The French language is among the most romantic in the world. So what better way to find the perfect name for your canine amour (love) than to give your dog a fabulous French dog name? These picks run the gamut from distinguished and dainty to deliciously fun to say. Vive la France!
Don’t stop here—check out these names inspired by Spain and Italy, too!
Key Takeaways
- French dog names such as Pierre, Belle, and Amour offer elegance and flair.
- Many names draw from French food, cities, and romantic themes.
- A French name can reflect your dog’s breed origins or your own personal style.
- Short, distinct names are easier for your dog to recognize.
| A | |
|---|---|
| Abrielle | A unique twist on the more common, Gabrielle, meaning “god is my strength.” After all, “god” is dog spelled backwards. |
| Acadia | Meaning “idyllic place” like Acadia National Park, which allows dogs on 100 miles of hiking trails. Sounds pretty idyllic to us. |
| Adélie | Pronounced “AH-de-lee,” a noble name for your queenly lady. |
| Aimée | The French version of Amy has a certain je nais sais quois befitting of cultured canines. |
| Alexandre | A fitting name if your dog is a staunch defender of all that is good in the world, meaning “defender of the people.” |
| Amélie | The title character of French comedy”Amélie” is the perfect pup namesake—sweet, innocent and playful, Amélie is impossible not to love. |
| Ameline | Meaning “hard-working,” it’s a great name for your dashing dame who loves to stay busy. |
| Amour | French for “love,” it’s the best French dog name to tell your dog, “I love you.” |
| Anatole | Meaning “sunrise,” it’s perfect for your Anatolian Shepherd. |
| Andre | All dogs who adore balls will appreciate this nod to the famous tennis player and Olympic gold medalist, Andre Agassi. |
| Annecy | A romantic lakeside city in the French Alps. |
| Angeline | Meaning “little angel”—because your pup comes with a built-in halo, of course. |
| Antoinette | In honor of the last queen of France, Marie Antoinette, this certainly gives your dog an air of that French je ne sais quoi. |
| Argent | Pronounced “ar-jan” and meaning “silver.” Cute for a dog with a silver coat or an older dog who might be showing some grays around the edges. |
| Armand | Famous French industrialist Armand Peugeot was a pioneer in the automotive industry. A fitting name if your dog loves car rides. |
| Arnaud | Meaning “eagle” or “power,” this name shared by retired French tennis player Arnaud Clément might be a great fit for a dog who’s especially strong. |
| Aubergine | Look at your dog’s body from above. Are they shaped like an eggplant? If so, this French word for the vegetable is a match. |
| Augustin | For the distinguished dog deserving a title with an illustrious ring. |
| B | |
|---|---|
| Baguette | This long, skinny loaf of bread is tough on the outside, soft on the inside—like your dog, perhaps. |
| Béatrice | Meaning “bringer of joy,” this is a great name for pups who are feisty and witty like the heroine of Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.” |
| Beau | For handsome dogs, a properly fancy French moniker. |
| Beaufort | A region of France also known for its namesake cheese. |
| Beignet | Who doesn’t love a donut? Pronounced “BEN-yay,” these French deep-fried fritters, often topped with powdered sugar, make for a cute white dog name—and a delicious hors d’oeuvre. |
| Belle | Short for “Isabelle,” this French dog name means beautiful (like your dog, of course). |
| Bernadette | Meaning “brave as a bear,” it’s a great name for a loyal guard dog. |
| Bijou | Pronounced “bee-joo,” and meaning a jewel or some other small, dainty piece of delicate workmanship, this is a fitting name for toy or miniature dog breeds of any variety. |
| Bleu | The color blue, but with that perfect French pronunciation (accentuate that “eu” sound like a short “u” in English) it’s a great homage for a dog with blue eyes. |
| Bonbon | A small chocolate candy as irresistibly delightful as your dog. |
| Brie | A soft, creamy, buttery cheese named after the French region where it comes from, this would be a clever name for a dog with white or blond fur. |
| Brigitte | This is the real name of the French Bulldog who plays Stella on ABC’s “Modern Family;” she who won “Best Dog in a Television Series” at the inaugural Golden Collar Awards. |
| Brindille | Pronounced “brin-dij,” an endearing name for long-legged, slender or slight-framed dogs, this word means “twig” in French. |
| Brioche | Is your dog as golden and irresistible as this fluffy and delicious French bread? |
| Brun | French for “brown,” like the color of your dog’s fur. |
| Burgundy | A rich, red color and the historical region in east-central France where Burgundy wine is made. Especially appropriate for dogs with rich, red coats. |
| C | |
|---|---|
| Camille | A unisex French name that means “religious helper,” it’s a fitting pick for your eager-to-please dog. |
| Cartier | For high-class dogs who shine as bright as diamonds. |
| Cayenne | Meaning “hot spice,” for those pups with a feisty temperament to match. |
| Cerise | A French dog name meaning “cherry” or a vivid pink-red color like your dog’s perfectly pink tongue. |
| Celine | Meaning “heavenly,” this French name enjoyed a boost in popularity thanks to French-Canadian singer Celine Dion. It makes an especially fun choice for vocal breeds such as Beagles and Basset Hounds! |
| Champagne | The drink of celebrations and also a lovely region of France known for its production of this sparkling white wine. If your dog’s fur is the golden color of Champagne, it’s a match. |
| Chamonix | Pronounced “SHA-muh-nee,” a mountain region of the French Alps with the oldest ski resort in France, for the dog who loves the snow. |
| Chanceux | Meaning “lucky,” it’s a great pick for the rescue dog who’s made you the luckiest pet parent alive. Pronounced “chan-soo.” |
| Chanel | For dogs who appreciate the finer things in life, name them after the French luxury fashion house founded by Coco Chanel. |
| Charlemagne | For dogs who are reincarnated rulers of their world. |
| Charlize | Dogs who love drama will be appropriately named after Academy Award-winning actor Charlize Theron. |
| Charlotte | Meaning “petite” and “feminine”—like your dog, perhaps. |
| Chauve | French for “bald,” it’s one of the best French dog names for a hairless breed like the Xoloitzcuintli. Pronounced “shov.” |
| Cherie | A French term of endearment meaning “sweetheart.” |
| Chevy | A name with old French origins, it means “knight” for your gallant pup. |
| Chouchou | The French language is brimming with sweet pet names, including this one that translates to “darling.” |
| Citrouille | French for “pumpkin,” it’s a cute pick for a dog with orange fur, or one who was adopted around Halloween. Pronounced “si-tru-ye.” |
| Clovis | Meaning “famous in war,” this was the name of the Frankish king who united France under his rule in the 5th century. Perfect for dogs who will NOT let those fiendish squirrels win. |
| Colette | Meaning “people of victory,” it’s a classy way to communicate to the world that your dog’s a winner in your eyes. |
| Corinne | Meaning “maiden” and great for proper young lady pups. |
| Cosette | One of the main characters in the famous French novel “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo, this name means “victorious,” just like the dog who’s won your heart. |
| Crevette | French for “shrimp,” it’s a funny name for a small pup. |
| Croissant | If your dog is as sweet and flakey as these buttery crescent-shaped rolls, why not name them for them? |
| D | |
|---|---|
| Darcy | Originally spelled d’Arcy for a family from Arcy, France, this name means “dark one” and is perfect for mischievous pups. |
| D’Artagnan | Dog musketeers unite! D’Artagnan was one of the main characters of Alexandre Dumas’s “The Three Musketeers.” |
| Dax | Trekkies will love this French nod to the character Jadzia Dax of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Also, a historic town in southwestern France. |
| Debussy | After French composer Claude Debussy, it’s a name perfect for music-loving dogs who howl along to their favorite tunes. |
| Delphine | With associations to dolphins, delphinium flowers and the ancient Greek city of Delphi, this is a whimsical name for a magical pup. |
| Dijon | The capital of Burgundy famous for its mustard—a cute pick for a dog with golden fur. |
| Dominique | If you love stunning leading ladies from the Golden Age of Hollywood, name your pup after French silver screen actress Dominique Blanchar. |
| Dorée | French for “golden,” it’s perhaps the best French dog name for dogs with golden fur. |
| Dubois | For the dog who loves the great outdoors, this French family name means “one who lived in the woods.” |
| Duval | Meaning “of the valley,” it’s another great pick for pups who love nature. |
| Duveteux | It might sound fancy, but this word is simply French for “fluffy.” |
| E | |
|---|---|
| Éclair | The name of a French dessert. A sweet name for sweet pups! |
| Eiffel | Name your dog after Paris’ famous tower, an especially great pick for dogs who are tall. |
| Eliane | Meaning “daughter of the sun,” for the dog who enjoys napping in solar-warmed spots. |
| Eloise | Meaning “famous warrior,” it’s a strong pick for a girl dog who never loses a battle. |
| Escargot | French for “snail,” it’s a quirky name for a small breed pup. |
| Esme | This trendy name means “loved,” making it perfect for man’s best friend. |
| Étoile | Meaning “star,” for all the dogs who steal the show. Pronounced “ey-twal.” |
| F | |
|---|---|
| Fay | With possible connections to elves or fairies, this old French word also means “loyal” or “trustworthy” which, obviously, all dogs are. |
| Fidèle | French for “loyal,” just like your dog. |
| Fille | Meaning “girl.” A “bonne fille” is your very own good girl—à la française. |
| Fleur | Meaning “flower,” it’s a cute name for your pup who’s as pretty as a rose. |
| Francine | A regal name meaning “free one,” for your free-spirited dog. |
| François | Literally meaning “Frenchman,” it’s a suave, sophisticated French name for a pup with the appropriate swagger. For extra French credit, spell it with the cedilla, the small tail off of the lower case c. |
| Fromage | Cheese lovers look no further than this appropriately “cheesy” name for your dog. |
| G | |
|---|---|
| Gaga | Pop star icon Lady Gaga made it famous, but the word is often used to mean “excessively enthusiastic”—which describes most puppies. |
| Garcon | Meaning “boy.” For the “bon garcon” (good boy) in your life. |
| Gaston | Does your dog have a loveable villainous streak (hey, we won’t judge)? If so, this French name for the Disney villain from “Beauty and the Beast” might be a good fit. |
| Gauthier | A person who held a commanding position in the medieval French army. Perfect for your imperious dog overlord who commands your heart. Pronounced “GO-teay.” |
| Geneviève | Saint Genevieve is the patroness of Paris. Perfect for saintly dogs or puppers with a Parisian flair. |
| Georgette | Meaning “tiller of the soil,” it’s a fancy name for dogs who love digging in the dirt. |
| Germain | Does your dog have an adventurous streak? Name them for Comte de Saint-Germain, an 18th-century adventurer known as “der Wundermann” (the Wonderman). |
| Gigi | A recognizably French name that is the just-right mix of sass and sophistication for your sassy, sophisticated pup. |
| Giles | Saint Giles or Giles the Hermit lived in the lower Rhône, doing good deeds. For shy or quiet dogs who still make the world a better place. |
| Gisele | Pups with model-worthy good looks will appreciate the nod to supermodel Gisele Bündchen. |
| Grise | French for “gray,” it’s one of the best French dog names for a dog with gray fur. |
| Gruyere | Have a sweet but slightly salty dog? This cheese could be their soulmate. |
| Gustave | Looking for an iconically French dog name? It doesn’t get more French than Gustave Eiffel, the French civil engineer famous for the tower that bears his name. |
| H | |
|---|---|
| Helene | Meaning “bright, shining one.” For gal pups with the sleekest fur. |
| Henri | For the artistically inclined dog, both Henri Matisse and Henri Rousseau were famous French artists. |
| Hercule | The French version of Hercules, it’s a great way to tell the world what a hero your dog is. |
| Hilaire | Meaning “happy” or “merry,” for dogs who love to dance through the yard like Laurent Hilaire, a famous French ballet dancer. |
| Hugo | After French novelist, poet and playwright, Victor Hugo, this name means “mind,” so it’s especially apt for smart pups. |
| I | |
|---|---|
| Isabelle | Meaning “God is perfection,” it’s the perfect name for your perfect pup. |
| Ivette | Meaning “yew.” Yew trees are symbolic of regeneration in difficult times, just like resilient canines. |
| J | |
|---|---|
| Jacquard | An intricately woven or patterned fabric, a fitting name for dogs with a coat of many colors. |
| Jacqueline | Like your dog, this name is charming, elegant and chic, just like First Lady and fashion icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. |
| Jacques | Explorer, inventor, conservationist and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau educated people about the oceans. A perfect name for your adventurous, water-loving hound. |
| Jessamine | Meaning “jasmine flower,” a strong, sweet bloom with white petals. For white dogs, it’s a winner. |
| Jean Luc | Captain Jean Luc Picard—”Star Trek” fans, need we say more? |
| Jean Valjean | For dogs with a heart of gold, choose this name of the good-hearted protagonist of Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables.” |
| Jolie | Meaning “pretty,” just like your pup. |
| Jules | Meaning “youthful, soft, downy,” it’s a French puppy name or a great name for the dog who is a puppy at heart and has a big imagination, like French novelist Jules Verne. |
| Juliet | The heroine of Shakespeare’s tragedy of star-crossed lovers, it’s a natural pick for lovers of the classics. |
| L | |
|---|---|
| Lacey | A French twist on Lassie. |
| Lafayette | A distinguished name with origins in the beech forests of France, for your dog who loves the outdoors. |
| Lancelot | Is your dog your knight in shining armor? If so, this French name for one of the knights of Sir Arthur’s round table is a fitting name. |
| Laramie | Meaning “tears of love,” which maybe you cried the first time you held your dog in your arms. |
| Larue | Meaning “the street” or “one who lived beside a road, track, or pathway.” Perfect for the rescue pup who found their home with you. |
| Laurent | For the fashionista dog who rocks all the styles, name them after designer Yves Saint Laurent. |
| Lenore | Meaning “light,” this short and sweet variation of Eleanor is perfect for dogs with light-colored fur. |
| Libellule | A melodic name meaning “dragonfly,” it could be a fit for a dog who’s always flitting and hovering around you. |
| Lionel | French diminutive of Léon, meaning “lion.” For courageous dogs or those who really like to roar. |
| Lisette | A delicate name for a dainty dog. |
| Louis | Does your dog think he’s a king? At least 18 French monarchs had this kingly name. |
| Lorraine | The mighty Joan of Arc was also known as “The Maid of Lorraine.” Perfect for strong girl dogs. |
| Lucien | Meaning “light.” Great for the best boy who is the light of your life. |
| Louna | The French version of Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon (and one of the most popular dog names). |
| Louvre | Art lovers can name their distinguished dog after the museum with the most exhibition space in the world. |
| Lyon | The name of this French town packed full of history, architecture, culture and tasty cheese comes from “lion,” making it perfect for strong dogs with a mighty roar (or howl). |
| M | |
|---|---|
| Macaron | Dainty, colorful and fluffy, these cute little French cookies are a unique treat—just like your dog. |
| Macon | This French family name meaning “marsh dweller” works great for dogs who love to splash in puddles. Plus, it rhymes with bacon, aka your dog’s favorite snack. |
| Madeleine | Lovers of literature can name their dog after Madeleine L’Engle, author of the “Wrinkle in Time” series. |
| Mael | Meaning “chief or prince,” for the pup who demands—nay, deserves—the royal treatment. |
| Magnolia | Named for French botanist Pierre Magnol, this is a sweet, white flower with a name that’s perfect for your sweet, white dog. |
| Mallory | From Old French “malheure” meaning “unhappy or unlucky.” An ironic name because of course your dog is lucky, happy and living their best life. |
| Marcel | Academics can show off their knowledge by naming their pup after French novelist, essayist and critic Marcel Proust, best known for his novel “In Search of Lost Time.” |
| Mardi | Meaning Tuesday and best known for the biggest Tuesday party of them all: Mardi Gras. Great for pups who love having a good time with friends (and strangers). |
| Margaux | Meaning “pearl,” for your lovely little lady. |
| Marietta | If your dog loves a day of fun in the sun, this name meaning “star of the sea” is perfect for your ocean-going gal. |
| Marseille | A beautiful and historic French city on the Mediterranean coast. |
| Marvel | Meaning “to wonder or admire,” it’s fitting for Marvel comic fans who know their dog moonlights as a superhero. |
| Matilde | Meaning “strength in battle,” for the little lady who doesn’t let the big dogs run the show. |
| Maurice | Do you have a photogenic dog? Name them after Maurice the Dog who starred in Polaroids taken by famed artist Andy Warhol. |
| Melodie | Meaning “song.” For the pup who likes to sing along—or howl to their own tune. |
| Michel | For wise and far-sighted dogs, Michel de Nostredame, also known as Nostradamus, was a 16th-century French astrologer. |
| Mignon | Meaning “cute,” Mignon cuts right to the chase. |
| Milou | If Mignon is too common for your one-of-a-kind pup, consider Milou, meaning “darling.” |
| Mimi | A name that is as cute as a button—just like your dog. |
| Monet | For the well-known Claude Monet, the famous French impressionist painter. |
| N | |
|---|---|
| Nadine | Meaning “showerer of blessings, “so you’ll remember all the good things your pup has brought into your life. |
| Nanette | A chic name with old-timey charm meaning “grace,” for particularly poised pups. |
| Napoleon | For small but mighty dogs, no Napoleon complex necessary. |
| Neville | Meaning “new town,” it’s a cute name for the pup you adopted after moving to a new place. |
| Nicolette | Meaning “victory of the people,” it’s a powerful name for your winning pup. |
| Noel | French for “Christmas.” For the pet or pet parent who can never get enough holiday cheer. |
| Noir | French for “black,” like your dog’s fur. |
| Normandy | A French locale famous for its beaches and cliffs, making it perfect for a dog who loves playing in the sand. |
| Nougatine | Who hasn’t called their dog their “lil’ nugget”? This French dessert gives that nugget some added flair. |
| O | |
|---|---|
| Obert | Meaning “noble and bright.” A fitting name for the smarty pants dog. |
| Odette | This name of the good swan in Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet “Swan Lake” means ” wealth,” because your dog is a treasure. |
| Oiselle | Pronounced “waa-zel” and meaning “bird,” which just might be your dog’s favorite things to chase. |
| Olivier | For good boys who love chasing balls, it’s a nod to French soccer player Olivier Giroud. |
| Ophélie | The French pronunciation (“o-fill-ee”) of Ophelia, meaning “help,” it’s a heartfelt choice for a service or emotional support dog. |
| Orleans | Meaning “golden.” A perfect name whether you love The Big Easy or your dog is a Golden Retriever. |
| P | |
|---|---|
| Pamplemousse | This French word for grapefruit works for a pup with a slightly sour personality—or for any dog because it’s just so darn fun to say! |
| Papillon | Meaning “butterfly.” For dogs who float effortlessly through life and always take time to smell the flowers. Pronounced “pa-pi-yon.” |
| Paris | France’s capital city, also known as the “City of Light,” is a great namesake for the dog who lights up your life. |
| Parfait | How sweet it is! The classic French dessert is a nom-nom namesake. |
| Pascal | Blaise Pascal was a French philosopher, mathematician, scientist, inventor and theologian. We know your dog is just as smart. |
| Patrice | For athletic dogs who have kicks like retired French soccer great Patrice Evra. |
| Paulette | Meaning “small or tiny,” it’s one of the best French puppy names. |
| Percival | A refined and serious name for your high-class pooch. |
| Peridot | A green gemstone that is the birthstone of August makes a great pick for dogs born that month. |
| Petite | Meaning “small,” it’s a cute name for a small breed and a funny name for an extra-large breed. |
| Pierre | This French-inspired version of Peter is a name that rolls right off your tongue and couldn’t be more fitting if you have a French dog breed. |
| Pleasance | Meaning “agreeable or pleasant,” for the pup who loves to please her people. |
| Praline | A candy made from butter, brown sugar and pecans, it’s a sweet name for a brown dog. |
| R | |
|---|---|
| Racquel | Meaning “ewe.” Fitting if your dog’s a little sheepish—or really fluffy. |
| Raine | For your canine ruler, this name means “queen.” |
| Remy | If you’re a fan of the Disney movie “Ratatouille,” you’re already familiar with this timeless gender-neutral name. |
| Renée | Meaning “reborn,” it’s a strong name for a rescue dog who’s gotten a new life thanks to you. |
| Reynard | Meaning “strong,” or “fox,” it’s an especially cute choice for the fox-like Shiba Inu. |
| Robespierre | Got a rabble-rouser on your hands? Maximilien Robespierre was a key figure in the French Revolution. |
| Rosalie | Meaning “flower of life,” this lovely lady’s name has a bunch of cute nicknames including Rose, Roz, Rosie and Rosa. |
| Rosemarie | Simply the sweetest name for your charming girl, it translates to “dew of the sea,” making it an especially good pick for dogs who love the water. |
| Rouge | The color red, for the dog with a bold personality or a vibrant hue. |
| Rousseau | Is your dog a bit of a philosopher? Name them for Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the brilliant writer and political theorist whose ideas inspired the French Revolution. |
| Rupert | Meaning “bright fame,” for the dog who’s destined for stardom. |
| S | |
|---|---|
| Sabine | If your gal has a need for speed, name her after German racing driver Sabine Schmitz. |
| Sebastian | Meaning “venerable” or “revered,” for the dog you cherish. |
| Sydney | The famous Australian city is thought to come from a word of French origin meaning “Saint-Denis,” making it a great choice for both French breeds like the Poodle and Australian breeds like the Australian Shepherd. |
| Sigourney | Meaning “the conqueror.” Appropriate since your dog has conquered your heart. |
| Simone | For courageous and agile dogs who can stick a floor routine like Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. |
| Solange | Meaning “dignified,” like Beyoncé’s younger sister who is a powerhouse singer, songwriter and actress in her own right, it’s a lovely choice for poised pups, too. |
| Soleil | For the four-legged friend who never fails to brighten your day, Soleil (meaning sun) is a star. |
| Sophie | Meaning “wisdom,” a stately name with a royal ring for especially smart dogs. |
| Soufflé | A fluffy French baked dish that can be made either sweet or savory—great for dogs who are just as fluffy. |
| Suzanne | Meaning “graceful lily,” it’s a pretty name for a pretty pup. |
| Sylvain | Is your dog faster than a speeding bullet? So is French motorcycle racer Sylvain Guintoli. |
| T | |
|---|---|
| Tatin | For foodies and their dogs, this name comes from the Tatin sisters, who first served up the tarte Tatin. |
| Theoren | This name means “hunter,” for the dog who loves the thrill of the chase. |
| Therese | Saint Therese of Lisieux, a French nun known as the “Little Flower,” who is believed to have had a beloved dog named Tom. |
| Toussaint | A saintly name for the dog who can do no wrong. Pronounced “tou-san.” |
| Tournesol | French for “sunflower,” for dogs who are bright, bold and beautiful. |
| V | |
|---|---|
| Valerie | For the strong dog who isn’t scared of much, this name means “brave.” |
| Velu | Meaning “furry,” it’s an apt description of just about any dog. |
| Versailles | The Château de Versailles is famous for its epic palace and gardens, as well as its royal history, making it a great fit for your little prince or princess. |
| Vivienne | Meaning “alive or lively,” for high-energy gals who are the life of the dog party. |
| Voltaire | For philosophical pups in search of enlightenment (or just a nice spot to take a nap), this is one of the bolder dog names in French. |
| X | |
|---|---|
| Xavier | Meaning “bright” or “splendid,” this name is bold, distinguished and unforgettable—just like your dog. |
| Y | |
|---|---|
| Yoland | Does your girl look good in purple? This majestic name means “violet flower.” |
| Yvette | An effortlessly elegant name that your pup will wear well. |
| Z | |
|---|---|
| Zephyrine | This unique name means “west wind,” perfect for dogs with long-flowing fur that looks great in the breeze. |
We hope this list of dog names in French has helped you find the best dog name for your pup. Looking for more? Check out our other lists of dog names, too!
Attributions
Kristen Arendt
Kristen is a writer, editor and lover of the great outdoors. In addition to running, hiking, backpacking, biking and skiing, she enjoys See More
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