So you’ve fallen for the Epagneul Français—aka the French Spaniel, the dog with the looks of royalty and the loyalty of a ride-or-die BFF.
I don’t blame you. With their silky coats, soulful eyes, and gentle yet goofy vibe, these pups are basically the croissant of the dog world: refined, soft, and weirdly addictive.
Whether you call yours a French Setter, Canadian Setter, or that dog who just tried to catch a leaf for 20 minutes—one thing’s for sure: they deserve a name that’s as iconic as their floofy ears.
French Spaniel Breed Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| Origin | ~1800s, France (revived by Father Fournier, a priest and hunter) |
| Also Known As | Epagneul Français, French Setter, Canadian Setter |
| AKC Classification | Not officially recognized (yet!) |
| FCI Classification | Group 7 – Pointing Dogs |
| Breed Category | Gun Dog / Bird Dog |
| Regional Nicknames | L’Élégant Chasseur, Le Setter Français |
| Personality | Gentle, eager, obedient, sociable, a total people-pleaser |
| Best For | Families, hunters, cuddling professionals, couch-sharing experts |
What’s in a Name? The Backstory of the “French Spaniel”
The name French Spaniel (or Epagneul Français) is exactly what it sounds like: a spaniel from France.
“Epagneul” comes from the Old French word espaignol, meaning “Spanish dog,” referring to the Spaniel type that came from Spain and spread through Europe like dog hair on black pants.
By the 14th century, the French had developed their own version—bigger, calmer, and great at flushing birds without losing their très chic manners.
The “French Setter” or “Canadian Setter” names popped up in English-speaking regions that wanted to sound fancier.
Because, let’s be real, everything sounds better in French. Even “mud puddle” is flaque de boue.
The Ultimate List of French Spaniel Dog Names
Let’s get to the good stuff. Below you’ll find over 120+ names for your classy, clumsy, loving French Spaniel—divided into fun categories so you can find the perfect fit.
Whether your dog is a gentleman, a diva, a goofball, or all three.
Gender-Based French Spaniel Names
Male French Spaniel Dog Names
| Name | Meaning/Origin | Name | Meaning/Origin |
| Gaston | French name, “guest” | Blaise | Sounds cool, actually is cool |
| Remy | French origin, “oarsman” | Jacques | James, but French |
| Lucien | Light-bringer | Yves | Archery and yew trees |
| Pascal | Easter-born | Romain | From Rome |
| Étienne | French form of Stephen | Jules | Youthful |
| Claude | Limping—great for dramatic slow walkers | Luc | Light |
| Beau | Handsome (and boy, he knows it) | Andre | Manly |
| Henri | Classic French royalty | Olivier | Peaceful olive tree |
| Marcel | Little warrior | Pierre | Solid as a rock |
| Leon | Bold like a lion | Armand | Warrior |
Female French Spaniel Dog Names
| Name | Meaning/Origin | Name | Meaning/Origin |
| Colette | Victory of the people | Léa | Weary (but cute while doing it) |
| Amélie | Industrious and hardworking | Sabine | Ancient tribe |
| Giselle | Pledge | Fleur | Flower |
| Fifi | Adorably French | Camille | Acolyte |
| Odette | Wealthy | Jolie | Pretty |
| Chantal | Stone or singer | Anouk | Grace |
| Élodie | Marsh flower | Noémie | Pleasant |
| Margot | Pearl | Lucie | Light |
| Céline | Heavenly | Belle | Beauty |
| Bijou | Jewel | Zoé | Life |
Thematic French Spaniel Names
French-Themed
| Name | Meaning | Name | Meaning |
| Baguette | For the long and lean | Paris | Chic and bold |
| Dijon | Spicy pup vibes | Étoile | Star |
| Brie | Soft and mellow | Marseille | Cool coastal vibes |
| Bordeaux | Rich and complex | Champagne | Bubbly |
| Monet | Artistic chaos | Louvre | A walking masterpiece |
| Éclair | Fast and sweet | Renoir | Painterly pup |
| Croissant | Soft, flaky, beloved | Chérie | Darling |
| Versailles | Luxuriously extra | Cannes | Glamorous |
| Macaron | Colorful, delicate | Provence | Elegant countryside energy |
| Truffle | Earthy and fancy | Montmartre | Artsy and proud |
Personality-Based French Spaniel Names
| Name | Perfect For Dogs Who Are… | Name | Perfect For Dogs Who Are… |
| Zoomie | Constant motion | Boop | Snout always involved |
| Snuggle | Affection monsters | Peppy | A little extra |
| Velvet | Soft as a cloud | Sassy | Side-eye specialist |
| Waffles | Sweet and warm | Bashful | Shy but sweet |
| Mischief | Into everything | Zesty | Spicy little sparkplug |
| Snoozer | Obsessed with naps | Cuddles | Self-explanatory |
| Doodle | Always daydreaming | Whisper | Quietly loyal |
| Wiggle | Can’t sit still | Ruckus | Loud and proud |
| Pompom | Full of bounce | Niblet | Tiny but mighty |
| Mellow | Chiller than you are | Floof | Maximum fluff |
Names from History (and a Bit of Fancy Lore)
| Name | Why It Fits | Name | Why It Fits |
| Lafayette | Revolutionary charm | Rousseau | Deep thinker (about treats) |
| Napoleon | Small but commanding | Robespierre | For the drama queens |
| Marie | For a dog who deserves cake | Clovis | First King of the Franks |
| Voltaire | Witty, probably sarcastic | Heloise | Historic romance icon |
| Joan | Brave like Joan of Arc | Bernadette | Sweet and old-fashioned |
| Hugo | Epic and heartfelt | Toulouse | For the artsy fartsy types |
| Louis | Regal to the bone | Jeanne | Noble and bold |
| Josephine | Chic and strong | Cécile | Classic charm |
| Charlemagne | Powerful presence | Antoine | Dapper and daring |
| Molière | Drama king or queen | Baudelaire | Dark, poetic stare |
Pop Culture Names
| Name | Reference | Name | Reference |
| Lumière | Beauty and the Beast | Gaston | Not just a pretty face |
| Remy | Ratatouille chef | Esmé | Classy and elegant |
| Amélie | Quirky film heroine | Clouseau | Inspector goofball |
| Belle | Disney princess | Adele | Okay, not French, but sings like one |
| Pepe | Le Pew (but with manners) | Dior | Dripping in class |
| Hercule | Poirot, mystery master | Hugo | Victor or fashion house—both work |
| Coco | Chanel (style icon) | Pépé | Cute and silly |
| Toulouse | Aristocats | Bijou | Sparkly star of any show |
| Gigi | Classic film | Monet | Messy, genius |
| Tintin | Adventurer | Bardot | Iconic glam |
FAQs About French Spaniel Dog Names
What are good names for a French Spaniel dog?
Good names for a French Spaniel are elegant, affectionate, or a bit cheeky—think Gaston, Fleur, Waffles, or Lucien.
What are unique French Spaniel names?
Try Versailles, Zesty, Baudelaire, or Croissant if your dog deserves to stand out like the fabulous weirdo they are.
Are there cool French Spaniel male names?
Yes—names like Remy, Henri, Yves, and Bordeaux bring all the suave without the snobbery.
What are the cutest French Spaniel puppy names?
Go for names like Bijou, Snuggle, Macaron, or Doodle—maximum squeal factor guaranteed.
Can I give my French Spaniel a pop culture name?
Absolutely. If your dog acts like Lumière from Beauty and the Beast, you kind of have to.
That’s a Wrap (or a Baguette)
No matter what you name your French Spaniel—whether it’s a charming Lucie or a wild-card Zoomie—just make sure it fits their deliciously dorky, affectionate, and regal self.
These pups are basically the croissants of the canine world: flaky, buttery, and absolutely impossible not to love.
