360+ French Dog Names (Beautiful, Cute, and Stylish Options)

Ever thought about giving your furry friend a touch of Parisian flair? French dog names have this amazing ability to sound both sophisticated and adorable at the same time.

Whether you’ve got a dainty little Yorkie or a majestic Great Dane, a French name might be just the perfect fit.

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of French dog names – from traditional favorites to unique gems that’ll make your pup stand out at the dog park!

French Dog Names (With Meanings)

• Amélie – Of German origin meaning “work” or “industrious,” popular in France.
• Bisou – Means “kiss” in French, perfect for affectionate dogs who love to give kisses.
• Chéri – A term of endearment in French meaning “darling” or “beloved.”
• Didier – Traditional French masculine name derived from Desiderius, meaning “desired.”
• Étienne – French form of Stephen, meaning “crown” or “garland.”
• Fleur – Simply means “flower” in French, ideal for a delicate or beautiful dog.
• Gigi – A diminutive of names like Giselle or Georgina, has a playful, feminine sound.
• Henri – French version of Henry, meaning “home ruler” or “ruler of the household.”
• Jolie – Means “pretty” in French, suitable for an elegant or beautiful dog.
• Luc – French form of Luke, meaning “light” or “illumination.”
• Miel – Means “honey” in French, perfect for a golden or sweet-natured dog.
• Noir – Means “black” in French, ideal for a black-coated dog.
• Olive – From the olive tree, representing peace and fertility in French culture.
• Pierre – French form of Peter, meaning “rock” or “stone.”
• Rémy – From the Latin Remigius, meaning “oarsman” or “remedy.”
• Simone – Feminine form of Simon, meaning “one who hears” or “one who listens.”
• Tristan – Of Celtic origin, popularized in medieval French literature, meaning “sorrowful.”
• Vert – Means “green” in French, suitable for a dog with greenish eyes or who loves nature.
• Yvette – Feminine diminutive of Yves, meaning “yew tree.”
• Zephyr – From Greek via French, meaning “west wind,” symbolizing gentleness.

Looking for more unique names? Check out our collection of unique usernames for inspiration!

Female French Dog Names

• Amélie – A charming feminine name meaning “hardworking” or “industrious,” popularized by the French film.
• Bernadette – Means “brave as a bear,” a strong name for a confident female dog.
• Camille – Gender-neutral in France but often used for girls, means “young ceremonial attendant.”
• Delphine – Derived from the Greek word for “dolphin,” represents playfulness and intelligence.
• Estelle – Means “star” in French, perfect for a dog who shines bright in your life.
• Fifi – A quintessentially French-sounding diminutive name, often associated with poodles.
• Giselle – Means “pledge” or “hostage” historically, but now associated with grace and ballet.
• Hélène – French form of Helen, meaning “bright, shining one” or “torch.”
• Inès – French version of Agnes, meaning “pure” or “holy.”
• Josephine – Feminine form of Joseph, meaning “God will add,” famously borne by Napoleon’s wife.
• Lucette – Diminutive of Luce, meaning “light” or “illumination.”
• Margot – Diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl,” popular in modern France.
• Ninette – Diminutive of Nina or Anne, giving a sweet, feminine touch.
• Odette – Feminine form of Odo, meaning “wealth” or “fortune,” famous from Swan Lake.
• Paulette – Diminutive of Paula, meaning “small” or “humble.”
• Rosette – Means “little rose,” perfect for a delicate or pretty female dog.
• Sophie – Means “wisdom,” a classic name that’s elegant and refined.
• Thérèse – French form of Teresa, meaning “harvester” or “huntress.”
• Vivienne – Means “alive” or “lively,” ideal for an energetic female dog.
• Yvonne – Feminine form of Yvon, meaning “yew wood,” traditional French name.

For more female-focused names, explore our preppy girl names collection!

Male French Dog Names

• Antoine – French form of Anthony, meaning “priceless one” or “highly praiseworthy.”
• Bastien – Short form of Sébastien, meaning “from Sebastia” or “venerable.”
• Claude – Originally a masculine name in France meaning “lame” or “limping.”
• Damien – French form of Damian, meaning “to tame” or “subdue.”
• Émile – Derived from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning “rival” or “eager.”
• François – French form of Francis, meaning “Frenchman” or “free one.”
• Gaston – Means “guest” or “from Gascony,” a region in southwestern France.
• Hugo – Means “mind” or “intellect,” popular in France and worldwide.
• Jacques – French form of James or Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
• Laurent – French form of Lawrence, meaning “crowned with laurel.”
• Marcel – Derived from the Roman name Marcellus, meaning “little warrior.”
• Nicolas – French form of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”
• Olivier – French form of Oliver, meaning “olive tree,” symbolizing peace and fruitfulness.
• Philippe – French form of Philip, meaning “lover of horses.”
• Quentin – From the Latin for “fifth,” originally given to a fifth-born child.
• Raoul – French form of Ralph, meaning “wolf counsel.”
• Sébastien – French form of Sebastian, meaning “from Sebastia” or “venerable.”
• Thierry – French form of Theodoric, meaning “ruler of the people.”
• Vincent – Means “conquering,” popular in France for its artistic associations.
• Xavier – Means “new house” or “bright,” with Spanish origins but popular in France.

Need more male inspiration? Take a look at our brown dog names for more options!

Cute French Dog Names

• Bébé – Means “baby” in French, perfect for a small or young pup.
• Bijou – Means “jewel” or “gem,” ideal for a precious little dog.
• Bonbon – Means “candy” in French, sweet for a cute, small dog.
• Boubou – A cute, affectionate nickname with a playful sound.
• Câlin – Means “hug” or “cuddle” in French, perfect for affectionate dogs.
• Chouette – Means “owl” but also “cool” or “neat” in French slang.
• Coco – Short and sweet, used as a term of endearment in France.
• Doudou – Refers to a comfort object or blanket, similar to a “lovey” for children.
• Fifille – Affectionate diminutive meaning “little girl.”
• Frou-Frou – Suggests frilly, fancy, or frivolous, great for a pampered pooch.
• Loulou – Affectionate nickname derived from Louis or Louise.
• Mignon – Means “cute” or “dainty” in French.
• Minette – Literally means “kitty” but often used affectionately for small dogs too.
• Minou – Another term for “kitty,” used endearingly for small, cute pets.
• Nounou – Short for “nourrice” meaning “nanny,” has a sweet, nurturing feel.
• Petit – Simply means “small” or “little” in French.
• Poupée – Means “doll,” good for a pretty or well-groomed dog.
• Titi – A cute, affectionate nickname with Parisian working-class associations.
• Toutou – Affectionate, childish term for “doggy” in French.
• Zouzou – A playful, made-up nickname that sounds adorable.

For more adorable options, check out our cute dog names collection!

Sweet French Dog Names

• Ami – Means “friend” in French, simple but meaningful.
• Ange – Means “angel,” perfect for a sweet-natured dog.
• Biscuit – A sweet treat, pronounced “bee-SKWEE” in French.
• Cerise – Means “cherry,” sweet for a red-colored or sweet-natured dog.
• Chou – Literally means “cabbage” but used as “sweetie” or “darling” in French.
• Coeur – Means “heart,” representing love and affection.
• Doux – Means “sweet” or “gentle” in French.
• Éclair – A delicious French pastry meaning “lightning.”
• Gentil – Means “kind” or “nice” in French.
• Joie – Means “joy” or “happiness,” for a dog that brings happiness.
• Miel – Means “honey,” sweet in both meaning and sound.
• Noisette – Means “hazelnut,” a sweet, nutty name.
• Nuage – Means “cloud,” suggesting softness and lightness.
• Patience – Same spelling in English and French, represents a gentle virtue.
• Plaisir – Means “pleasure” or “enjoyment” in French.
• Rêve – Means “dream,” sweet and ethereal.
• Sucre – Means “sugar,” obviously sweet!
• Tendre – Means “tender” or “soft” in French.
• Touche – Means “touch,” representing connection and tenderness.
• Vanille – Means “vanilla,” a sweet, popular flavor.

Looking for more sweet options? Browse our golden retriever names for inspiration!

French Dog Names Inspired by France

• Alsace – A northeastern region of France known for its wine and German influence.
• Avignon – Historic city in southeastern France, home to the Papal Palace.
• Bastille – Famous French prison stormed during the French Revolution.
• Bordeaux – Famous wine region and city in southwestern France.
• Brie – Region east of Paris, also known for its famous soft cheese.
• Cannes – Glamorous city on the French Riviera, famous for its film festival.
• Champs – Short for “Champs-Élysées,” the famous avenue in Paris.
• Corse – French name for Corsica, the Mediterranean island.
• Dijon – City in eastern France, famous for its mustard.
• Eiffel – After the Eiffel Tower, the iconic Parisian landmark.
• Giverny – Village where Claude Monet lived and painted his famous gardens.
• Loire – France’s longest river, lined with beautiful châteaux.
• Louvre – World-famous art museum in Paris.
• Monaco – Tiny principality on the French Riviera (technically independent but culturally French).
• Montmartre – Artistic hillside district in Paris.
• Nice – Beautiful coastal city on the French Riviera.
• Paris – The capital city of France.
• Provence – Southeastern region known for lavender fields and Mediterranean climate.
• Seine – The river that runs through Paris.
• Versailles – Home to the magnificent palace of King Louis XIV.

For more location-inspired names, check out our beach house names collection!

French Cuisine Inspired Dog Names

• Baguette – The iconic long French bread.
• Brie – Soft cheese named after the French region where it originated.
• Brioche – Rich, buttery bread with a high egg and butter content.
• Café – The French word for coffee, also referring to a small restaurant.
• Camembert – Soft, creamy cheese named after a Norman village.
• Champagne – The famous sparkling wine from northeastern France.
• Chouquette – Small choux pastry sprinkled with pearl sugar.
• Clafoutis – Baked dessert of fruit, traditionally cherries, in a custard-like batter.
• Cognac – Type of brandy named after the town of Cognac in France.
• Crêpe – Thin pancake served with sweet or savory fillings.
• Croissant – Flaky, crescent-shaped pastry.
• Éclair – Oblong pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate icing.
• Macaron – Sweet meringue-based confection.
• Madeleine – Small shell-shaped sponge cake.
• Mousse – Light, airy dessert, typically chocolate.
• Ratatouille – Vegetable stew originating from Nice.
• Soufflé – Light, fluffy baked dish made with egg yolks and beaten egg whites.
• Tarte – Open-faced pie that can be sweet or savory.
• Truffe – Truffle, the expensive delicacy found in French forests.
• Vinaigrette – Oil and vinegar-based salad dressing.

If you love food-themed names, you might also enjoy our food usernames list!

French Geography Influenced Dog Names

• Alpes – The French Alps, mountain range in eastern France.
• Ardèche – Department in south-central France known for its gorges and caves.
• Bretagne – Brittany, the northwestern peninsula of France.
• Calais – Port city in northern France.
• Chamonix – Alpine town at the base of Mont Blanc.
• Corsica – Mediterranean island and region of France.
• Dordogne – Department in southwestern France known for prehistoric caves.
• Garonne – Major river in southwestern France.
• Jura – Mountain range and department in eastern France.
• Languedoc – Historic region in southern France.
• Lyon – Third-largest city in France, known for its cuisine.
• Marseille – Second-largest city and major port in southern France.
• Montpellier – City near the Mediterranean in southern France.
• Normandie – Northern region famous for D-Day beaches and dairy products.
• Picardie – Historical region in northern France.
• Pyrénées – Mountain range forming the border between France and Spain.
• Riviera – French coastline along the Mediterranean.
• Rhône – Major river and wine region in southeastern France.
• Strasbourg – Capital city of the Grand Est region in northeastern France.
• Toulouse – City in southwestern France known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City).

For more geography-inspired names, explore our city inspired girl and boy names!

French Fashion Influenced Dog Names

• Balmain – Luxury fashion house founded by Pierre Balmain.
• Bertin – After Rose Bertin, Marie Antoinette’s dressmaker and first French fashion designer.
• Cartier – Famous French jeweler and watchmaker.
• Chanel – Iconic fashion house founded by Coco Chanel.
• Chloe – Popular French fashion label known for feminine designs.
• Courrèges – Fashion house founded by André Courrèges, known for space-age designs.
• Dior – Luxury fashion house founded by Christian Dior.
• Foulard – French word for “scarf.”
• Givenchy – Luxury fashion and perfume house.
• Hermès – Luxury brand specializing in leather, lifestyle accessories, and perfumes.
• Lacroix – Fashion house founded by Christian Lacroix.
• Lanvin – Oldest French fashion house still in operation.
• Louboutin – After Christian Louboutin, famous for red-soled shoes.
• Mode – Simply means “fashion” in French.
• Poiret – After Paul Poiret, influential early 20th-century designer.
• Rochas – Fashion, beauty, and perfume house.
• Satin – Smooth, glossy fabric associated with luxury.
• Vionnet – After Madeleine Vionnet, influential 20th-century designer.
• Vogue – Though not exclusively French, has strong French fashion connections.
• YSL – Short for Yves Saint Laurent, iconic fashion designer and brand.

Fashion lovers might also enjoy our fashion group team names collection!

French Dog Names Inspired by Art and Culture

• Balzac – After Honoré de Balzac, famous French novelist.
• Baudelaire – After Charles Baudelaire, influential French poet.
• Bizet – After Georges Bizet, composer of the opera “Carmen.”
• Camus – After Albert Camus, Nobel Prize-winning author.
• Cézanne – After Paul Cézanne, Post-Impressionist painter.
• Debussy – After Claude Debussy, influential composer.
• Degas – After Edgar Degas, impressionist painter famous for ballet scenes.
• Gauguin – After Paul Gauguin, post-impressionist artist.
• Hugo – After Victor Hugo, author of “Les Misérables” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
• Lumière – After the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinema.
• Manet – After Édouard Manet, pioneering modernist painter.
• Matisse – After Henri Matisse, revolutionary artist known for his use of color.
• Molière – Famous French playwright and actor.
• Monet – After Claude Monet, founder of impressionist painting.
• Piaf – After Édith Piaf, iconic French singer.
• Proust – After Marcel Proust, novelist, critic, and essayist.
• Renoir – After Pierre-Auguste Renoir, leading painter in the development of Impressionism.
• Rodin – After Auguste Rodin, sculptor of “The Thinker.”
• Satie – After Erik Satie, composer and pianist.
• Voltaire – Influential writer and philosopher during the French Enlightenment.

Art enthusiasts might also enjoy our art usernames collection for more inspiration!

Sporty French Dog Names

• Allez – Means “go” or “let’s go” in French, common cheer at sporting events.
• Ballon – Means “ball” in French, used in many sports.
• Champion – Same spelling in English and French, perfect for a winner.
• Cycliste – Means “cyclist,” reflecting France’s love of cycling.
• Escrime – Means “fencing,” a traditional French sport.
• Fair-Play – Used in French sports (borrowed from English) to denote good sportsmanship.
• Formule – Short for “Formule 1,” the French term for Formula One racing.
• Joueur – Means “player” in French.
• Ligue – Means “league,” as in sports leagues.
• Marathon – Same spelling in French, represents endurance.
• Meneur – Means “leader” in French sports terminology.
• Olympique – French word for “Olympic,” also the name of major French soccer clubs.
• Pétanque – Traditional French game similar to bocce.
• Plongeur – Means “diver” in French.
• Rapide – Means “fast” or “quick” in French.
• Rugby – Popular sport in France, especially in the southwest.
• Skieur – Means “skier” in French.
• Tennis – Major sport in France, home to the French Open.
• Tour – As in “Tour de France,” the famous cycling race.
• Victoire – Means “victory” in French.

Sports fans might also like our basketball team names for more athletic inspiration!

Fashionable French Dog Names

• Allure – Means “appearance” or “style” in French.
• Amore – Though technically Italian, widely used in French fashion circles.
• Belle – Means “beautiful,” always in fashion.
• Bijoux – Means “jewelry,” perfect for a glamorous dog.
• Charmant – Means “charming” or “delightful.”
• Chic – The quintessential French fashion term meaning stylish.
• Couture – Refers to high-end fashion design and creation.
• Élégant – Means “elegant” in French.
• Étoile – Means “star,” for a dog who stands out.
• Glamour – Used in French (borrowed from English) for stylish appeal.
• Luxe – Means “luxury” in French.
• Mannequin – Means “model” in French.
• Modèle – Means “model” or “example.”
• Parfum – Means “perfume,” associated with luxury and style.
• Raffiné – Means “refined” or “sophisticated.”
• Saphir – Means “sapphire,” a precious gemstone.
• Soie – Means “silk,” a luxurious fabric.
• Stiletto – High-heeled shoe popular in French fashion.
• Tendance – Means “trend” or “trendy” in French.
• Velours – Means “velvet,” a luxurious fabric.

Fashion fans might also enjoy our preppy usernames for more stylish inspiration!

Popular French Dog Names

• Antoine – Classic French male name that’s popular for dogs too.
• Belle – Means “beautiful,” consistently popular for female dogs.
• Bijou – Means “jewel,” a perennial favorite.
• Chanel – After the fashion house, popular for elegant female dogs.
• Chérie – Means “darling,” commonly used for female dogs.
• Coco – Simple, cute, and associated with Coco Chanel.
• Fifi – Stereotypically French dog name, especially for poodles.
• Gigi – Short, cute, and distinctly French-sounding.
• Jacques – Classic French male name popular for dogs too.
• Louis – Royal name that’s popular for male dogs.
• Luna – Though not exclusively French, very popular in France.
• Marcel – Traditional male name that’s become trendy for dogs.
• Max – Short, simple name popular in France and worldwide.
• Mimi – Cute, feminine name popular for small dogs.
• Minette – Affectionate term popular for small female dogs.
• Minou – Technically means “kitty” but popular for small dogs too.
• Oscar – Classic name popular in France and internationally.
• Simba – Made popular by The Lion King, widely used in France.
• Sophie – Classic feminine name popular for dogs too.
• Toulouse – After the French city, popular especially after “The Aristocats.”

Looking for more popular options? Check out our good team names for inspiration!

Beautiful French Dog Names

• Adeline – Means “noble” or “nobility,” has a beautiful sound.
• Amour – Means “love,” one of the most beautiful concepts.
• Angelique – Means “angelic” or “like an angel.”
• Aurore – Means “dawn,” representing beautiful new beginnings.
• Celeste – Means “heavenly” or “celestial.”
• Clarisse – Means “bright” or “clear,” has an elegant sound.
• Désirée – Means “desired” or “longed for.”
• Étoile – Means “star,” beautiful and celestial.
• Fleur – Means “flower,” representing natural beauty.
• Isabelle – Beautiful classic name with French origins.
• Jolie – Simply means “pretty” in French.
• Léonore – Variant of Eleanor, means “light.”
• Lilas – Means “lilac,” a beautiful purple flower.
• Lumière – Means “light,” representing brightness and clarity.
• Melody – Spelled “Mélodie” in French, representing beautiful music.
• Mirabelle – Type of plum but sounds beautiful as a name.
• Olympe – Female form of Olympus, the mountain of the gods.
• Rosalie – Means “rose,” representing beauty and love.
• Séraphine – Means “burning one,” referring to the highest order of angels.
• Violette – Means “purple flower,” delicate and beautiful.

For more beautiful options, explore our beautiful group names collection!

Dog Names Inspired by France

• Arc – After Joan of Arc, national heroine of France.
• Bastille – Famous prison stormed during the French Revolution.
• Beret – Traditional French hat.
• Bleu – One of the colors of the French flag, means “blue.”
• Champagne – Famous sparkling wine region.
• Croissant – Iconic French pastry.
• Eiffel – After the Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris.
• Escargot – French delicacy of cooked snails.
• Fleur-de-lis – Symbol of French royalty.
• Fromage – Means “cheese,” a cornerstone of French cuisine.
• Guillotine – Infamous execution device from the French Revolution.
• Lafayette – French aristocrat who fought in the American Revolution.
• Liberté – Means “freedom,” part of France’s national motto.
• Madeleine – Traditional French cake and church in Paris.
• Marseillaise – France’s national anthem.
• Napoleon – Famous French emperor.
• Oui – Simply means “yes” in French.
• Parisienne – Female form of “Parisian.”
• Ratatouille – French vegetable dish and popular animated film.
• Tricolore – The three colors of the French flag: blue, white, and red.

Need more inspiration? Check out our French usernames collection!

Top French Dog Names

• Abby – Short form of Abigail, popular in France and internationally.
• Bella – Means “beautiful” in Italian but very popular in France.
• Charlie – Simple, gender-neutral name popular in France.
• Daisy – “Marguerite” in French, but the English version is popular too.
• Felix – Means “happy” or “lucky,” popular for male dogs.
• Fifi – Stereotypical French poodle name that remains popular.
• Gigi – Short, cute name with a distinctly French feel.
• Hugo – Strong male name popular for dogs and people.
• Jazz – Modern, cool name popular in cosmopolitan France.
• Léo – Short form of Léon or Léonard, extremely popular.
• Lola – Short, feminine name popular throughout France.
• Louis – Royal name consistently popular for male dogs.
• Luna – Means “moon,” top name for female dogs in France.
• Max – Short, strong name popular for male dogs.
• Maya – Not traditionally French but currently very popular.
• Milou – Famous as Tintin’s dog, remains popular.
• Oscar – Classic name popular across Europe.
• Ruby – Gemstone name popular for female dogs.
• Simba – Made famous by The Lion King, widely used.
• Zoe – Means “life” in Greek, popular throughout France.

Want more top names? Browse our top usernames collection!

The Tradition of Naming Dogs in France

The French take their pet naming pretty seriously! Did you know they actually have a system for it? For purebred dogs, there’s this cool tradition where the first letter of a dog’s name is determined by the year they’re born. So all puppies born in 2020 got names starting with “R,” while 2021 pups got “S” names. Even folks with mixed breeds often follow this tradition – it’s just part of French dog culture!

Dogs are hugely popular in France, with nearly 25% of households having at least one canine companion. They’re truly considered part of the family, and their names often reflect that special bond.

Want more naming inspiration? Check out our Spanish dog names collection for additional ideas!

How to Choose the Perfect French Dog Name

Picking the right name for your four-legged friend is such a fun part of getting a new dog! When it comes to French names, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:

1. Consider your dog’s personality – Is your pup elegant and refined, or more of a silly goofball? French has names that can match any personality!
2. Think about appearance – Sometimes a name that describes your dog’s color or size feels just right
3. Pronunciation matters – Choose something you can actually say (and that your dog can recognize)
4. Meaning is important – Many French names carry beautiful meanings that might perfectly capture your dog’s spirit

I once met the cutest little Pomeranian named “Biscuit” (pronounced the French way, “bee-SKWEE”) and it suited him perfectly! His owner chose it because he was the color of a perfectly baked cookie and just as sweet.

Top 10 Most Popular French Dog Names

Want to know what the French are actually naming their dogs these days? Here’s the current top 10:

Rank	Name	Meaning
1	Luna	Moon
2	Simba	Lion (popularized by French speakers)
3	Maya	A gift
4	Belle	Beautiful
5	Louis	Famous warrior
6	Marley	Pleasant seaside meadow
7	Nala	Successful, beloved
8	Léo	Lion
9	Ruby	Red gemstone
10	Milou	Gentle, calm

The trend seems to be leaning toward shorter names that are easy to call out, with many French dog owners also drawing inspiration from popular culture.

Looking for similar inspiration? Browse our British dog names for more European flair!

Extensive List of French Dog Names by Category

Classic French Dog Names

These timeless names never go out of style:

• Pierre (Peter) – Solid as a rock
• Louis (Louis) – Famous warrior
• Amélie (Amelie) – Hardworking
• Colette (Colette) – Victory of the people
• Jacques (Jack) – Supplanter
• Giselle (Giselle) – Pledge

Male French Dog Names

Give your boy dog some French sophistication with these options:

• Alphonse – Ready for battle
• Bastien – Revered
• Étienne – Crown
• Florian – Flowering
• Gaspard – Treasure bearer
• Hugo – Mind, intellect
• Laurent – Crowned with laurel
• Marcel – Dedicated to Mars
• Olivier – Olive tree
• Rémy – Oarsman, remedy

Female French Dog Names

Your girl pup deserves a name as beautiful as she is:

• Adeline – Noble
• Brigitte – Strength
• Camille – Young ceremonial attendant
• Delphine – Dolphin
• Élise – Pledged to God
• Fleur – Flower
• Josette – God will increase
• Lisette – Devoted to God
• Margot – Pearl
• Violette – Purple flower

For more female-focused naming ideas, you might enjoy our strong dog names collection!

Cute and Adorable French Dog Names

These sweet names are perfect for those dogs who make your heart melt:

• Bijou – Jewel
• Chéri/Chérie – Darling
• Doudou – Comfort object (like a teddy bear)
• Mignon – Cute
• Bonbon – Candy
• Câlin – Hug
• Bisous – Kisses
• Trésor – Treasure
• Chou – Cabbage (used affectionately like “sweetie”)
• Joujou – Toy

Food-Inspired French Dog Names

France is famous for its cuisine, so why not name your dog after something delicious?

• Baguette – French bread
• Croissant – Crescent-shaped pastry
• Brie – Soft cheese
• Truffle – Expensive mushroom
• Macaron – Sweet meringue-based confection
• Éclair – Lightning (also a delicious pastry)
• Mousse – Whipped dessert
• Crêpe – Thin pancake
• Brioche – Rich bread
• Praline – Candy made from nuts and sugar

I have a neighbor who named her tiny Chihuahua “Croissant” because he curls up into a perfect crescent shape when he sleeps. It’s absolutely adorable!

Unique and Uncommon French Dog Names

Stand out from the crowd with these distinctive options:

• Céleste – Heavenly
• Fantôme – Ghost
• Zéphyr – West wind
• Écarlate – Scarlet
• Lumière – Light
• Mystique – Mystical
• Novelle – New
• Quartz – Crystal
• Sérénité – Serenity
• Volant – Flying

French Dog Names for Small Breeds

These names have a delicate, refined quality that suits smaller dogs:

• Petit – Small
• Puce – Flea (a term of endearment in French)
• Miette – Crumb
• Tulipe – Tulip
• Luciole – Firefly
• Minette – Kitty (often used for small dogs too)
• Papillon – Butterfly
• Souris – Mouse
• Coquille – Shell
• Étincelle – Spark

If you’re specifically looking for Yorkshire Terrier names, check out our Yorkshire Terrier names collection!

French Dog Names for Large Breeds

These stronger, more commanding names work well for bigger dogs:

• Géant – Giant
• Roi – King
• Montagne – Mountain
• Tonnerre – Thunder
• Kaiser – Emperor
• Chevalier – Knight
• Château – Castle
• Goliath – Giant (biblical)
• Titan – Giant from Greek mythology
• Hercule – Hercules

French Dog Names by Theme

Names Inspired by French Places

Take a virtual tour of France with these location-based names:

• Paris – The capital city
• Lyon – Third-largest city in France
• Marseille – Coastal city in southern France
• Normandie – Northern region of France
• Cannes – Famous for its film festival
• Bordeaux – Famous wine region
• Loire – Longest river in France
• Monaco – Small principality on the Mediterranean coast
• Versailles – Site of the famous palace
• Provence – Southeastern region known for lavender fields

Names from French Pop Culture, Literature, and History

Draw inspiration from famous French figures and works:

• Napoleon – Famous French emperor
• Chanel – Iconic fashion brand
• Amélie – Beloved film character
• Cyrano – Character from Cyrano de Bergerac
• Esmeralda – Character from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Voltaire – Famous philosopher
• Monet – Impressionist painter
• Hugo – After Victor Hugo, famous author
• Piaf – After Edith Piaf, famous singer
• Asterix – Comic book character

Names Inspired by Colors, Nature, and Seasons

The natural world offers wonderful naming opportunities:

• Bleu/Bleue – Blue
• Rouge – Red
• Noir/Noire – Black
• Blanc/Blanche – White
• Automne – Autumn
• Hiver – Winter
• Printemps – Spring
• Été – Summer
• Forêt – Forest
• Soleil – Sun

For more color-inspired dog names, take a look at our brown dog names collection!

The Meanings Behind Popular French Dog Names

One of the coolest things about French names is how meaningful they can be. For instance:

• Léon means “lion” and symbolizes courage and strength
• Luc means “light” and represents brightness and hope
• Félicité means “happiness” and embodies joy
• Fidèle means “faithful” – perfect for a loyal companion!
• Vaillant means “brave” or “valiant”

Choosing a name with significance adds an extra special touch to your dog’s identity. My friend named her rescue dog “Phoenix” (pronounced the French way, “fay-NEEKS”) because she rose from the ashes of a difficult past.

Fun Facts and Trivia About French Dog Names

Did you know that the French have special names for common dog breeds? For example:

• Bulldog = Le bouledogue
• Poodle = Le caniche
• German Shepherd = Le berger allemand
• Golden Retriever = Le golden retriever
• Beagle = Le beagle

Another fun fact is that some French dog names have playful double meanings. “Minou” technically means “kitty,” but it’s often used affectionately for small dogs too!

The annual letter naming system I mentioned earlier has been around for decades. It skips a few letters like K, Q, W, X, Y and Z because they’re not common in French names.

French Dog Name Inspiration from Famous Dogs and Owners

Notable French Dogs in History and Culture

• Milou – Tintin’s faithful white fox terrier in the famous comic series
• Didier – The French bulldog belonging to famous fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld
• Frou-Frou – The poodle from the movie “Gigi”
• Pompon – The dog of famous French artist Claude Monet

Celebrity Dogs with French Names

• Choupette – Karl Lagerfeld’s pampered cat (technically a cat, but the name works for dogs too!)
• Bijou – A popular name among celebrity pet owners
• Jacques – A name chosen by several Hollywood stars for their dogs
• Belle – Featured in many movies and as a pet name for celebrities

For more celebrity-inspired names, you might enjoy our cool dog names list!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Pronounce Tricky French Dog Names

French pronunciation can be challenging! Here are a few examples:

• Bijou = bee-ZHOO
• Mignon = meen-YON
• Chien = shee-EN
• Loupe = LOOP
• Éclair = ay-CLAIR

Tips for Teaching Your Dog Its New French Name

1. Use it consistently
2. Pair it with positive experiences
3. Say it clearly and enthusiastically
4. Practice in different environments
5. Be patient – new names take time!

Can You Use Human Names for Dogs in France?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s quite common. Many French people give their dogs human names like Pierre, Sophie, or Marcel. Just like in America, the line between human and pet names has blurred significantly.

Resources for Finding French Dog Names

If you’d like to explore even more French dog names, here are some helpful resources:

• French baby name books (yes, really!)
• Online French dictionaries
• French cultural websites
• Travel guides to France
• French literature and films

Final Thoughts

Picking a French name for your dog adds a touch of elegance and charm that’s hard to beat. Whether you go with something classic like Pierre or Louis, something cute like Bonbon or Bisou, or something unique like Zéphyr or Lumière, a French name is sure to turn heads at the dog park.

The key is finding a name that feels right for your dog’s personality and that you enjoy saying – because you’ll be saying it a lot! Trust your instincts and have fun with the process.

Oh, and don’t worry about perfect pronunciation. Your dog won’t mind if your accent isn’t perfect – they’ll love their name because it comes from you!

Find more inspiration with our cute dog names collection for additional adorable options!