Dachshund Names

When we first met Harvey, he didn’t feel like a Harvey. He was eight weeks old, with paws too big for his frame and a yawn that seemed disproportionate to his size. We went through every name under the sun — Otto, Theo, Pixel, Frank, Elio — but nothing quite landed. Then one morning, watching him navigate the edge of our sofa like it was the Grand Canyon, I said: “He’s not trying to be anything. He’s just… Harvey.”

Naming a dachshund is like naming someone with a pre-written character description. They’re funny without trying, dramatic for no reason, and somehow manage to look noble while getting stuck in a blanket. So finding a name that reflects all of that — without sounding like a cartoon or a cliché — takes more than a list.

This guide is built for owners who want to choose a dachshund name with intention. Whether you’re after something rooted in heritage, inspired by design, or just plain clever, we’ll help you find a name that fits the long-bodied, short-fused, deeply lovable creature in your life.

We’ll also draw on insights from dog behaviorists, breed historians, and naming trend analysts like Nameberry and the American Kennel Club (AKC), who remind us that a name doesn’t just reflect your dog — it also shapes how others see them.

Dachshunds originated in Germany in the 15th century, where they were bred for hunting badgers — hence the name “dachs” (badger) and “hund” (dog). That origin story still lingers in their posture, their stubbornness, and their work ethic. So it’s no surprise that German names feel especially fitting — they’re not just stylistic, they’re genealogical.

According to the German Teckel Club, the dachshund has always been tied to tradition. In rural regions, names like Greta, Heinz, and Franz were used not only for their phonetics but because they reflected common working-class names — strong, honest, and no-nonsense.

Here are some timeless German names that feel right at home on a doxie:

• Greta – Stern but sweet.
  
  
• Liesl – A touch playful, often for the more energetic types.
  
  
• Heidi – Charming and warm.
  
  
• Inga – Short, clean, powerful.
  
  
• Wilma – Earthy and affectionate.
  
  

• Otto – One of the most classic dachshund names. Noble, neat, and undeniably doxie.
  
  
• Fritz – Playful, punchy, and popular in early kennel club records.
  
  
• Klaus – Confident, grounded.
  
  
• Hans – A bit serious, often suits a stoic or older-looking pup.
  
  
• Dieter – Just obscure enough to feel original, but not try-hard.
  
  

They’re not just cute — they age well. A puppy named Otto still feels right as an old dog. A doxie named Greta still commands the room at 12 years old. And for those who like a bit of heritage without going full novelty, German names offer a cultural throughline without screaming for attention.

According to Nameberry, “names with continental European roots — especially Germanic ones — have surged in recent years as owners look for originality with history.”

Not every dachshund name needs to be clever or culturally rooted. Sometimes the best name is the one that feels clean, intentional, and a little unexpected. For design-led homes — where the dog bed doesn’t clash with the rug and the collar is chosen with the same care as a ceramic vase — a minimalist name just makes sense.

These names tend to be short. One or two syllables. Easy to say. Pleasant to hear. They pair well with neutral-toned leads, timber floors, and calm conversations.

• Rue – Light, elegant, and quietly cool.
  
  
• Lux – Has weight and polish.
  
  
• Blue – For grey-toned or silver dapples, or just to add calm.
  
  
• Bo – Soft but assertive.
  
  
• Kai – Crisp, globally stylish.
  
  

• Hugo – Clean, European, timeless.
  
  
• Ezra – Poetic without being overly precious.
  
  
• Ren – Underrated and architectural.
  
  
• Milo – Soft but not silly.
  
  
• Ash – Natural and grounded.
  
  

• Mae – Simple, sweet, unfussy.
  
  
• Nell – Feels vintage and pared back.
  
  
• Sage – Grounded and fresh.
  
  
• Liv – Sharp, short, luminous.
  
  
• Juno – Mythical with restraint.
  
  

Minimalist names work well for doxies because they’re already such visual characters. Their bodies do the talking. Their personalities are full-volume. A clean, elegant name balances that. It whispers when everything else yaps.

A recent Nameberry trend report noted that “single-syllable names with a soft consonant and short vowel pairing are among the fastest-growing for urban pet owners in 2025.”

Some dachshunds just have comedic timing built into their bones. Maybe it’s the way they stare at you like they’re about to make a sarcastic remark. Maybe it’s how they sprint, bark, then immediately need a nap. Either way, these dogs are walking punchlines — so naming them with a wink can feel just right.

The trick with funny names is not to go too far into kitsch. You want something that’s clever enough to amuse you (and your friends), but not so gimmicky that you regret it when you’re yelling it at the dog park.

• Moose – Always funny, especially on a 5kg mini.
  
  
• Bear – Unexpected and grounding.
  
  
• Tank – For the solid, determined doxie who moves like a bulldozer.
  
  
• Maximus – Sounds gladiatorial until you see the ears.
  
  

• Pickle – Oddly perfect. Works for smooth coats and chaotic personalities.
  
  
• Bratwurst – Long, proud, and hilariously on-brand.
  
  
• Churro – For the long-haired cinnamon twist types.
  
  
• Peanut – Always cute. Never fails.
  
  

• Stanley – Sincere, sensible, and unexpectedly chic.
  
  
• Walter – For a dachshund that acts like he’s retired already.
  
  
• Herbert – Weird enough to be perfect.
  
  
• Gus – Compact, endearing, and always up for a nap.
  
  

Even the ironic names should still feel affectionate. Dachshunds are easy to laugh with, but they’re not joke pets. They’re deeply bonded, emotional, intuitive — so even when their name makes people smile, it should still feel like it fits.

In an AKC naming trends survey, “quirky, nostalgic, and mismatched names” rose sharply among small-dog owners aged 25–40 — driven by pop culture, humor, and irony with warmth

Some dogs feel more like people. Dachshunds — with their moods, their routines, and their very strong opinions about where they sleep — often fall into this category. Giving them a human name isn’t about anthropomorphising them. It’s about acknowledging the truth: these dogs are full characters with fully developed social roles in your home.

These names work especially well if your doxie already feels like someone. The one who makes eye contact when you talk. The one who waits at the same window every day. The one who sulks when you leave but still gives you space when you’re stressed. A dog like that deserves a name that feels lived in.

• Henry – Gentle and grounded. A name that grows with the dog.
  
  
• Charlie – Loyal, upbeat, and a classic for a reason.
  
  
• Oliver – Formal on paper, cheeky in practice.
  
  
• Louis – A little posh, a little playful.
  
  
• Jack – Unfussy, everyman, dependable.
  
  

• Mabel – Sweet, with vintage charm.
  
  
• Winnie – Warm, round, and full of affection.
  
  
• Lucy – Straightforward and easy to say.
  
  
• Isla – Elegant and just different enough.
  
  
• Chloe – Light, bright, and full of bounce.
  
  

• Sam – For the dog who just gets you.
  
  
• Alex – Simple, ageless, versatile.
  
  
• Jess – Casual and friendly.
  
  
• Remy – Stylish and a little Parisian.
  
  
• Riley – For the joyful, always-up-for-anything dachshund.
  
  

They’re relational animals. The kind of dog that follows you from room to room not because they’re anxious, but because they simply want to be included. Giving them a name you’d give a friend just reflects the emotional role they already play.

Sometimes the best name has already been tried, tested, and adored. These dachshunds — from celebrity sidekicks to social media stars — come with built-in charisma. Naming your pup after one of them isn’t copying. It’s participating in a kind of long-bodied legacy.

• Wadl & Hexl – Beloved by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who kept multiple dachshunds at court. These names echo the breed’s aristocratic ties.
   
• Lump – Pablo Picasso’s dachshund, featured in dozens of the artist’s drawings and paintings. Lump was more than a pet — he was a muse.
   
• Waldi – The official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics, representing resilience, determination, and German pride.
   

• Famous – Audrey Hepburn’s cherished dachshund, often photographed in her arms or at her side. A fitting name for a dog with main-character energy.
   
• Gigoo – The sausage-shaped companion of artist David Hockney, appearing in several of his works. Subtle, affectionate, and memorable.
   
• Knox – The handsome dachshund of actor Josh Duhamel, frequently seen in interviews and social posts.
   

• Crusoe – Possibly the most famous internet dachshund of all time, known for his costumes, books, and global fanbase. If your dog has performer energy, this one fits.
   
• Samson – A long-haired dappled doxie with a clean aesthetic and calm presence, often featured in neutral-toned interiors and design blogs.
   
• Milo – The name of several popular Instagram dachshunds, often used for pups with soft features and soulful eyes.
   

• Charles – A nod to Charles Leclerc, the Formula 1 driver known for travelling with his dachshund. If you’re a fan, it’s a clever tribute.
   
• Gigi – Like Gigi Hadid’s doxie-adjacent aesthetic — sleek, chic, and always camera-ready.
   
• Ziggy – A go-to for the arty or offbeat dachshund, inspired by Bowie’s alter ego and the dogs that wear collars like they’re jewellery.
   

Want to meet more iconic sausage dogs? Head over to Famous Dachshunds for a curated look at the dogs who’ve shaped public perception — and made us fall in love with the breed all over again.

You can scroll through lists for hours. But the right name often doesn’t come from a search engine. It comes from watching your dog. Listening to how they move. Noticing what feels natural when you call them — and what makes them stop and look back.

These tips come from real dachshund owners who’ve lived through the indecision, tried a few names aloud, and landed on something that clicked.

You’ll say their name when you’re calm, frustrated, and half-asleep. It should feel good in your mouth in all three states.

“We nearly went with ‘Bruno’ until I heard myself yell it in a panicked voice after he ran toward the front gate. It didn’t feel right.” – Evie, Sydney

Is your dachshund bold and fast, or cautious and deliberate? Do they flop into sleep or curl up like a cat? Names that mirror their pace tend to land more naturally.

Funny is great. But if it’s too gimmicky, it may feel out of place once your dog matures. The best names evolve with them.

Sometimes a name just comes. You’ll say it once, and the dog will respond like it’s already theirs. That’s worth more than a perfect theme.

One or two syllables tend to work best. They’re easier to say, easier for dogs to recognize, and more likely to stick.

If you’re exploring all the quirks and culture that come with dachshund life, don’t stop here. This series dives into the history, humor, and heart of the breed — one long-bodied topic at a time.

• World’s Longest Dachshund
  Meet the dachshunds who stretched the limits — and what those records reveal about the breed.
  
  
• When Is National Dachshund Day?
  Why the longest day of the year belongs to the world’s longest dog.
  
  
• Movies About Dachshunds
  From comedy cameos to cult classics, dachshunds have been stealing scenes for decades.
  
  
• Funny Dachshund Sayings
  A collection of wry one-liners and sayings only a dachshund owner would truly get.
  
  
• Famous Dachshunds
  Discover the four-legged icons who’ve appeared in palaces, on red carpets, and across Instagram feeds.
  
  
• Dachshund in World War II
  A surprisingly emotional look at how a breed became symbolic — and survived a cultural backlash.
  
  
• Dachshund Names
  If you’re still deciding, or just want to see what others have chosen — start here.
  
  
• Dachshund Jokes
  Clean, funny, and designed to be shared with other low-rider lovers.
  
  
• Fun Facts About Dachshunds
  Unexpected trivia about the breed we thought we already knew everything about.
  
  
• Dachshund Meme
  Because sometimes the best description of a dachshund… is a meme.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.