Chic & Adorable: 320+ French Pet Names with Meaning and Charm

You know how some things just sound better in French?
Croissant. Amour. Baguette. Even “toilet paper” somehow sounds elegant when it’s papier toilette.

Well, the same goes for pet names. Whether your little fluffball is a cuddly cat, a sassy parrot, or a pup who thinks he’s royalty, French names carry that irresistible charm — soft, melodic, and effortlessly classy.

I’ve rounded up 320+ French pet names for every kind of vibe: from romantic and vintage to quirky and modern. There’s something here for every pet personality — and probably a few you’ll want to save for future fur babies.

Let’s dive in!

Classic & Timeless French Pet Names

Some names never go out of style — they’re the Audrey Hepburns and Chanel No. 5s of the name world. These French classics bring that touch of elegance to any furry friend.

1. Amélie — Meaning “hardworking,” but let’s be honest, your pet probably just naps a lot. Inspired by the whimsical film Amélie.
2. Chéri / Chérie — “Darling” or “sweetheart.” It’s practically the French version of “baby,” and perfect for a pet who loves affection.
3. Louis — Royal and refined. Think Louis XIV, but with more drool and fewer golden thrones.
4. Belle — “Beautiful.” For that pet who just knows she’s the main character.
5. Colette — A nod to the iconic French writer. Perfect for a curious cat or thoughtful-looking pup.
6. Pierre — “Stone.” A solid, dependable name for a steady companion (bonus points if he’s a bulldog).
7. Simone — For your philosophical furball — inspired by Simone de Beauvoir. Deep thoughts and loud purrs included.
8. Émile — “Industrious.” Great for a hamster who loves redecorating his cage every night.
9. René / Renée — “Reborn.” A sweet pick for a rescue pet with a second chance at life.
10. Margot — Pronounced mar-go, this stylish pick screams sophistication (and maybe a little sass).
11. Luc — “Light.” Simple, calm, and radiant — like your cat when she finds her favorite sunbeam.
12. Noël / Noëlle — “Christmas.” Ideal for pets born around the holidays or who just sparkle year-round.
13. Claire — “Bright” or “clear.” For your calm, glowing little presence.
14. Henri — A dash of royal flair, perfect for a dog with an invisible crown.
15. Juliette — Romantic and dreamy, just like the Shakespearean heroine — minus the tragic ending.
16. Claude — Artsy and vintage. A nod to Claude Monet, for the cat who likes to stare at your wall art.
17. Fleur — “Flower.” Soft, lovely, and delicate — fits a gentle, sweet-natured pet perfectly.
18. Pascal — “Easter.” Great for a bunny or a spring-born kitten.
19. Camille — Fluid and unisex, perfect for any pet with grace and charm.
20. Marcel — “Little warrior.” Excellent for a small dog with a big attitude.
21. Élodie — Musical, pretty, and poetic. This one sounds like it belongs in a lullaby.
22. Jacques — Classic and cheeky. You know a Jacques is up to mischief.
23. Antoinette — For the drama queen who expects gourmet treats and fancy collars.
24. Gaston — A bold, old-school choice (and Disney lovers will instantly smile).
25. Léon — “Lion.” Ideal for a fluffy cat or brave pup with kingly vibes.
26. Adrien — “Dark one.” Moody and poetic, perfect for a black-furred cat.
27. Bernard — “Brave as a bear.” Fitting for a strong, huggable dog.
28. Celeste — “Heavenly.” A serene name for a calm pet
29. Dominique — Elegant, gender-neutral, and quietly powerful.
30. Éloi — Old French for “chosen.” Perfect for your special little companion.
31. Georges — Vintage charm, perfect for a dignified gentleman pup.
32. Lisette — Dainty and classic, ideal for a petite kitty.
33. Maurice — A touch of old-school cool and sophistication.
34. Odile — Graceful and rare — think ballet and moonlight.
35. Philippe — Traditional but stylish; imagine calling this across a Paris park.
36. Raoul — Retro and dashing, like an old French movie hero.
37. Solange — Saintly and elegant — also Beyoncé’s sister, so… cool points.
38. Théo — Short for Théodore, meaning “gift of God.”
39. Valentin — “Healthy, strong.” Feels perfectly romantic.
40. Aimée — “Beloved.” Soft and timeless.
41. Blaise — Cool and minimal, but with that French sophistication.
42. Corinne — Pretty and classic, perfect for a refined cat.
43. Étienne — Graceful and traditional — perfect for a calm, loyal pup.
44. Geneviève — Historic and grand, like a queenly cat.
45. Julien — Smooth, artistic, and modern.
46. Laurent — Sleek and confident — your Frenchie’s alter ego name.
47. Manon — Sweet, popular in France, and adorable on any pet.
48. Nathalie — Graceful and kind-hearted — fits a gentle soul.
49. Renard — “Fox.” For clever, mischievous pets.
50. Sylvie — “From the forest.” Classic and soft.

Nature-Inspired French Pet Names

For pets who love long walks, window sunshine, and rolling in anything resembling grass — these nature-based French names are pure poetry.

1. Rivière — “River.” Smooth, calm, and flowing — perfect for a graceful cat.
2. Neige — “Snow.” For a white pet or one who loves chilly naps by the window.
3. Soleil — “Sun.” Bright, golden, and always warming hearts.
4. Pluie — “Rain.” Soothing, moody, and poetic. For your little storm cloud of cuteness.
5. Papillon — “Butterfly.” Whimsical and light — ideal for tiny pets or elegant dogs.
6. Brise — “Breeze.” Soft, gentle, and comforting.
7. Étoile — “Star.” For your shining little buddy who lights up every room.
8. Rosée — “Dew.” A delicate and refreshing name for your soft sweetheart.
9. Ciel — “Sky.” Serene and boundless — for a free-spirited explorer.
10. Feuille — “Leaf.” Great for a nature-loving bunny or hamster who munches greenery.
11. Montagne — “Mountain.” Perfect for a strong or adventurous pet.
12. Océan — “Ocean.” Deep, mysterious, and powerful — great for a majestic cat.
13. Forêt — “Forest.” Earthy and wise, ideal for pets who love to wander.
14. Perle — “Pearl.” Precious, delicate, and glowing.
15. Cerise — “Cherry.” Sweet, juicy, and full of energy — a playful name for a pup.
16. Aurore — “Dawn.” For pets who wake you way too early but are worth it.
17. Lune — “Moon.” Mysterious and calm — perfect for night-loving pets.
18. Fauve — “Wildcat.” Great for your untamed fluffball.
19. Nuit — “Night.” For a black cat or any pet who comes alive after dark.
20. Orage — “Storm.” Bold, loud, and full of personality.
21. Prairie — “Meadow.” For calm, pastoral souls (or lazy sunbathers).
22. Brume — “Mist.” Mellow, mysterious, and quietly beautiful.
23. Colline — “Hill.” A gentle-sounding name for peaceful pets.
24. Raisin — “Grape.” A cute, slightly funny food-based name with a rustic twist.
25. Violette — “Violet.” Lovely and classic — you can almost smell the perfume.
26. Aube — “Dawn.” Perfect for a morning snuggler.
27. Blé — “Wheat.” Rustic, golden, and cozy.
28. Bourdon — “Bumblebee.” For your buzzing little furball.
29. Cendre — “Ash.” Subtle and mysterious.
30. Châtaigne — “Chestnut.” Earthy and warm.
31. Cocquelicot — “Poppy.” A bright burst of joy.
32. Érable — “Maple.” Sweet and autumnal.
33. Flocon — “Snowflake.” For your delicate winter pet.
34. Grain — “Seed.” Tiny but full of potential.
35. Herbe — “Herb.” Green and fresh — a perfect bunny name.
36. Jardin — “Garden.” Tranquil and grounded.
37. Lavande — “Lavender.” Soothing and fragrant.
38. Mer — “Sea.” Short, serene, and lovely.
39. Mistral — “Wind.” A poetic name for a swift pet.
40. Myosotis — “Forget-me-not.” Sweet and sentimental.
41. Orchidée — “Orchid.” Elegant and rare.
42. Perce-Neige — “Snowdrop.” A delicate flower name.
43. Rivière — “River.” Flows effortlessly off the tongue.
44. Ronce — “Bramble.” Great for a curious adventurer.
45. Rosier — “Rosebush.” Beautiful with a hint of thorny sass.
46. Sable — “Sand.” Soft and warm — fits a tan-colored pet.
47. Tempête — “Storm.” Wild and wonderful.
48. Tournesol — “Sunflower.” For bright, happy pets.
49. Verte — “Green.” Perfect for a lizard or nature-loving critter.
50. Vigne — “Vine.” Twisting, growing, full of life.

Foodie French Pet Names

If you’re the kind of person who names your dog Biscuit or your cat Mochi, these French food names will absolutely melt your heart.

1. Croissant — Because your pet is golden, flaky perfection.
2. Baguette — Long, charming, and guaranteed to make you smile every time.
3. Macaron — Sweet, colorful, and totally irresistible.
4. Brie — For a soft, gooey little snugglebug.
5. Crème — “Cream.” Perfect for pale or soft-furred pets.
6. Chocolat — For your cocoa-colored cutie.
7. Beignet — “Doughnut.” A warm, sugary delight (and so fun to say).
8. Éclair — Fancy and fabulous, just like your furry friend.
9. Canelé — A caramelized French pastry with a name that rolls off the tongue.
10. Fromage — “Cheese.” Perfect if your pet is, well, a little cheesy.
11. Soufflé — Light, fluffy, and sweet — you’ll want to say it out loud just for fun.
12. Coco — “Coconut.” A timeless, tropical name that still feels très français.
13. Madeleine — Soft and classic, just like the beloved French sponge cake.
14. Miel — “Honey.” For your golden, gentle darling.
15. Bisou — “Kiss.” You’ll never get tired of calling them this one.
16. Bonbon — “Candy.” Cute and colorful, for pets that bring sugar to your soul.
17. Croque — As in Croque Monsieur. Crunchy, playful, and totally French.
18. Tartine — “Toast.” A cozy, breakfasty name for a lazy cat.
19. Sucre — “Sugar.” Sweet and simple.
20. Noisette — “Hazelnut.” For brown-eyed beauties.
21. Champagne — Sparkly and effervescent, for pets that love attention.
22. Chou / Chouchou — Literally means “cabbage,” but used as “sweetie” in French slang.
23. Gâteau — “Cake.” Because your pet is everyone’s favorite treat.
24. Caramel — Warm, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth adorable.
25. Mousse — “Foam.” Light, airy, and elegant — fits a fluffy cat or bunny.
26. Anis — “Anise.” Sweet, aromatic, and unique.
27. Brioche — Fluffy and golden — like your best nap partner.
28. Cassoulet — A hearty French dish; fits a chubby, content pup.
29. Clafoutis — A baked cherry dessert, fun to say and cute for cats!
30. Crêpe — Sweet or savory, always comforting.
31. Épice — “Spice.” For a bold personality.
32. Fraise — “Strawberry.” Bright and juicy.
33. Galette — A rustic French pastry — charming and warm.
34. Gruyère — The classiest cheese name possible.
35. Haricot — “Bean.” Hilariously cute for tiny pets.
36. Madeleina — A twist on “Madeleine” for a poetic flair.
37. Moutarde — “Mustard.” Quirky and funny.
38. Nougat — Soft, nutty, and sweet.
39. Pain — “Bread.” Ironic and adorable (bonus for loaf-shaped pets).
40. Pêche — “Peach.” Soft and fuzzy!
41. Pistou — A southern French sauce — fits a vibrant, lively pet.
42. Potiron — “Pumpkin.” Cute for orange pets.
43. Quiche — Whimsical and unexpectedly charming.
44. Ratatouille — Disney fans, rejoice.
45. Salade — “Salad.” Weirdly endearing when said in French.
46. Sorbet — Cool and refreshing.
47. Sucrette — “Little sugar.” So affectionate and cute.
48. Tarte — “Pie.” For your sweet slice of happiness.
49. Thym — “Thyme.” Earthy and charming.
50. Vanille — “Vanilla.” Simple, sweet, and timeless.

Romantic & Flirty French Pet Names

French is, after all, the language of love. These names are perfect if your pet has a heart-melting stare or just loves cuddles.

1. Amour — “Love.” Simple, timeless, and perfect.
2. Bijou — “Jewel.” Because your pet sparkles in your life.
3. Mon Trésor — “My treasure.” Great for anyone who’s your entire world.
4. Douce — “Sweet.” The essence of tenderness.
5. Câlin / Câline — “Hug” or “snuggle.” Could there be a cozier name?
6. Rêveur / Rêveuse — “Dreamer.” For those sleepy-eyed souls.
7. Charmant / Charmante — “Charming.” Self-explanatory if your pet is a total heartbreaker.
8. Jolie — “Pretty.” Simple and classic.
9. Poésie — “Poetry.” For your little muse.
10. Roméo — Because every dog who waits by the window deserves his Juliet.
11. Lover — Yes, the English word — but said with a French accent? Chef’s kiss.
12. Adoré / Adorée — “Adored.” The ultimate love name.
13. Tendre — “Tender.” For your soft-hearted little one.
14. Cupidon — “Cupid.” Mischievous and cute.
15. Épris — “In love.” A romantic, rare name for the devoted pet.
16. Mon Ange — “My angel.” For the pet who makes everything better.
17. Rêve — “Dream.” Light, romantic, and soft.
18. Lumière — “Light.” The glowing essence of love and joy.
19. Mignon / Mignonne — “Cute.” Basically every pet, ever.
20. Cheri-Beari — Okay, not real French, but adorable enough to count.
21. Truffe — “Truffle.” Sweet and earthy — works for foodie romantics.
22. Coeur — “Heart.” For the pet who holds yours completely.
23. Fidèle — “Faithful.” Loyal and loving — a perfect pup name.
24. Chouchoute — Endearing term for someone spoiled with love.
25. Bisous — “Kisses.” For the pet who’s always up in your face.
26. Adeline — “Noble.” Classic and feminine.
27. Aimé — “Loved.” A masculine twist on Aimée.
28. Amorette — “Little love.” Absolutely precious.
29. Beau — “Handsome.” Self-explanatory.
30. Bellecœur — “Beautiful heart.”
31. Caressé — “Caressed.” Soft and gentle.
32. Chouchou — “Sweetheart.” French slang for your favorite person (or pet).
33. Coeur-doux — “Sweet heart.” Poetic and pure.
34. Épris — “Enamored.” For pets who melt hearts.
35. Fiancé(e) — For the one who already stole your heart.
36. Flamme — “Flame.” Passionate and warm.
37. Idylle — “Love story.” Dreamy and elegant.
38. Jadore — “I adore.” (Yes, like the perfume.)
39. Jolie-Môme — “Pretty kid.” Retro and flirty.
40. Mon Amour — “My love.” Classic.
41. Mon Bébé — “My baby.” Perfect for clingy cuties.
42. Mon Chaton — “My kitten.” Adorable for any small pet.
43. Papillon d’Amour — “Love butterfly.” Fluttery perfection.
44. Précieux / Précieuse — “Precious.” Because they truly are.
45. Rêve d’Or — “Golden dream.”
46. Séduisant / Séduisante — “Seductive.” For that pet with smoldering eyes.
47. Tendresse — “Tenderness.”
48. Trésor d’Amour — “Love treasure.”
49. Velours — “Velvet.” Soft and sensual.
50. Volage — “Playful” or “flighty.” For your little flirt.

Playful, Quirky & Unique French Pet Names

Want something that stands out and gets people asking, “Ooh, what does that mean?” These names are uncommon, but bursting with personality.

1. Zazou — A quirky French term for jazzy, bohemian energy.
2. Bibi — Cute, short, and sassy.
3. Coco Chanel — Because your pet deserves a fashion line.
4. Toupie — “Spinning top.” Great for hyperactive pets!
5. Pépito — Fun, spicy, and full of charm.
6. Loulou — Sweet and familiar — a pet name for your pet.
7. Bubu — Playful and silly, perfect for a goofball dog.
8. Pistache — “Pistachio.” Quirky and cute, especially for green-eyed cats.
9. Titi — A popular nickname for mischievous little pets.
10. Minou — “Kitty.” The quintessential French cat name.
11. Poulet — “Chicken.” Ironic names are always funny, right?
12. Zouzou — A bouncy, affectionate nickname.
13. Mimie — Gentle and endearing — rolls off the tongue.
14. Bébé — “Baby.” Because they always will be.
15. Fifi — Old-fashioned chic — très Parisian poodle vibes.
16. Roux / Rousse — “Red-haired.” Perfect for ginger pets!
17. Nono — Whimsical and full of personality.
18. Zéphyr — “West wind.” Light, free, and poetic.
19. Poupée — “Doll.” For your delicate darling.
20. Doudou — “Blankie” or “lovey.” French kids’ term for a comfort toy — fits snugly spoiled pets.
21. Lulu — Cute and upbeat, suits any gender.
22. Gigi — Glamorous and charming — like the musical!
23. Choupinou — A silly way to say “cutie pie.”
24. Miette — “Crumb.” Tiny and adorable (great for small pets).
25. Tonton / Tatie — “Uncle” / “Auntie” — weirdly funny for a cat with big energy.
26. Zinzin — “Crazy” or “loopy.” Fits the clown of your household perfectly.
27. Alouette — “Little bird.” Cute and musical.
28. Bébert — Goofy and lovable — French nickname charm.
29. Bibiche — Affectionate, like “sweetie.”
30. Boubou — Silly and bouncy.
31. Bulle — “Bubble.” Perfect for round pets. 🫧
32. Cacahuète — “Peanut.” Cute for tiny dogs.
33. Canaille — “Little rascal.” For the naughty one.
34. Chipie — “Cheeky girl.” French moms say this lovingly!
35. Choupette — Karl Lagerfeld’s famous cat’s name — chic and iconic.
36. Cricri — Classic nickname energy.
37. Didi — Playful, gender-neutral, and sweet.
38. Filou — “Trickster.” Perfect for clever pets.
39. Fripon — “Scamp.” Trouble never looked so cute.
40. Gnougnou — Whimsical and silly — very French baby talk.
41. Lalou — Sounds musical and light.
42. Léleu — Unique and rhythmic.
43. Moumoune — A grandma-chic cat name making a comeback.
44. Nounou — “Nanny.” Great for nurturing pets.
45. Pépère / Mémère — “Grandpa / Grandma.” Ironically funny for pets.
46. Petit Pois — “Little pea.” Adorable.
47. Pitou — Common pet nickname in Quebec French.
48. Poupinette — “Little doll.” Cute and flirty.
49. Riri — Playful and nostalgic (Donald Duck vibes!).
50. Zazette — Whimsical and rare.
51. Zouzoune — Cuddly and fun to say — total lovebug energy.

A–Z Mini French Pet Name Directory

Here’s a quick alphabetical dash of extra inspiration — perfect for scanning when you’re this close to deciding but not quite there yet:

1. A — Aimée, Alouette, André, Amandine, Arnaud, Avril
2. B — Bastien, Bébé, Blanche, Bonbon, Brigitte, Bijou
3. C — Coco, Claude, Chérie, Céline, Cyrille, Clément
4. D — Didier, Doux, Daphné, Didi, Dominique
5. E — Éclair, Élise, Étienne, Étoile, Émeraude
6. F — Fleur, Fifi, François, Fabienne, Framboise
7. G — Gaston, Giselle, Gérard, Gigi, Gâteau
8. H — Hugo, Hélène, Henriette, Honoré
9. I — Isabelle, Irène, Isidore, Ivoire
10. J — Jacques, Josette, Jules, Jolie, Jean-Pierre
11. K — Karim, Kiki, Katou, Kaline
12. L — Luc, Léa, Lumière, Lune, LouLou, Léon
13. M — Marcel, Margot, Mignon, Miette, Mousse, Maëlle
14. N — Noëlle, Ninou, Nino, Nuit, Nini
15. O — Olivier, Océane, Odette, Orage, Orson
16. P — Pierre, Papillon, Pépé, Paulette, Pascal, Pistache
17. Q — Quentin, Quiche, Quinou
18. R — René, Rosalie, Rousse, Rêve, Riri
19. S — Soleil, Simone, Suzette, Sucre, Sylvie
20. T — Théo, Titi, Truffe, Tartine, Thérèse
21. U — Ursule, Ulric, Ugo
22. V — Violette, Valérie, Victor, Vivienne
23. W — Wilfried (rare but chic), Wiwi (nickname cuteness)
24. X — Xavier, Xéna
25. Y — Yvette, Yvon, Yumi (French-Japanese blend!)
26. Z — Zoé, Zazou, Zéphyr, Zinzin

Old-School French Cool

These names sound like they belong in a vintage café, with accordion music playing and someone sketching their dog on a napkin. Timeless, elegant, and perfectly nostalgic.

1. Eugène — Classic and gentlemanly, like an old soul.
2. Bernadette — Sweet and maternal — ideal for a nurturing pet momma cat.
3. Maurice — Slightly goofy, totally endearing.
4. Odette — Ballerina grace — inspired by Swan Lake.
5. Thérèse — Warm and timeless — an underrated gem.
6. Marceline — Soft, vintage, and graceful.
7. Lucien — Smooth and mysterious — like your black cat at midnight.
8. Gérard — Brings to mind berets and baguettes (and Gérard Depardieu, of course).
9. Colette — Literary charm at its finest.
10. Armand — Chic, bold, and strong.
11. Monique — Friendly and timeless.
12. Roland — Heroic vibes, very epic poem energy.
13. Renée — “Reborn.” A name that feels both classic and hopeful.
14. Georgette — Whimsical and warm.
15. Philippe — Confident, old-world flair.
16. Babette — Playful and delightfully French.
17. Aimée — “Beloved.” The kind of name that hugs you when you say it.
18. Etienne — Refined and soft-spoken — for a quietly noble companion.
19. Suzette — A total charmer — sweet and vintage.
20. Hélène — Pure elegance in syllable form.
21. Rolande — Strong, noble, and slightly dramatic.
22. Théophile — Means “loved by God.” A divine choice for your cherished
23. Marguerite — “Daisy.” Beautiful and pure.
24. Benoît — “Blessed.” A subtle, sacred classic.
25. Édith — Think Piaf. Think soulful and unforgettable.
26. Alphonse — Vintage charm, great for a dignified dog.
27. Arlette — Sweet, classic, and old-fashioned in the best way.
28. Auguste — Stately but soft.
29. Béatrice — Elegant and angelic.
30. Camille — Literary and soft.
31. Denise — Gentle, nurturing warmth.
32. Didier — Retro perfection.
33. Edmond — Feels like it belongs in a Victor Hugo novel.
34. Fernand — Distinguished and mature.
35. Georgette — Playfully old-fashioned.
36. Gustave — “Majestic staff.” Perfect for a loyal pet.
37. Hector — Noble and brave.
38. Josiane — Friendly and kind.
39. Léonie — Regal yet warm.
40. Louise — Timeless and gentle.
41. Lucette — Charming and vintage.
42. Marceline — Graceful and melodic.
43. Michel — Understated, classic.
44. Odette — Elegant ballerina vibes.
45. Pauline — Refined but cozy.
46. Raymond — Old-fashioned but full of heart.
47. Suzanne — Bright and welcoming.
48. Thérèse — Saintly grace.
49. Yvonne — Old-school glam
50. Zéphyrine — Rare and romantic — literally means “gentle breeze.”

Wrap-Up: Finding Your Pet’s Perfect French Flair

Choosing the perfect French name is like finding the right perfume — it’s all about the vibe.

Does your cat strut around like she owns Paris? Maybe she’s a Colette or Lune.
Is your dog loyal, goofy, and irresistible? Gaston or Croissant might fit.
And if your hamster looks like a tiny pastry, you know he’s a Beignet.

Whether you go for the timeless, the romantic, or the downright silly, remember:
The best name is the one that makes you smile every time you say it.

So pour yourself another cup of coffee, whisper a few of these aloud, and see which one makes your heart say oui!