The 200 Best French Dog Names for Your Pup Magnifique

By Kristen Arendt

Updated

Apr. 30, 2025

Photo by Chewy Studios

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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

The 200 Best French Dog Names for Your Pup Magnifique

Attributions

Kristen Arendt

The 200 Best French Dog Names for Your Pup Magnifique

Attributions

Kristen Arendt