500+ French Dog Names

Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.

French given and surname.

Sweet and charming French nickname for Anne, à la Manon for Marie.

This is a French occupational namename brought to the fore by poet Vachel Lindsay, born Nicholas Vachel (Vachel being his father's first name), considered the founder of modern poetry intended to be sung or chanted. and also author of the first book of film criticism in 1915.

Cyrille is a unisex French name, and its association with the suddenly suave Cyril has turned from a liability into an advantage.

In France, this would be like naming your child Star.

A sweet French word name possibility, but with unsavory teasing potential.

That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

Saint-Nazaire is a harbor town in France; the name relates to Nazareth, where Jesus lived as a child. Two possible variations: Nazarius, an Italian martyr, and Nazario.

A British surname that was used only for males until Mrs. Norman Mailer, Norris Church (born Barbara), came under the public eye.

Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.

Often spelled Gauthier, this could make a distinctive way to honor Grandpa Walter, but first syllable pronounced 'goat' might be a problem.

Pronounced Beecham, but still too fancy and fey. Likewise Beaufort (beautiful fort), Beaufoy (beautiful beech tree), and Beaumont (beautiful mountain).

Best-selling Prep author Curtis Sittenfeld made this one of the many boy names for girls" gaining in popularity and acceptability.

Sweet and endearing, à la Mignon and Manon.

Saint Germain, the intellectual center of Paris, lends the name a creative aura. But most Americans would say jer-mayn. The Latin Germanus may mean sprout or bud, or brother.

Chance has risen far on the baby-naming charts, but Hazard has a considerably more dangerous edge. It was the middle name of famed US naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry.

Cachet is one of those word names -- Cliché is the most egregious example -- that sounds lovely but seems slightly ridiculous when taken literally.