Alba Name for Bichon Frise

The French word for 'jewel', Bijou perfectly encapsulates how the Bichon Frise was viewed by the French aristocracy. They were not mere pets but treasured adornments, pampered, perfumed, and carried like precious gems. This name reflects their small, exquisite appearance, from their brilliant white hypoallergenic coat to their sparkling dark eyes. It signifies immense value and adoration, a living jewel that brought beauty and delight to the royal courts of kings like Henry III, who famously kept his Bichons in a ribboned basket.

From the French word 'bijou', meaning 'jewel', which itself is derived from the Breton word 'bizou', meaning '(finger) ring'.

A historical title for a princess of the Spanish royal court, 'Infanta' directly links the Bichon Frise to its history as a favorite of Spanish nobility. The breed enjoyed considerable success in Spain, and this name evokes images of royal ladies in the paintings of Goya, with their small white companions by their side. It suggests a life of privilege, elegance, and gentle companionship. An Infanta is a figure of grace and high birth, mirroring the pampered status and refined appearance of the courtly Bichon.

From Spanish and Portuguese, a title for the daughter of the reigning monarch of Spain or Portugal. It derives from Latin 'infans', meaning 'child'.

The French word for 'flower', Fleur captures the delicate beauty and cheerful essence of the Bichon Frise. Like a perfect white bloom, the Bichon is prized for its appearance—the soft, petal-like curls of its double coat and its compact, pleasing form. The name evokes the gardens of French chateaux where their ancestors were pampered. It also reflects their bright, blossoming personality, which brings life and joy to any environment, a trait that made them as beloved by circus audiences as they were by queens.

The French word for 'flower', derived from the Latin 'flos'.

Like a rare and lustrous pearl, this name signifies something precious, beautiful, and perfectly formed. It's a wonderful metaphor for the Bichon Frise's appearance: their coat is not just white, but has a radiant quality, and their compact, sturdy body is well-proportioned. The name also connects to their seafaring past, as pearls are treasures from the ocean, and the Bichon's ancestors traveled the seas with sailors. It suggests a classic, timeless beauty, a quality that has made them cherished for centuries.

From the Late Latin 'perla'. Pearls have been highly valued as gemstones for centuries.

The French word for 'pretty', Jolie is a simple yet perfect descriptor for the Bichon Frise. It captures the breed's undeniable charm, from their 'powder puff' silhouette to their inquisitive, dark-eyed expression. The name is inherently tied to their history in France, where their appearance was so adored that it inspired the verb 'bichonner' (to pamper or make beautiful). It reflects a legacy of being admired for their looks, a key trait that secured their place in the laps of the European nobility for centuries.

From the French word 'jolie', meaning 'pretty'. It is derived from Old French 'jolif', meaning 'pretty, merry'.

The Spanish word for 'dove', Paloma is a beautiful and symbolic name for the Bichon Frise. It evokes the image of a gentle, pure white bird, perfectly mirroring the dog's color and sweet-natured temperament. The dove is a universal symbol of peace and love, qualities that the Bichon, as a dedicated companion dog, embodies. This name also connects to their Spanish heritage, acknowledging their early development on the island of Tenerife and their popularity within the Spanish courts long before their fame in France.

From the Spanish word 'paloma', meaning 'dove' or 'pigeon', which derives from the Latin 'palumbes'.

A French literary name meaning 'little thing', famously from Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables'. This name beautifully captures the Bichon's small, precious size. More profoundly, it reflects the breed's own 'misérable' turn of fortune after the French Revolution, when they went from being pampered royalty to common street dogs. Like the character Cosette, the Bichon breed endured hardship and was ultimately 'rescued' by fanciers who recognized their value, restoring them to a place of love and care.

A French name, likely invented by author Victor Hugo for his 1862 novel 'Les Misérables'. It may be derived from 'chosette', a diminutive of 'chose' ('thing').

A classic pet name of French and Italian origin, often a diminutive for 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'. For the Bichon, it captures the 'beloved' aspect of their personality and history. Mimi is a name that sounds affectionate and slightly pampered, perfectly suiting a breed that inspired the verb 'bichonner'. It's a name that could have been whispered in the courts of Henry III. Its playful, repetitive sound also matches their energetic, almost comical nature, especially during their famous 'Bichon Blitz' episodes.

A pet name and diminutive, often for Maria or Miriam. It is widely used in French and Italian-speaking countries.