Astrid is a name that sounds like it was designed for a large, noble dog — and the registry data backs this up. Seventy-two records at rank 1,470, female-leaning, concentrated on owners who know the name's Norse roots and want those associations attached to their animal. This is not a casual pick.
Norse Origin and Sound
Astrid comes from Old Norse meaning "divinely beautiful" — ás (god) and fríðr (beautiful). The name carries a quiet power that works well for breeds associated with Scandinavian heritage: Norwegian Elkhounds, Swedish Vallhunds, or any Spitz-type dog. Even without the breed connection, the name's two-syllable structure and crisp consonants make it easy to project across a field.
Pop-Culture Lift
Astrid from DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon franchise gave the name a modern animated hero reference that appeals to owners who want something with edge and warmth simultaneously. The character's competence and loyalty map well onto dog personality ideals. It's the same mechanism that sent Elsa into the pet registry after Frozen.
One Thing to Consider
Astrid is genuinely a rising baby name — Astrid has climbed steadily in SSA data through the 2010s and 2020s. Naming a pet Astrid in 2024 means you may know a human child named Astrid within the next few years, which creates the familiar awkwardness of shared names. It's worth factoring in for families with young social circles.