[göh-te] Goethe

Germany’s greatest author. What a privilege to bear this name.

Frechdachs

[fräsh-dakks] cheeky badger, cheeky monkey

Frechdachs, which translates to cheeky badger, is a German expression, describing a silly or mischievous person. It’s mostly used for kids OR for dogs. In fact, we hardly ever use it for badgers.

Pommes

[pomm-äs] French fries

Why not?

Schoko

[sho-ko] choco(late)

Your dog’s fur is of a rich, luxurious brown shade anywhere between milk chocolate and 99% dark chocolate? We also know eating chocolate releases endorphins. Just like when you come home after work and see your dog wagging his tail because he is so excited to see you. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

Rambo

[ramm-boh] Rambo

Powerful dogs deserve powerful names. Naming your dog after an action movie icon creates immediate associations of power and boundless energy. A white German Shephard called Rambo. Name a better combo, we’ll wait.

Sonnenschein

[sonn-en-shain] sunshine

Like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, our best friend always makes us feel that warm fuzzy feeling. Who’s a good boy? The one who’s called Sonnenschein.

Hexe

[hekk-se] witch

Hexe is the German word for witch, which, contrary to the English version, doesn’t necessarily have a negative connotation. As it happens, hexe is often used for playful banter. But it also makes for a neat name for your dog.

Knuddel

[knudd-del] cuddles

Not a lot of things beat the wonderful feeling of cuddling with your dog. Apart from just feeling really nice, cuddling with your pooch is also proven to release stress and anxiety, as it stimulates the brain’s production of oxytocin. Not that you needed another reason to cuddle with your dog, but if so, there you go.

Knirps

[knirr-ps] tot, dwarf

This German word is lovingly used for someone who is short. As height can be a sensitive topic for some people, we recommend refraining from using this term for your human peers. Dogs on the other hand, don’t care about their height, so go ahead.

Dresden

[drez-den] Dresden, a city in Eastern Germany

A city famous for its museums, for a cultured pupper.

Teufel

[toi-fell] devil

This seems rather self-explanatory.

Teufelchen

[toi-fell-shen] little devil

Same concept as the previous, but for a smaller dog.

Höllenhund

[höll-en-hund] hellhound

We don’t want to interrupt this devilish theme. Actually, hellhound commonly refers to Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the underworld according to ancient Greek myths. On top of that, it comes with the little bonus, that you can show off your knowledge about Greek mythology, whenever someone asks for your dog’s name.

Dreckspatz

[drekk-spatts] grubby urchin, dirty sparrow

Oftentimes you will hear the word dreckspatz in relation to a child, who just messed up their clothes playing outside. It can however, also be used perfectly for a dog, who just messed up their fur playing in the puddles.

Ananas

[ana-nas] pineapple

Because pineapple in German just has a really nice ring to it.

Klammeräffchen

[klamm-är-äff-shen] clingy little monkey, little spider monkey

One of my personal favorites. A klammeräffchen is a little spider monkey. We generally use the term to describe a person who clings to their SO like a little baby monkey to their mum’s back while jumping from tree to tree. We are aware that being clingy is not limited to spider monkey babies specifically, in fact, it seems as if the spider monkey’s clinginess can be found in nearly every species, humans and dogs included. On that note, klammeräffchen makes for an excellent dog name.

Strubbel

[shtrubb-ell] tousled, disheveled, tousle-head

Strubbel is a German noun, for which there is no literal translation in English. The best equivalent would be tousled. It can be used for someone who has tousled hair or even just a tousled look, whatever form that might take. Hence this would also make for a wonderful name for a dog with a long, tousled fur. You know, the ones who could be mistaken for a mop.

Herkules

[här-kuh-less]

Herkules, the Greek god of strength. We feel like this would be a top tier name for any dog.

Pepperoni

[pepper-roni] pepperoni

Definitely not for everyone, some people might find it hard to digest. But if you like spicy food, maybe you’ll also like this name for your dog.

Puppe

[pupp-eh] doll

For lady dogs exclusively: The word puppe, which essentially means doll, is often used for young women as well. It is a very colloquial term, but especially popular among millennials.

Mondschein

[mond-shain] moonlight

For the night owls among us.

Floh

[floh] flea

Another example of a bit odd, but loving nicknames in the German language. Calling your dog mein kleiner floh (my little flea) is definitely a declaration of love.

Löckchen

[lökk-shen] little curls

For any pooch delighting us with their fur full of little curls like they just got a fresh perm.

Radieschen

[rah-dies-shen] radish

There is something about giving your dog food names, that we really dig. Everyone gives their dog human names. Another dog called Max? Boring. A dog called Radish? Intriguing!

Rakete

[rah-keh-te] rocket

Some dogs are FAST. Greyhounds, Salukis and German Shepherds are among the fastest dogs on the planet and can reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Very impressive! Not every dog can be a Greyhound though and we love all dogs equally, fast or slow. Rakete would however be a terrific name for a really fast dog.

Haribo

[hari-boh] haribo

One of Germany’s proudest exports: Gummy Bears. Haribos form an essential part of every German kid’s childhood. Everyone loves Haribo. Awesome name for a dog.

Zimt

[tsimt] cinnamon

The smell of cinnamon makes us dream of happy times like Christmas and generally gives us a warm comfortable feeling. Kind of like being at home cuddled up in the blanket with a hot chocolate. Those are also the feelings we get when seeing our dog.

Mini

[mini] mini, little

Anything small-sized is automatically very cute, it’s science, Google it. What a matching name for a little dog.

Purpur

[puhr-puhr] crimson, purple

Purpur is among the most expensive natural dyes. This noteworthy fact alone is reason enough to give your dog the brilliant name of Purpur.

Erdnuss

[ährd-nuss] peanut

You know your furry friend loves peanut butter just as much as you do.

König

[köh-nig] king

I’m sure I’m not the only one who, with complete confidence, can say that my dog has been the king of our house since the moment his little paws entered the door. He absolutely rules this household and I am not embarrassed to admit this.

Königin

[köh-ni-gin] queen

A king is one thing, but a queen? Even more powerful, just like in chess.

Rumpelstilzchen

[rum-pell-stills-shen] Rumpelstiltskin

If you’re not familiar with the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, I highly recommend you look it up. It’s a well-known German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm about an imp, and might I add, quite a terrifying one. The Grimm brother’s tales oftentimes resemble horror stories rather than fairytales and this one is no exception. If you like dark stories, this name would be a cool name for your dog.

Kasper

[kass-pär] clown, joker

Kasper is a perfect name for dogs with a cheerful temper, who are always down to play and won’t ever get tired of chasing after a ball.

Blumenkohlröschen

[bluh-men-röhs-shen] cauliflower florets

This is a nice name because while Blumenkohl translates to “cauliflower”, röschen translates to little roses. You’re essentially calling your dog cauliflower little roses, which does not make any sense but it’s sounds cute and healthy.

Marshmallow

[marsh-mälloh] marshmallow

Our associations with marshmallows are fluffy, sweet, white – sounds a lot like your dog as well!

Fussel

[fuss-sell] lint, fuzz

Living with a dog has truly taught me the importance of lint brushes. I’m surprised my dog hasn’t gone bald yet with the amount of fur he loses on the daily. This name is justified.

Pfötchen

[pföht-shen] little paw

Part of why our four legged friends are so adorable is because their little paws are SO cute #toebeans. Our most joyful moments have been the ones where we were holding a dog’s paw.

Entzückend

[ähnt-tsükk-ehnt] charming, delightful

We all take great delight in our dogs. Their simple existence brightens up our days. If we had to choose a word to describe this feeling, we would choose entzückend.

Mausebär

[mau-see-bähr] mouse bear

What on earth is a mouse bear you might wonder? Great question. See a beautiful thing about the German language is that you can invent a completely new word by simply combining two words, even if they have nothing to do with each other. Regardless of the fact that there is no such animal as a mouse bear, the Germans have collectively decided that it would be a terrific pet name for their significant others.

Schmusebacke

[shmuh-se-bak-kee] smooch cheeks

Schmusebacke is an endearing term we use for anyone who likes to cuddle. You know how dogs when they’re really affectionate, they sometimes rub their head against you? That’s exactly what a schmusebacke would do.

Wirbelwind

[wir-bell-wind] whirlwind, hurricane

Not only do our dogs bring lots of joy and happiness into our lives, they also often bring a lot of chaos. If you’ve ever left your dog alone for just a little bit of time and have come home to find the insides of your favorite cushion scattered across the living room floor, then you know exactly what I’m referring to here.

Naseweiß

[nah-ze-vice] literally nose-white

Naseweiß is a funny German name for someone inexperienced. It is comparable to greenhorn but is usually only used for children/younger people. If your dog is clumsy and kicks over his bowls a lot, he might be a naseweiß.

Silva

[silver] forest

The name comes actually from Latin but it was a very popular dog name in Germany in the 19th century/early 20th century – especially for the dog of a forester or hunter.

Klopfer

[clo – pfa] knocker

Klopfer is a German nickname for animals that “knock” with their paws on the ground. Typically this name is chosen for rabbits but sometimes also for dogs.

Fetti/Dicki

[fätty – hard t’s] fatty

This name is pretty much the same in English. A variation is dickie which means the same in German. Within a litter there is sometimes one puppy that is bigger or fatter than the other ones. This one gets the name Fetti or Dicki.

Blitz

[bli-ts] lightning

This name is a good fit for a dog that is fast as a lightning and lean. A good fit for a greyhound.

Wächter

[weh-shta] guard/warden

Some dogs are not only part of our family but also carry responsibilities. Wächter is a good name for a dog that should guard your family or house.

Strolch

[sh-troll-sh] hoodlum

This name became popular due to the Disney movie “The Lady and the Tramp” and is the German name for “Tramp”. However, “tramp” would not be the proper translation of it. It means scoundrel or hoodlum but is only used for very young boys that like to commit shenanigans.

Fritz/Fritzchen

[Frits/Frits-shen] Fritz

Fritz is the nickname for Friedrich but is or was used as a proper German name. It is kind of out of fashion but remains popular as a pet name. From a German perspective Fritz is a good name for terriers.

Kaiser

[Kai-zer (“ai” as in high)] emperor

The title of a German emperor, a proper name for a majestic dog.

Liebchen/Liebling

[Leep-shen/Leep-ling] darling

German words for darling. The first word is a diminutive form that is predominantly used in the Rhineland.

Haberer

[Ha-ba-ra] friend/mate

This is the Austrian word for a buddy or a mate. Originally, this used to describe farmers. As they sold their goods by themselves for ages, everyone had a haberer from which they liked to buy their rations of hafer (oat).

Kumpel

[koom-pell – short oo] mate/buddy

The German word for a buddy. Kumpel was the word that persons who worked in deep mining used for each other. Especially, in West Germany this name is connected to a lot of nostalgia.

Piefke

[Peef-kuh] bloke/guy

The Berlin word for a “bloke”, it probably does not sound funny for a person from Berlin. But for the rest of Germany it does kind of. Though in Austria this is a affectionate/ironic swear word for Germans.

Schwimmbutz

[shwimm-boots (oo is short)] bathing trunks

A funny expression for people that is used in Cologne.

Freundchen

[froint-shen] little friend

The diminutive form of freund (friend).

Heino/Heini

[high-no/high-nee] Heino/Heini

Heini is the German word to call someone a “jerk” but in a nice way. Heino is similar but also the name of a very famous German Schlager singer.

Kleiner/Kleine

[kly-na/kly-nuh] Little one

A colloquial term to address children or smaller people, a perfect name for lap dogs or other smaller breeds. Kleiner is for male dogs, Kleine for female dogs.

Trixi

[tricksy] Trixi

This is a popular old-fashioned German name for she-dogs.

Friedolin

[free-do-lean] Friedolin

An old German name that was once used for people and that is now popular for pets. This name fits to a dog with a benign and peaceful character – friede means peace in German.

Läufer

[loi-fa] runner

This expression is used in sports but also in a professional context whenever a person has to run. Obviously, a fitting name for dogs that are fast.

Streuner

[sh-troy-na] strayer/wanderer/stray dog

Streuner is the name for a person that wanders a lot. If used for a person it is often connected to a bit of romanticism or euphemism depending on the context. However, the word is also used for stray dogs or any other stray pets.

Fremder

[Frem-da] stranger

This would be a very special name for a very old dog or a dog that somehow behaves different than other dogs and likes to stay alone.

Butz

[boots; short oo] pet name

Perhaps one of the most famous dog names in the 19th century of Germany. The philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer named his last poodle Butz and he and his dog became so famous in Frankfurt that having a poodle became the latest fashion there for a time. When Butz behaved badly, Schopenhauer called him mensch – human. If he behaved well, he called him atman – an Indian word meaning “spirit” and that is related to atmen (breathing) in German. Yeah, philosophers are weird sometimes.

Friedel

[free-del] darling

This name is similar to Friedolin and can serve as a nickname for a dog with that name. However, it deserves its own entry as friedel is a word from medieval German (Middle-High German) meaning darling. It has its most famous appearance in the medieval song Zlafest du friedel ziere? meaning “Darling, do you sleep deeply?” The song is a medieval minne song about a couple that has to make their farewells before dawn.

Schweini

[sh-whiny] piglet

The perfect name for a dog that likes to make a mess. However, the name was also the nickname of the famous soccer player Bastian Schweinsteiger who led Germany to the World Cup title in 2014 as captain. Schweini also played in the MLS for Chicago Fire until 2019. The name sounds like a diminutive form of schwein, so the actual translation is little pig and not piglet which would be ferkel.

Poldi

[pol-dee] Poldi

You cannot mention Schweini without Poldi. Poldi was and is the best friend of Schweinsteiger. He was most famous for his left foot shots and was also given the title Prinz or Prince Poldi.

Faust

[foust] fist

Although the name means “fist” in German, the name is associated with a play by Goethe. Dr. Faust has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. It is so immense that he even strikes a deal with Mephisto – the devil in disguise. Could serve as a sophisticated name for your dog.

Magnus

[mug-noos – short oo] the Great

This is another name that actually comes from Latin. But the name was given as a title to many great figures in German history. Carolus Magnus who is known as Charlemagne in English, Albertus Magnus who was a bishop, scholar and saint as well as Fredericus Magnus, arguably the greatest king of Prussia.

Spatz/Spatzemann

[sh-puts/sh-puts-uh-munn] sparrow

Spatz is a nickname for loved ones in German. For children but also sometimes for partners and, of course, pets. A variation of Spatz would be Spatzemann which can only be used for male dogs. Literally this word means sparrrow.

Schiller

[shiller] – German poet

Schiller was the best friend of Goethe. He is known for “storm and stress” literature: breaking up with the old, longing for liberty and the atmosphere of departure. A perfect name for a dog that causes a lot of storm and stress.

Preuss

[prois] – Prussian

The stereotype about Germans is that they are punctual, diligent and strict about rules. Something that Germans themselves refer to as Prussian virtues. Prussia was an Eastern German state that was famous for its military, for Bismarck and for fighting Napoleon and the French.

Fix & Foxi

[fix and foxy] nicknames from a German comic book

Fix and Foxi are the names for the protagonists of popular German comic book. They are actually foxes and can be compared to Hewey, Dewey and Louie – Donald Duck’s nephews. However, they are helpful, open-minded and care about others. A good name for siblings or a pair of dogs that get along well with each other.

Armin/Hermann

[ar-mean/hair-munn] name of a Germanic hero in ancient times

Hermann or Armin was a strategic mastermind in ancient times. He was raised as a slave by the Romans and trained as a soldier. Later he returned to his Germanic tribesmen and led a coalition of Germanic tribes to a tremendous victory against the Romans in the famous battle of the Teutoburger forest. Arminius was his Latin name.

Pumuckl

[poo-moo-kil] name of a German comic dwarf

Pumuckl was a very popular TV show in the 70s and 80s in Germany. The tiny dwarf with red hair has the size of a little bottle and he is at home in the workshop of a carpenter named “Meister (foreman) Eder”. Meister Eder is the only person who can see him and Pumuckl causes a lot of distress for him or others. Although in the end, Pumuckl is a friendly dwarf that also helps out when he is in a good mood.

Jupp

[Yup] Rhenish version of Josef

The name Jupp is uttered with a lot of affection in the Rhineland. Usually, Jupp is the name of an elder person that is friendly, helpful and down-to-earth.

Fritte

[Fri-tuh] french fry

The same as pommes but used mostly in the state of North-Rhine-Westfalia. It is used as a nickname for a thin guy with a working-class background.

Bomber

[Bom-ber] bomber

This is the nickname of Gerd Müller and he is globally regarded as one of the best soccer strikers of all times. Although he did not necessarily have a very athletic appearance. Another nickname of his was Kleines dickes Müllerchen – “little fatty Müller”. Maybe if these attributes also describe your dog, this could be a good name for him.

Schinoos

[shin-awes] – genius, a cunning person

Schinoos is another word from the Rhineland. It is used for a genius. The word used to have a negative sound to it originally. But nowadays it is used when someone has really good ideas in general. This can also be the case with dogs. Some dogs are definitely smarter than others. E.g. some dogs learn how to use doors just by mere observation. If your dog is like that, this might be a fitting name.

Fips/Fipsi

[fips/fipsy] nickname for Philipp

A North-German name and sometimes the nickname for “Phillip”. This name is often given to smaller dog breeds.

Knödel

[knoe-dil] – ö sounds like the “o” in word – potato dumpling

Knödel is not actually a dumpling but it is one of the essential garnishes of German cuisine. It is made of mashed potatoes, bread and bacon and looks like a thick, fluffy ball – just like some dogs.

Brocken

[bro-kin – o sounds open as in “shove”, this word does not sound like “broken”] chunk, boulder

In Germany this word is used to describe a “beefcake” not only for humans but also animals. So this name could be a good name for a Newfoundlander or a Bernese cattle dog for example.

Sahne

[zah-nuh] cream

This name could show your affection for your pet or allude to the white or cream colored fur of it.

Strudel

[shtroo-dil] swirl, vortex but also a sweet apple pastry

A good name for a dog who is playful and feisty or whose fur is swirly.

Bällchen

[bell-shen] little ball

Another good name for a little dog, for example for a pug.

Bolle

[boll-uh] onion

This word comes from Berlin and is there a very popular nickname for people. Bolle is a down-to-earth, simple, but also funny guy. A common expression there is to be Froh wie Bolle – “Happy like Bolle.” In Berlin this word also means onion.

Jung

[yoo-ng – short oo] boy

A simple and solid name for a male dog. Jung is also used in West and North Germany to adress to young and old people alike.

Mädel/Mädchen

[maid-ill/maid-shen] girl

The female version of jung. It is, however, less often used to refer to women or girls. Mädel is predominantly used in South Germany, Mädchen everywhere else.

Wolke

[woll-kuh – open o] cloud

A kind of poetic name and could fit to a white spitz dog.

Leuchte

[loish-tuh] light, beacon

A nickname for a smart person, sometimes used ironically.

Schnipsel

[shnipp-sil] snippet, paper shaving

A very good name for a miniature pinscher or a dachshund.

Nepomuk

[neh-poh-mook – short oo] Nepomuk

The name originally comes from a Bohemian bishop St. John of Nepomuk who was from the city with the same name. Today this name is very popular for fictional characters in children stories.

Knäuel

[knoy-ill] knot, bundle

A nickname for pets, often as the short form of wollknäuel – ball of wool.

Knut

[knoot] Knut

The name is of North German origin but is today given predominantly to pets. The most famous animal with this name was the ice bear Knut who lived in the Berlin zoo.

Hedwig

[heh-dwick] name

An old German name for women. It sounds outdated for people today but is still given to pets. The most famous animal with this name is Harry Potter’s snow owl.

Heidi/Heide

[high-dee/high-duh] Heidi/Heide

The name is still given to children but it is definitely a rare name.

Mats

[muts] nickname for Matthias or Matthew

North German origin and still popular today in Germany. Mats Hummels was one of the soccer world cup winner. After that the name became much more popular in Germany.

Schorsch

[showrsh] nickname for George

Schorsch was once a very popular nickname and does sound similar to the English version “George” but softer.

Gustl

[goos-till – short oo] nickname for Gustav

This is a South-German or Austrian nickname for the very traditional German name Gustav.

Mitzi

[mit-see] nickname for Maria/Marie

The name Mitzi had its heydays in Germany in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The twenties were later seen as a golden age in Germany regarding culture although they were economically difficult. This name is tied to this time.

Icke

[ik-uh] I, Berlin nickname

Icke is what people from Berlin say for “I”. But it is also used as a nickname for people who have a typical Berlin mindset (straightforward, open-minded, rough – some Germans would say unfriendly and rude).

Fiete

[fee-tuh] North German name

Fiete is a North-German name and was long forgotten. It has regained popularity in the last few decades.

Lasse

[luss-uh] North German name

Another North-German name that has regained popularity in recent years.

Bobbel/Bobbelsche

[bobill/bobill-shuh] Hessian word for a baby

Very common word in the city of Frankfurt in the local Hessian dialect. It does sound very funny and cute to other Germans.

Schelm

[shalm] rascal

A kind of old-fashioned or poetical word for a rascal.

Schatz/Schatzi

[shuts/shutsy] darling, literally treasure

Schatz is the most common nickname for your significant other in Germany. Literally it means treasure. The diminutive form Schatzi is just as popular. In South Germany there are also the forms Schatzl and Schatzerl [shuts-ill/shuts-erl].

Süße/Süßer

[syh-suh/syh-ser – the “ü” sound is hard to describe in English it sounds like a mix of “oo” and “e”, the French “u” is pronounced the same way] sweet, cute

These words do not only mean sweet or cute but they also serve as nicknames for people or pets.

Tünnes

[Tuh-ness] nickname for Anton

This name is from the Rhineland and is also sometimes used for a funny person or a mild form of idiot. Tünnes is also a famous puppet theater figure from Cologne. He represents the simple, average person from Cologne: funny, with a good heart, but also a bit naive or even stupid. He is often depicted as chubby and with cherry cheeks.

Schääl

[shayl] slick, Rhenish word

Schääl is another popular figure from Cologne. He represents the other side of Cologne and is tall and thin. He is much more intelligent than Tünnes but also takes advantage of his naive friend.

Juli

[you-lee] July, nickname for Julia

What could be better than nicknaming your dog after the midsummer month in German.

Mond

[moe-nd] moon

The German name for moon, could serve as very good name for a black and white colored dog.

Sonne

[zoh-nuh] sun

A good name for a sanguine type dog that is always happy and very active.

Stern

[shte-arn] star

Just a good nickname for a dog – as they are something special to their owners.

Struppi

[sh-troopy – short oo] nickname but sounds similar to “struppig” which means shaggy

The adventures of Tintin is a very famous and popular comic in Europe. In Germany Tintin’s dog is called Struppi. Due to the comic, the name Struppi became very popular for dogs.

Ignatz

[eek-nuts] German version of Ignatius

Today Ignatz is a very popular stage name, artist name or a name for comic figures.

Herz/Herzelein

[heyrts/heyr-tsuh-line] heart

A nickname for your significant other or for your pets.

Kabänes

[Ka-beh-niss] Rhenish word for strong guy

The Rhenish word for a muscleman. It is also the name of a very strong liquor, similar to Jägermeister, from the city of Bonn.

Schneider

[shny-der] tailor

One of the most common family names in Germany, would be a subtle hint that you have German origin. Literally this word means “cutter”.

Jäger

[yea-guh] hunter

Obviously a good name for a hunting dog but also as a regular name. At least since every dog has a hunting instinct.

Maxl/Maxi/Mäxchen

[Mugs-ill/Mugsi/Max-shen] diminutive form of Max

Those three names are popular for dogs in Germany. The first name in South Germany/Austria. The other two other names in all of Germany.

Bazi

[Butt-see] clever, cunning boy

This word is Bavarian or Austrian and is used for a rascal that is clever or cunning. It is usually slightly positive. Outside of Bavaria or Austria this can also be used as a term for Bavarians and Austrians.

Tüddi

[tuh-dee] darling, sweatheart

This is a North-German expression for darling and replaces Schatz/Schatzi in many regions.

Lind

[lint] mild, pleasant

This is a rare word for mild or pleasant and is usually only used in very specific contexts. Thus, it has a slightly poetic tone to it.

Kässi

[cassy] nickname for Katharina/Catherine

This nickname is common in the Rhineland area but not exclusively.

Spezi

[speh-tsi] a usually ironic expression for “special”

This is usually an affectionate nickname for someone who is “special” in Bavaria and Austria. So it varies in context but is often an affectionate or ironic nickname. It can be used in a demeaning way but this is rarely the case.

Glanz

[glunts] sparkle, glamour

This word used to be the German word for a female star or model. But it was later replaced by other words.

Wunderling

[woon-der-ling – short oo] someone who is wonderful or wondrous

You would call someone a wunderling who does very unusual things or who disappears all of a sudden and reappears in a very unexpected time.

Schnuppe

[shnoo-puh – short oo] snuff or shooting star

The actual word for shooting star is sternschnuppe. The schnuppe is only the tail that follows the star. It suggests that something is little and cute.

Stups

[sh-toops – short oo] nudge, light collision

This is the nickname of a famous audiobook that features an Easter bunny as a protagonist. He is very clumsy and always falls on his nose. Therefore, his name is Stups.

Finder

[fin-der – fin as in Finland] finder

Some dogs are trained to track certain things or to find something. “Finder” would be the perfect name for such a dog.

Muck/Mucki/Muckelchen

[mook/mooky/mook-ill-shen- short oo] a nickname

Muck is the name of the protagonist of the German fairytale “Little Muck”. Mucki is a nickname for boys and can also refer to muscles (Muskel). Whereas Muckelchen is mostly used for females in the Rhineland.

Zottel

[tsott-ill] shag

A person who would never cut his hair is a zottel. It is used affectionately for pets that have a very thick fur. The perfect name for longhaired dogbreeds.

Brummbär

[broom-bear – short oo] grumbling bear

A common nickname for dogs that grumble a lot. Sometimes also used for people.

Muffel

[moo-fill – short oo] grump

Morgenmuffel is the word for someone who is not a morning person. The accurate translation would be grump but it is usually used with affection.

Hatschi

[hut-she] sneeze

One of the dwarves in the fairytale of Snow white is called Hatschi. It is onomatopoetic and some Germans genuinely make this sound when sneezing.

Donner

[don-ner] thunder

It is not only the German word for thunder but also the name of the ancient Germanic god of lightning and thunder (Thor in North-Germanic). Hence, the name Donnerstag for Thursday.

Hüter

[hy-ter] guard

Similar to Wächter. However, Hütehund can also mean shepherd dog.

Geist

[guy-st] ghost, spirit

The meaning of Geist is very broad. In certain contexts it can also mean mind or genius. Therefore, the first association is to give this name to a white dog but if your dog is extraordinarily clever you could also use this name for him.

Stark

[sh-tark] strong

An obvious name for a large and strong dog. It is a good, simple and solid name.

Dagi

[duggy] nickname for Dagmar

Nowadays, this name is really popular for girls and women even if their name is not Dagmar. This name is also the name of a famous German Youtuber.

Zecke

[tsa-kuh] tick

Not an obvious choice for your dog’s name. But the nickname zecke is also used for people and pets that are really stubborn and who like to argue. The most famous bearer of this nickname was a footballer called Andreas Neuendorf. He was not necessarily the best player but was a born fighter.

Stuttgart

[stoot-gart] Stuttgart, a city in southwest Germany

Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have headquarters here. Perfect for the pup that likes car rides in fancy cars.

Kugel

[coo-gill] ball, bullet

A good name for a small, chubby dog like a pug for example. Kugel refers to the shape and not the ball as such which would be ball.

Hugo

[hoo-go] name

Hugo is an older name, today mostly used in East-Germany. It is, however, somewhat outdated and is one of the names that is now used as a pet name. Hugo was the name of a German comic dwarf in the 90’s.

Langmut

[lung-moot] patience, longanimity

The German word Mut actually means bravery – add lang (long) to it and you have something that can be translated as patience or longanimity. It is a more elevated term for a virtue that seems to become rarer in modern times.

Frohsinn

[froh-zinn] cheerfulness, joyfullness

To be froh means to be joyful in German. The word sinn is related to the English word sense. Therefore, the literal translation would be to have a joyful sense or mind. A character trait that is very common for many dogs.

Mareike/Marieke

[ma-rye-kuh/ma-ree-kuh] nickname

A Frisian (North-German) nickname for Maria/Mary.

Hecht

[hasht] pike, word for a great guy

The expression toller hecht means that someone is a great or cool guy. Pikes are seen as the biggest trophy fish for many anglers in Germany.

Blume

[bloom-uh] flower

This is the standard word for a flower. It could be a good name for a female lap dog.

Funke

[foon-kuh – short oo] spark

Could be a good name for a smaller but very lively dog.

Mottek

[mot-tech] hammer

This is a colloquial expression from the Ruhr region in West Germany. It describes a hammer but can also be used as a nickname for a strong person.

Helfer

[hell-fa] helper

Many dogs are trained to help people like guide dogs for example. A family dog can be a helper in many ways as well.

Selig

[zeh-lish/zeh-lick] blessed, blissful

Dogs are the best friends of man and are often blissful, innocent, faithful, and always happy companions.

Segen

[zeh-gen – g as in gun] blessing

If you directly want to describe your dog as a blessing, this is the name you should go for.

Tapfer

[tu-pfa] brave

A trait that many dogs have that would not even back away from bears or wolves or robbers to defend their family.

Treu

[troy] faithful

A virtue that probably all dogs have, sometimes even if they are not treated well. Many dogs run off at times but they will always (try to) come back home.

Lieb

[leap] lovely, good

Lieb as and adjective is a character trait that describes someone who does not think of any evil and always behaves well. This word is often used for children or dogs.

Glück

[glyk] luck, happiness

Glück is a universal word in German that can describe both external and internal factors of a beneficial state. Therefore, it is luck but also happiness and a good fate.

Heiter/Heiterkeit

[high-ter/high-ter-kite] happy, sunny

Heiter describes a happy state of mind by comparing your state of mind to a clear sunny day.

Lustig

[loos-tish/loos-tik – short oo] funny

A word that means funny but sometimes also happy.

Rüde

[ry-duh] male dog, rough/rude

The word is related to the English word rude and can mean the same (rough/rude). However, as a noun the word just means “male dog” and thus can be used as a name for male dogs.

Welpe

[well-puh] puppy

The word just means puppy but there are many dogs that stay childish throughout their whole life.

Nimmersatt

[nimmer-zutt] nickname for someone that is always hungry

Literally this word describes someone who is “never sated”.

Tunichtgut

[too-nisht-goot] scallawag

This word describes someone who “does no good”, who likes to pull of pranks or to make messes for example.

Bummler

[boom-ler – short oo] drifter, laggard

Someone who likes to take his time and enjoy his life is a Bummler.

Rüpel

[ry-pell] lout, ruffian

Someone who is not very polite and does not have good manners. In Quentin Tarrantino’s movie the British character Archie Hicox disguises as a German officer and uses this word to refer to a drunk German soldier. However, his accent especially during words that begin with “r” sound foreign.

Schnüffler

[shny-fler] snoop, snipper, snuffler

As a dog’s sense of smell is much finer than ours, they are constantly busy smelling things. Just like the English word the term describes also someone who likes to get involved with something that is not their business.

Rollo

[rollo – pronounced on the firs syllable] nickname

The name is ascribed to the Viking Duke of Normandy in the early middle ages. However, in Germany it is used as a pet name and its popularity probably derives from the association of “rolling” around which perfectly works in English as well.

PDF of German dog names

In case you’d prefer a PDF of all the German dog names, we have that too.

White Dog Names

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C.B. Daniels

Hi my name is C.B. Daniels and I make websites. I’ve also always been fascinated by animals. I thought that some of the information about animal diets and pet names was a little thin. So I figured I’d make this site to remedy that! I hope to make this site a hub for information about what animals eat, fun names you can use for your pets, and general animal information. Hopefully, you’ll find all the information about animals you are looking for and much more!