Beginning as a short form of Griselda, linked to a grey battle maid, Zelda also carries the glow of a princess. That mix gives this tough two syllable German name for a girl dog both grit and magic. It suits a pup who is brave and a little regal, ready for adventure and completely certain she is the heroine of the story.
It fits an owner who loves names that blend battle and royalty. Zelda suits a bold, clever girl who explores like a quest and expects to be treated accordingly. Its background is half the charm. With German roots underneath it, Zelda carries a little history into everyday life. As a tough name it keeps good company, and its own character is strong backed and confident, with real weight in a few letters. If you are browsing by letter, it sits among the 9 names that open with Z. The name is what Griselda gets shortened to, and plenty of owners now pick the short version first.
Judge it the way the dog will hear it: often, and usually at volume. The two syllables make a tidy rhythm, up and down, the shape trainers quietly favour for recall. The name in print is 5 letters long, beginning with Z and easy to spot on any list. Because it begins with Z, it is easy to pick out when several dogs are called at once. If the whole household can say it without smirking or stumbling, it passes the only exam that counts.
There is a particular sort of dog this name is waiting for. It belongs on a guardian type, a athlete type, or any dog whose bark is bigger than their bite. Our collection files it for girls, and it has the feel of a name chosen for a much loved female. Names are cheap to try at home for a weekend before anything gets engraved.
Every name in the collection that begins with the letter Z.
Every tough name in the collection, Zelda included.
The whole collection on one page, every name linked to its own page.
Browse by letter or style, match names to a breed, or open the name finder.
Zelda began in German naming tradition. Our editors sum the name up like this: Short for Griselda, grey battle maid; also the princess. Owners tend to choose it when exactly that quality is what they see in their dog.
In our collection Zelda sits firmly on the girls' side of the list. Owners do cross the lines now and then, but girl dogs are its home ground.
Zelda has two syllables, which is the honest answer to how it is said. It is long enough to sound warm and short enough to stay clear across a field.