Best French Dog Names For Your Pooch: Our Top Picks

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Finding inspiration to choose the perfect name for your dog can be challenging, especially if you are looking for something a little bit different.

If your pup is from a French dog breed, why not consider a fittingly French name for your dog? With this in mind, we have put together some lists of the best French names that you can give your French dog.

There is no secret formula for finding the perfect name for your dog; it’s just a matter of exposing yourself to as much inspiration as possible until you find something that feels right.

In this article, we will also share a few tips for making sure the name you choose for your pup is appropriate.

French Dog Breeds

Do you have a French dog? Below are some of the most popular dog breeds that hail from France.

Barnet – A water dog with long, curly hair that loves to swim.
Basset Hound – Known for their long, floppy ears and droopy eyes, this is an adorable hound breed.
Beauceron – One of the few French dogs known for working rather than style.
Berger Picard – Also known as the Picardy Shepherd, this is the oldest sheepdog in France.
Briard – One of the oldest French breeds! It is a sturdily built large dog with long, silky hair.
Brittany Spaniel – Medium-sized dogs with a natural instinct to hunt and explore.
Dogue de Bordeaux – Also known as a French Mastiff, these giants can weigh up to 140 pounds!
French Bulldog – Cute, compact, wrinkly, and spunky dogs that have quickly become popular pets.
French Spaniel – Social, energetic, and intelligent little pups with a strong hunting drive.
Great Pyrenees – This mountain dog has a thick white coat the color of snow.
Papillon – Dainty and fragile toy dogs with lots of hair around their faces like a lion or the wings of a majestic butterfly. In fact, its name translates to “butterfly” in French.
Poodle – A distinctive-looking companion dog considered among the most intelligent breeds.

Female French Dog Names

Adopting a girl? Start with this list of the most popular short French names that are ideal for female dogs.

Adela – Means “noble” or “serene;” a perfect name for more tranquil pups
Aeris – Means “a breath of fresh air;” great for more energetic, boisterous breeds
Amaline – “Industrious;” for dogs who are always up to something
Amelie – Made famous by the film starring Audrey Tautou
Antoinette – As in Marie Antoinette, the famous queen
Apolline – Belonging to the Greek god Apollo
Ava – Means “bird-like;” great for lightweight, flighty dogs with lots of energy
Avril – The French version of April
Babette – Meaning “my god is my oath”
Belle – Meaning “beautiful,” as your pup will no doubt be
Bijou – A jewel that brings a wealth of love into your life
Camille – A name meaning “perfect” (they always are until they destroy your first shoe!)
Cecile – Meaning “blind” or “sixth;” is this your sixth dog?
Celine – Like the French Canadian singer Celine Dion
Chanel – As in the famous French designer Coco Chanel
Coco – Also a reference to Coco Chanel
Cosette – Like the young ward in Les Miserables
Delphine – Also the name of Lord Voldemort’s daughter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Emeline – Meaning “peaceful home” (unlikely with most dogs!)
Felice – French version of the popular name Lucky
Fifi – An unusual name meaning “God gives/increases,” but it’s just so cute for little pups
Fleur – The French word for “flower;” a pretty, feminine name for smaller pups
Gigi – Means “earth-worker;” perfect for diggers
Giselle – Meaning “pledge” or “loyalty;” perfect for a trustworthy dog who is always at your side
Heloise – Translates to “famous warrior,” making it excellent for confident, fearless dogs
Hennie – Means “keeper of the hearth;” a great option for warm and affectionate dogs
Idelle – A “bountiful” name for a beautiful dog
Irene – Means “peace,” after the Greek goddess of peace
Iris – Means “goddess of the rainbow;” also from Greek mythology
Joelle – Translates to “God will be willing;” fitting for adventurous dogs
Lison – Meaning “God’s promise;” a fitting name for when you finally find the perfect canine companion
Lourdes – Meaning “craggy slope,” but also the name of the singer
Mabella – Can mean both “loving” and “lovable”
Madeleine – Can translate to “High tower” or “elevated and magnificent;” nice for larger dogs
Margot – “Pearl;” nice for yellow or pearly-white dogs
Nadi – Means “companion;” perfect for a loyal pooch
Neva – Meaning “snow;” ideal for white dogs
Ninon – Meaning “grace;” great for dogs with a graceful walk
Nour – Meaning “light;” ideal for small or lighter colored dogs
Olivie – Meaning “olive tree”
Perle – Another name meaning “pearl,” for your perfect canine jewel
Raine – Means “she is singing;” great for dogs that love to bark or howl
Raissa – “Rose;” perfect for puppies with tha new puppy smell
Rema – Means “heat,” “fire,” or “light;” ideal for feisty dogs
Remie – An unusual name meaning “woman who is an oarsmen;” great for dogs that like to swim or lead the way
Riva – “Maiden;” cute for dogs with longer hair
Romy – Meaning “dew of the sea;” perfect for breeds that like to swim
Roux – Means “russet;” an ideal name for red and brown dogs
Sylvie – Translates to “forest;” a great name for wild dogs that love the great outdoors
Tallis – Meaning “woodland;” great for dogs that will hike and explore
Tilde – “Mighty in battle;” ideal for strong dogs
Trais – Meaning “crossing” or “crossroads”
Veva – “Leader of the tribe;” perfect for alpha female dogs
Zoe – Meaning “life;” perfect for pups full of energy

Male French Dog Names

Bring home a boy dog? Below are some of the most popular masculine French names that might suit your pup.

Abi – Meaning “joy of the father;” after all, they are your joy, too!
Alain – Can mean “harmony” or “little stone;” great for a strong, loyal dog that’ll always be by your side
Andre – Means “brave” or “mainly;” a good name for strong, tough dogs
Anton – “Priceless,” just like the affection of a dog!
Armel – Means “bear prince;” ideal for bigger, bear-like dogs
Astin – Meaning “starlike;” great for active dogs that are bursting with energy
Auger – “Noble spear;” ideal if they have tall, pointy ears
Avery – Can mean “ruler of elves” or, alternatively, “wise;” ideal for playful yet intelligent alphas
Barden – Means “barley valley;” nice for dogs with fur the color of barley
Basile – “Royal” or “kingly,” for leaders of the pack
Belot – An old Norman name from a local city
Benjie – “Son of the right hand;” for the dog always at your side
Cain – Meaning “spear;” for pups with a sharp personality
Carvel – “Swampy dwelling;” good for pups that love to play in the mud
Cesar – “Head of hair;” perfect for furry dogs
Charles – Means “a free man” (or dog) of the French persuasion
Chevy – Means “knight,” or “horseman;” perfect for courageous dogs or pups that can’t help but bark at horses
Claude – A handsome name with an unusual meaning: “limping” or “stuttering”
Clovis – Meaning “a renowned fighter;” for dogs who are always at attention
Corin – Another name meaning “spear;” a fitting name for pups as quick and sharp as a flying spear
Cosme – Meaning “order;” for the dog that brings chaos into your life
Daz – Means “small and great;” perfect for little dogs with lots of personality
Dennes – Meaning “follower of Dionysus,” the Greek god of wine and celebration
Dion – Another reference to the god of wine; ideal for dogs with rich, red coats
Elois – Meaning “a brave and famous warrior;” perfect for fearless dogs
Emile – Means “eager;” perfect for excitable pups who are always up for a good time
Eudo – Meaning “child,” for your canine child
Fabian – “Bean grower;” a cute name for diggers
Franc – Simply means “Frenchman;” fitting for your French pooch
Gael – “Generous leader;” for more gentle alphas who are generous with their affection
Gul – “Rose;” a nice name for reddish-brown dogs
Henri – Means “ruler of the home;” for the pup that rules your heart and home
Herve – A name for a warrior meaning “battle-worthy;” for tough, brave dogs
Ivon – Meaning “yew,” or “an archer’s bow”
Jori – “Down-flowing;” can be a fun and ironic name for breeds that tend to drool
Kota – A name meaning “happiness” and “good fortune;” perfect for the happiest of puppies
Lamar – Meaning “water near land;” great for dogs that swim
Leon – Means “lion;” perfect for your brave little lion
Louis – After one of the many French sovereigns; can also mean “loot bringer”
Luc – Means “light;” ideal for the pup that lights up your life
Marin – Translates to “of the sea;” perfect for swimmers
Marquis – A royal name perfect for your little noble lord
Marrok – An odd name meaning “werewolf knight;” ideal for your little wolf
Mathis – Means “gift of God;” for your little canine gift
Michel – Meaning “god-like” or “resembling God;” great for your divine dog
Milot – “Mercy” or “grace;” for sweet, patient pups
Mort – Means “little man” or “dead sea,” so it can be great for smaller dogs that love the water
Nel – Meaning “horn;” great for dogs with big voices
Oda – Translates to “to praise god;” another unique name for dogs that like to howl
Orrie – “Pale one;” nice for lighter colored dogs
Parke – Meaning “of the forest;” nice for wilder puppies who love the outdoors
Peppin – Why not name your French dog after a French king?
Perrin – Meaning “rock;” fitting for big, sturdy, reliable dogs
Pierre – Can mean “stone” or “rock;” nice for gray dogs or particularly strong little pups
Purvis – Means “purveyor;” great for observant dogs who always have their eyes on everything
Quint – Meaning “fifth;” ideal for the fifth of the litter (or, alternatively, a dog born on the 5th!)
Regis – Ideal for pups with the attitude of a king
Riche – “Rich;” for dogs that enjoy the finer things
Rodel – Meaning “famous ruler;” nice for your Insta-famous pup
Ruff – Means “red hair;” ideal for auburn dogs
Savon – “Soapmaker;” nice for dogs that love (or hate) baths
Serge – Means “servant:” nice for loyal working dogs
Theo – Translates to “God’s gift;” perfect for your little treasure
Trey – Meaning “three;” perfect for your third dog or the third in the litter
Varden – “From the green hill;” great for canines that love to run and play outdoors
Yves – Meaning “yew wood,” but also a reference to Yves Saint-Laurent

Names Based On French Place Names

Always been enamored with France as a country? Why not name your dog after one of your favorite places in the country?

Bordeaux – Famous for its wine
Dijon – The home of the famous mustard
Grenoble – Full of Alpine ski slopes
Lille – A small, picturesque city
Lyon – Capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
Marseille – France’s second-largest city
Montpellier – A warm city in southern France with a Mediterranean climate
Nantes – A town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Nice – A city on the French Riviera
Paris – The iconic city of love
Rennes – Capital of the Brittany region
Toulouse – Capital of the southern Occitanie region

Names Based On Famous French Citizens

Still, looking for inspiration? Consider the names of some of France’s most famous citizens.

Anouk Aimee – Simply known as Anouk on the silver screen in more than 70 films
Joan of Arc – A young warrior chosen by god
Bridgitte Bardot – The model, actress, and animal rights activist
Juliette Binoche – French actress who starred opposite Johnny Depp in Chocolat
Jacques-Francois Blondel – An 18th-century architect and teacher from Rouen, France
Napoleon Bonaparte – The controversial French military and political leader
Jaques Cartier – One of the first Frenchmen to travel to America
Capucine – The famous French fashion model
Marie Curie – Famous Polish-French chemist and physicist who bravely pioneered research on radioactivity
Marion Cotillard – The French actress from Inception
Julie Delpy – French actress from Before Sunrise
Gerard Depardieu – This French actor has been in more than 250 films!
Rene Descartes – French mathematician and philosopher best known for the quote “I think, therefore I am”
Gustave Eiffel – Designer of the Eiffel Tower
Charles de Gaulle – French army leader who fought against Nazi Germany
Eva Green – The stunning French actress of Bond fame
Melanie Laurent – The French actress from Inglorious Bastards
Noemie Lenoir – One of the world’s most successful black models
Marcel Marceau – French actor and mime known for his “Bip the Clown” character
Claude Monet – French impressionist artist known for his many paintings of landscapes featuring water lilies
Clemence Posey – Plays Fleur Delacour in the Harry Potter films
Jean Reno – The French action and comedy star
Auguste Rodin – Famous sculptor best known for his 1902 work “The Thinker”
Audrey Tautou – Of Amelie and Coco Before Chanel fame

Names Based On French Wines

If you like a tipple, why not name your dog after one of your favorite wines or winemaking regions?

Alsace – A wine region that used to be part of Germany
Bordeaux – Home of the world’s most expensive wines
Burgundy – Where some of France’s rarest wines are made
Cabernet Franc – An originally Spanish grape popular in France
Cabernet Sauvignon – The most popular red wine in the world
Champagne – Home of the sparkling wine
Chardonnay – The most popular white wine in the world
Chenin Blanc – Native to the Loire Valley
Gamay Noir – An early ripening red grape
Languedoc-Roussillon – This is where France’s cheaper wins are made
Loire – This valley produces most of France’s white wine
Malbec – A dark and juicy red grape
Marsanne – A Rhone valley grape
Melon de Bourgogne – Makes a dry white wine
Merlot – A full-bodied red grape
Mourvedre – A late-ripening red grape
Muscadelle – A fresh, fruity grape used for making sweet wines
Muscat – France’s first grape
Pinot Blanc – Makes a creamy wine
Pinot Gris – Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy
Pinot Meunier – Used to make champagne
Pinot Noir – A popular red grape cultivated by French monks
Rhone – A region known for its red wines
Roussanne – A white grape with a herbal aroma
Sauvignon Blanc – A citrusy and acidic wine
Semillon – Golden grapes from southern France
Viognier – Grapes with an apricot aroma

Naming Your Dogs: Top Tips

Naming your dog isn’t just about finding inspiration! It’s also important to choose something practical. With that in mind, here are some of our top tips.

1. Keep It Short

Choose something short, ideally only one or two syllables long, or at least something that can be shortened. This is because it is easier for dogs to learn shorter names, which means they will start responding when you call sooner than if you chose a longer and more complicated name for them.

2. Consider The First Letter

It is a good idea to choose something that starts with a sibilant consonant or blend consonants, such as an S or an SH, or a hard commanding consonant like a K or C.

These subtle choices will make it easier for your dog to distinguish their name from all the other ambient noise around them, which means it will also be easier for you to get their attention even in chaotic situations.

3. Avoid Names That Sound Like Other Important Words

Avoid names that sound too much like commands that you will use regularly, as this can just confuse your pup.

Remember: while dogs are very intelligent, they don’t actually understand language in the more complex way that humans do; they are just recognizing familiar sounds.

If their name sounds too much like a command that you use regularly, such as “sit” or “stay,” they may confuse the two words.

This will probably result in the offending command being less effective than it should be, as your dog won’t be sure whether you just want their attention or if you want them to do the specific task.

4. Consider Appropriateness

Remember, you will often need to use your dog’s name in public, sometimes shouting it loudly, and sometimes using it in front of children and strangers. This is why it is rarely a good idea to choose something rude or potentially offensive.

All too often, people give their dogs names that they thought were funny at the time and then find they are embarrassed to use them later. Remember, everyone in your family who is responsible for your dog will also need to be able to use their name with ease.

Read our complete guide to puppy names here.

Read our guide to teaching your dog to recognize his name here.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for the perfect name for a French dog breed, then why not choose a French name to show off your puppy’s lineage?

Hopefully, you will find something here on our lists of French dog names to inspire you.

Do you have any recommendations for great French dog names? Share your ideas with the community in the comments section below.

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