260+ Australian Shepherd Names: Ideas for Sporty & Energetic Aussies

The Australian Shepherd actually originates from the US where it was first bred from dogs imported from the Basque region of Spain. They traveled through Australia before heading to the US which is likely how the breed got its name.

Below are more than 260 Australian Shepherd dog names to give you some inspiration and help you find the ideal name for your pup.

Tips for Naming Your Australian Shepherd

The Aussie Shepherd is a type of Collie, which means you can expect a high-energy and highly-intelligent dog that is at home herding cattle as it is sat in front of a fire in the house. Getting the right name for your Aussie means choosing a name that is short and easy to recognize, one that doesn’t clash with family member names, and one that you simply like. You can choose something relevant to the dog, to your likes and dislikes, or you can just choose a name you like the sound of.

Alternatively, you can play on the fact that the breed is called an Australian Shepherd and go with an Australian name.

Australian Celebrity Names

While the Australian Shepherd doesn’t originate from Australia, you can still give it an Australian celebrity name. There are so many celebrities to pick from, and you can opt for one of your favorites, or use one of the names from this list of celebrity Aussies.

Australian Place Names

Alternatively, you can name your pup after one of the many beautiful places and landmarks in Australia. In some cases, you may have to explain the name to those that hear it, but there are some truly unique dog names in this list that you are unlikely to hear anywhere else.

Famous Dogs

Alternatively, you can steer clear of using Australian-themed names. Dogs have become so ingrained in our daily lives, that many celebrity dogs and canine characters have become almost as famous as some of the biggest names in the human celebrity world. Think Scooby Doo or Goofy. Below are some of the biggest names of canine celebrities.

Names Inspired by the Color Blue

The blue merle Australian Shepherd is one of the most common colors of this breed and has one of the most beautiful coats. It is sure to get admiring views and envious comments, so why not play on that stunning coat when choosing your dog’s name? Below are dog names that are inspired by the color blue.

Names Inspired by The Color Red

As well as the blue merle, the red merle is another popular and attractive color of Aussie Shepherds. And, just like the color blue, the color red has a lot of nicknames, names, and words associated with it. Here are some that would make excellent names for canine companions.

Food Names

Of course, you don’t have to name your dog after its color or its breed name at all. You can name it after something that you love. Whether you enjoy cooking or just eating, food is a great source of inspiration for a lot of things, including dog names.

Aussie Slang

Aussie slang is unique and some words instantly sound better than their original meanings. You can use a combination of Australian slang and your likes and loves to come up with a dog name that is easy to remember and relevant. If you enjoy food and want an Australian name, for example, you could call your female Aussie Barbie. Or Bicky, if you have a love of snack foods.

Likewise, we think it’s important that you know the meaning before choosing one of these names:

Aboriginal Names

For a true, authentic Australian name, consider using an aboriginal word. There are many beautiful-sounding words in the Aboriginal language. And, in case you were wondering, and you want a very literal name for your dog, “Cuballa” is the Aboriginal word for dog.

Final Thoughts

Naming a new dog is a big deal. You will be using that name for anywhere up to 20 years. You will have to call it around the house and potentially also out of the house when you’re at the dog park or walking down the street. The name should be easy for your dog to recognize, which means it shouldn’t be too similar to the name of a family member or a word that you use regularly.

Ideally, it should be one or two syllables long, or easy to shorten to this length, too. Hopefully, the names above have helped provide you with inspiration and ideas to come up with the perfect name for your pup.

• See Also: Short-Haired Australian Shepherd: Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

Featured Image Credit: Photography, Shutterstock