What does choosing a French cat name reveal about your feline friend’s personality and your own affinity for one of the world’s most cultured nations?
French cat names are not merely tags. They’re a fusion of elegance, history, and character. In this article, we explore the captivating realm of French cat names, offering a spectrum of options from the classically chic to the playfully quaint.
Whether you’re drawn to France for its artistic heritage, its culinary mastery, or simply in search of a unique moniker for your pet, this guide is a wellspring of inspiration. Each name we discuss is steeped in the rich narrative of French culture.
By the end of this read, you’ll not only have discovered an ideal name for your cat but also have taken a delightful stroll through the essence of French naming traditions.
Dive into the world of French cat names with us, and let the journey begin!
Female French Cat Names
This list presents elegant and charming names perfect for female cats. Each name embodies grace, beauty, and a unique charm. Ranging from classic to contemporary, these names highlight the delightful femininity of your feline queen:
- Adele
- Amelie
- Angèle
- Angélique
- Antoinette
- Arabelle
- Audrey
- Aurore
- Béatrice
- Bianca
- Blanche
- Brigitte
- Camille
- Cécile
- Chantal
- Chloé
- Clarisse
- Claudette
- Colette
- Coralie
- Delphine
- Élodie
- Élise
- Émilie
- Estelle
- Faustine
- Fleur
- Giselle
- Inès
- Isabelle
- Jade
- Josette
- Juliette
- Léa
- Léonie
- Lila
- Lola
- Lorraine
- Louise
- Lucie
- Madeleine
- Marguerite
- Margot
- Marine
- Mathilde
- Mirabelle
- Mireille
- Monique
- Nathalie
- Noémie
- Odette
- Océane
- Renée
- Roxane
- Sabine
- Silvie
- Simone
- Sophie
- Tess
- Valentine
- Valérie
- Viviette
- Yvette
- Zoé
For more female naming options head on to our guide on Female Cat Names.
Male French Cat Names
This category encompasses a variety of distinguished and traditional French names for male cats. From the historically rich to the fashionably modern, these names capture the essence of French masculinity:
- Adrien
- André
- Antoine
- Armand
- Axel
- Baptiste
- Barnabé
- Bastien
- Bernard
- Blaise
- Bruno
- Cesar
- Charles
- Claude
- Clément
- Damien
- Dorian
- Édouard
- Émile
- Emmanuel
- Enzo
- Eugène
- Fabien
- Fabrice
- Félix
- Florian
- François
- Gabin
- Gaston
- Geoffroy
- Gérard
- Grégoire
- Gustave
- Hector
- Henri
- Hugo
- Ilian
- Jacques
- Jean
- Jérémy
- Joël
- Léopold
- Laurent
- Louis
- Lucas
- Marcel
- Mathieu
- Mathis
- Maurice
- Maximilien
- Michel
- Noël
- Nicolas
- Olivier
- Pascal
- Paul
- Philippe
- Pierre
- Quentin
- Raphaël
- Rémi
- Roméo
- Serge
- Sylvestre
- Théo
- Thierry
- Ulysse
- Valentin
- Victor
- Vincent
- Xavier
- Yanis
- Yves
- Zacharie
Check out our guide to Male Cat Names for more naming ideas.
Unisex French Cat Names
Suitable for any cat, these names blend traditional French elegance with a modern twist. They’re perfect for pet owners who prefer gender-neutral options, echoing the inclusive nature of contemporary French culture:
- Alex (from Alexandre/Alexandra)
- Alix
- Ariel
- Blaise
- Camille
- Charlie (from Charles/Charlotte)
- Chris (from Christophe/Christine)
- Claude
- Dominique
- Éliot
- Éliott
- Fabrice
- Flavien
- Franck (from Franck/Françoise)
- Francis
- Gaël
- Jean
- Jules
- Léo (from Léonard/Léonie)
- Lou (from Louis/Louise)
- Maël
- Maxime
- Niki (from Nicolas/Nicole)
- Noa
- Noel
- Pat (from Patrick/Patricia)
- Patrice
- Raphaël (from Raphaël/Raphaëlle)
- René (from René/Renée)
- Robin
- Sylvain (from Sylvain/Sylvaine)
- Toni (from Antoine/Antoinette)
- Tristan
- Valéry
- Yan (from Yann/Yannick)
- Yannick
- Zoé
Cute French Cat Names
Inspired by the French playful language, these names are infused with charm and whimsy. Perfect for adorable and spirited kittens:
- Amie [ah-MEE] (Friend)
- Baguette [ba-GET] (French Bread)
- Bijou [bee-ZHOO] (Jewel)
- Bonbon [bawn-bawn] (Candy)
- Câlin [ka-LAN] (Cuddle)
- Chouchou [shoo-SHOO] (Favorite)
- Ciel [see-EL] (Sky)
- Coco [koh-KOH] (Pet Name)
- Crème [krem] (Cream)
- Éclair [ay-KLAIR] (Pastry)
- Fifi [fee-FEE] (Pet Name)
- Frou-Frou [froo-froo] (Frilly)
- Gigi [zhee-ZHEE] (Pet Name)
- Grisou [gree-SOO] (Little Grey)
- Jolie [zhoh-LEE] (Pretty)
- Lulu [loo-LOO] (Pet Name)
- Mignon [min-YAWN] (Cute)
- Minou [mee-NOO] (Kitty)
- Nougat [NOO-gah] (Candy)
- Nuage [noo-AZH] (Cloud)
- Papillon [pap-ee-YON] (Butterfly)
- Pêche [pehsh] (Peach)
- Pépite [pay-PEET] (Nugget)
- Petit [puh-TEE] (Small)
- Plume [ploom] (Feather)
- Pompon [pom-PON] (Pom-Pom)
- Rêve [rev] (Dream)
- Rosette [ro-ZET] (Small Rose)
- Roux [roo] (Redhead/Ginger)
- Soleil [soh-LEY] (Sun)
- Sucre [soo-KR] (Sugar)
- Tartelette [tar-TLET] (Small Tart)
- Titi [tee-TEE] (Pet Name)
- Trésor [tray-ZOR] (Treasure)
- Twinkie [TWINK-ee] (Playful Name)
- Velours [vel-OOR] (Velvet)
- Zigzag [zig-ZAG] (Pattern)
Funny French Cat Names
Inject humor into your pet’s identity with these funny monikers. These names are inspired by quirky aspects of French life, including culinary delights and cultural nuances. Ideal for cats with a playful and mischievous personality, these names are sure to bring smiles:
- Bonhomme [boh-NOHM] (Funny Man)
- Boulette [boo-LET] (Blunder)
- Canard [ka-NAR] (Duck, used humorously)
- Chapeau [sha-PO] (Hat, used playfully)
- Chipie [shee-PEE] (Rascal)
- Coquinou [ko-kee-NOO] (Little Rascal)
- Escargot [es-kar-GO] (Snail)
- Farceur [far-SUR] (Joker)
- Foufou [foo-FOO] (Crazy)
- Fromage [fro-MAHZH] (Cheese)
- Gamine [ga-MEEN] (Kid, used playfully)
- Gribouille [gree-BOOY] (Scribble)
- Guignol [geen-YOL] (Puppet, after a famous French puppet)
- Lapin [la-PAN] (Rabbit, humorously for a cat)
- Malin [ma-LAN] (Cunning)
- Marmotte [mar-MOT] (Marmot, used playfully)
- Matou Rigolo [ma-TOO ree-GO-lo] (Funny Tomcat)
- Moustique [moo-STEEK] (Mosquito)
- Pantoufle [pan-TOOF] (Slipper)
- Patapouf [pa-ta-POOF] (Chubby)
- Pâté [pa-TAY] (Pâté, humorously for a cat)
- Pépère [pay-PAYR] (Old Man, used endearingly)
- Pétard [pay-TAR] (Firecracker)
- Pistache [pee-STASH] (Pistachio)
- Rigolo [ree-GO-lo] (Funny)
- Saucisson [so-see-SON] (Sausage)
- Zouzou [zoo-ZOO] (Cute Nickname)
Food-Inspired French Cat Names
The names in this category tap into the rich culinary heritage of France. From savory delicacies to sweet treats, these names celebrate France’s renowned gastronomy. They’re a perfect pick for cats who are as delightful as a well-prepared French meal:
- Baguette [ba-GET] (A long, thin type of French bread)
- Biscuit [bee-SKOO-ee] (Biscuit)
- Bonbon [bawn-bawn] (Candy)
- Brioche [bree-OSH] (A type of sweet bread)
- Camembert [ka-mahn-BEAR] (A type of soft, creamy cheese)
- Cannelle [ka-NEL] (Cinnamon)
- Caramel [ka-ra-MEL] (Caramel)
- Chardonnay [shar-duh-NAY] (A variety of white wine grape)
- Chocolat [sho-ko-LAH] (Chocolate)
- Coquille [ko-KEE] (Shell)
- Croissant [kwah-SAWN] (A type of buttery, flaky pastry)
- Éclair [ay-KLAIR] (A pastry filled with cream and topped with icing)
- Figue [feeg] (Fig)
- Fondue [fon-DOO] (A dish of melted cheese for dipping)
- Framboise [fram-BWAHZ] (Raspberry)
- Fromage [fro-MAHZH] (Cheese)
- Ganache [ga-NASH] (A glaze made from chocolate and cream)
- Gâteau [ga-TOH] (Cake)
- Haricot [ar-ee-KOH] (Bean)
- Lavande [la-VAHND] (Lavender)
- Macaron [ma-ka-RON] (A sweet meringue-based confection)
- Madeleine [mad-LEN] (A small sponge cake with a distinctive shell-like shape)
- Meringue [muh-RANG] (A type of dessert, often associated with French cuisine)
- Mimolette [mee-mo-LET] (A type of French cheese)
- Navet [na-VAY] (Turnip)
- Noisette [nwah-ZET] (Hazelnut)
- Olive [o-LEEV] (Olive)
- Pamplemousse [pahm-pluh-MOOS] (Grapefruit)
- Pâtisserie [pa-tees-REE] (Pastry)
- Pépite [pay-PEET] (Nugget)
- Pistache [pee-STASH] (Pistachio)
- Praline [pra-LEEN] (A type of confection containing nuts and sugar syrup)
- Ratatouille [ra-ta-TOO-ee] (A French Provençal stewed vegetable dish)
- Saffran [saf-RAN] (Saffron)
- Sorbet [sor-BAY] (A frozen dessert made from sweetened water and flavoring)
- Soufflé [soo-FLAY] (A dish made from egg yolks)
- Tartelette [tar-TLET] (A small tart)
- Truffe [troof] (Truffle)
- Vanille [va-NEE] (Vanilla)
Cat Names Inspired by French Art and Literature
Reflecting the depth of French culture, the names in this section pay homage to famous writers, artists, and their timeless works. These names are a nod to France’s literary and artistic legacy:
- Amélie [ah-may-LEE] (French film)
- Balzac [bal-ZAK] (Novelist)
- Baudelaire [boh-deh-LAIR] (Poet)
- Beauvoir [boh-VWAHR] (Writer, Philosopher)
- Camus [ka-MOO] (Philosopher, Writer)
- Cézanne [say-ZAHN] (Artist)
- Chanel [sha-NEL] (Fashion Designer)
- Cocteau [kock-TOH] (Writer, Filmmaker)
- Courbet [koor-BAY] (Painter)
- Degas [day-GAH] (Artist)
- Delacroix [del-ah-KWAH] (Romantic Artist)
- Dumas [doo-MAH] (Writer)
- Éluard [ay-LU-ard] (Poet)
- Flaubert [flo-BEAR] (Novelist)
- Gauguin [go-GAN] (Post-Impressionist Artist)
- Gérard [zhay-RAR] (Painter)
- Hugo [YOO-go] (Author)
- Lautrec [lo-TREK] (Painter)
- Matisse [ma-TEES] (Artist)
- Maupassant [mo-pa-SAHN] (Writer)
- Millet [mee-LAY] (Painter)
- Molière [mo-lee-AIR] (Playwright)
- Monet [mo-NAY] (Impressionist Painter)
- Morisot [mo-ree-SO] (Impressionist Painter)
- Nerval [ner-VAL] (Poet)
- Pagnol [pa-NYOL] (Novelist, Filmmaker)
- Pissarro [pee-SAR-ro] (Impressionist Painter)
- Prévert [pray-VAIR] (Poet, Screenwriter)
- Renoir [ren-WAHR] (Artist)
- Rodin [roh-DAN] (Sculptor)
- Rousseau [roo-SO] (Post-Impressionist Painter)
- Satie [sa-TEE] (Composer, Pianist)
- Seurat [sir-AH] (Post-Impressionist Painter)
- Toulouse [too-LOOZ] (Painter)
- Valéry [va-leh-REE] (Poet, Philosopher)
- Van Gogh [van GOGH] (Influential in French art; Dutch origin)
- Verlaine [ver-LEN] (Poet)
- Voltaire [vol-TAIR] (Enlightenment Writer)
- Zola [ZO-la] (Novelist)
- Zut [zoot] (Expression, Playful Name)
Cat Names Based on Colors in French
Vibrant and descriptive, these color-inspired names provide a palette of options. From the deep hues of “Bleu” to the soft tones of “Lavande,” these names celebrate the beauty and variety of colors. Perfect for cats of all shades and personalities:
- Blanc/Blanche [blahn/blahnsh] (White)
- Noir/Noire [nwar/nwar] (Black)
- Gris [gree] (Gray)
- Rouge [roozh] (Red)
- Bleu/Bleue [bluh/bluh] (Blue)
- Vert/Verte [vair/vairt] (Green)
- Jaune [zhone] (Yellow)
- Orange [o-RAHNZH] (Orange)
- Rose [rohz] (Pink)
- Marron [ma-ROHN] (Brown)
- Violet/Violette [vee-oh-LEH/vee-oh-LET] (Purple)
- Doré/Dorée [doh-RAY/doh-RAY] (Golden)
- Argent/Argenté [ar-ZHAHN/ar-zhan-TAY] (Silver)
- Bronze [bronz] (Bronze)
- Saphir [sa-FEER] (Sapphire)
- Émeraude [ay-may-ROHD] (Emerald)
- Turquoise [tur-KWOZ] (Turquoise)
- Corail [ko-RYE] (Coral)
- Indigo [an-DEE-go] (Indigo)
- Lavande [la-VAHND] (Lavender)
- Cerise [se-REEZ] (Cherry)
- Abricot [ab-ree-KOH] (Apricot)
- Safran [sa-FRAHN] (Saffron)
- Perle [pearl] (Pearl)
- Caramel [ka-ra-MEL] (Caramel)
- Fauve [fohv] (Tawny)
- Cendré/Cendrée [son-DRAY/son-DRAY] (Ashen)
- Pêche [pehsh] (Peach)
- Topaze [toh-PAHZ] (Topaz)
- Azure [ah-ZOOR] (Azure)
Nature-Inspired French Cat Names
Drawing from France’s diverse landscapes, these names encapsulate everything from lush forests to serene rivers. Ideal for cats with a nature-loving spirit or an adventurous heart:
- Aurore [oh-ROHR] (Dawn)
- Azur [ah-ZOOR] (Azure)
- Brise [breez] (Breeze)
- Cèdre [sedr] (Cedar)
- Cerise [se-REEZ] (Cherry)
- Chêne [shen] (Oak)
- Ciel [see-EL] (Sky)
- Colombe [ko-LOMB] (Dove)
- Cyprès [see-PREH] (Cypress)
- Érable [ay-RAHBL] (Maple)
- Étoile [ay-TWAHL] (Star)
- Fleur [flur] (Flower)
- Forêt [foh-RAY] (Forest)
- Galet [ga-LAY] (Pebble)
- Hortensia [or-tahn-SEE-ah] (Hydrangea)
- Iris [ee-REES] (Iris)
- Jardin [zhar-DAN] (Garden)
- Jonquille [zhon-KEEL] (Daffodil)
- Lagon [la-GAWN] (Lagoon)
- Lavande [la-VAHND] (Lavender)
- Lierre [lee-AIR] (Ivy)
- Lune [loon] (Moon)
- Marée [ma-RAY] (Tide)
- Mousse [moos] (Moss)
- Nénuphar [nay-noo-FAR] (Water Lily)
- Olivier [o-lee-VYAY] (Olive Tree)
- Ombre [awmbr] (Shadow)
- Orchidée [or-kee-DAY] (Orchid)
- Pétale [pay-TAHL] (Petal)
- Pin [pan] (Pine)
- Pluie [ploo-EE] (Rain)
- Prairie [prah-REE] (Meadow)
- Rivière [ree-VYAIR] (River)
- Rosée [roh-ZAY] (Dew)
- Sable [SAH-bluh] (Sand)
- Saule [sohl] (Willow)
- Soleil [soh-LEY] (Sun)
- Tempête [tahn-PET] (Storm)
- Vigne [veen] (Vine)
Geography-Inspired French Cat Names
From the rustic charm of Provence to the chic streets of Paris, these names capture the essence of various French regions and cities:
- Albi [al-BEE] (Historic city)
- Arles [arl] (City, Van Gogh)
- Avignon [a-vee-NYON] (City, medieval)
- Bastille [ba-STEEL] (Historic fortress)
- Bordeaux [bor-DOH] (Wine city)
- Bretagne [bre-TAHN-ya] (Region, Brittany)
- Calais [ka-LAY] (Port city)
- Cannes [kan] (Film festival)
- Chamonix [sha-mo-NEE] (Resort area)
- Champagne [sham-PAYN] (Wine region)
- Corsica [kor-SEE-ka] (Island)
- Dijon [dee-ZHAWN] (City, mustard)
- Élysée [ay-lee-ZAY] (Presidential palace)
- Gascogne [gas-KON-yuh] (Region, Gascony)
- Giverny [zhee-ver-NEE] (Monet’s garden)
- Lille [leel] (City, north)
- Loire [lwar] (Valley, vineyards)
- Lorraine [lo-RAIN] (Region, northeast)
- Lyon [lee-OHN] (City, cuisine)
- Marseille [mar-SAY] (Port city)
- Montmartre [mohn-mar-TRUH] (Historic district)
- Nice [nees] (Riviera city)
- Orleans [or-LE-ON] (City, south of Paris)
- Paris [pa-REE] (Capital city of France)
- Provence [pro-VAHNS] (Region, landscapes)
- Reims [rans] (City, cathedral)
- Riviera [ree-vee-AIR-ah] (Mediterranean coast)
- Seine [sen] (River, Paris)
- Toulouse [too-LOOZ] (City, south)
- Versailles [ver-SIGH] (Palace, gardens)
- Vichy [vee-SHEE] (City, springs)
- Vienne [vee-EN] (City, southeast)
Cat Names Inspired by French Folklore and Mythology
Imbued with magic and legend, the names on this list delve into the mystical side of French culture. These names, drawn from ancient tales and mythical beings, are perfect for cats with an enigmatic presence or a mysterious aura:
- Abondance [a-bon-DANS] (Goddess of abundance)
- Alais [a-LAY] (A character from French folklore)
- Belisama [be-lee-SA-ma] (Gaulish goddess)
- Blanche [blahnsh] (White, from “Blanche Neige” or Snow White)
- Bretagne [bre-TAHN-ya] (Brittany, a region rich in folklore)
- Carabosse [ka-ra-BOSS] (Fairy tale character)
- Corrigan [ko-ree-GAN] (Fairy-like creatures in Breton folklore)
- Druide [dru-EED] (Druid)
- Esmerée [ez-may-RAY] (A character from French fairy tales)
- Fée [fay] (Fairy)
- Floréal [flo-ray-AL] (From the French Revolutionary calendar, symbolizing nature)
- Gargouille [gar-GOOY] (Gargoyle)
- Gaule [gohl] (Gaul, ancient region of France)
- Giselle [zhee-SEL] (A character from a French ballet)
- Lutin [loo-TAN] (Imp or goblin in French folklore)
- Mélusine [may-loo-ZEEN] (Water fairy)
- Quiberon [kee-bay-RON] (A peninsula in Brittany, rich in legends)
- Roncevaux [ron-se-VO] (Legendary place in French epics)
- Sylphide [seel-FEED] (A mythological spirit of the air)
- Taranis [ta-ra-NEES] (Celtic thunder god)