First it was Clio, then Mégane. Now Renault, the car manufacturer, has upset French parents by christening its latest offspring Zoé.

Some young couples are so angered by the move that they have launched internet petitions demanding that the company should rename the car — to prevent “Zoé” being devalued.

“Our daughters have a beautiful first name that must not be associated with a car, so let us unite to bring pressure on a multinational which is going to destroy this pretty name for our children,” says a petition launched by Sébastien Mortreux, from the northern town of Auby. “It is a scandal that they are able to use common first names for products,” he said.

The fuss began when Renault unveiled the small new electric car, in concept form, this month. The company is hoping that the Zoé will lead the world market in electric cars.

But Zoé also happens to be one of the most popular current names for French baby girls. It has risen from nowhere over the past five years to become 17th favourite.

Zoés will now become figures of fun, said Rebecca225, the mother of a one-year-old Zoé, who started one of the petitions under her internet user name. “I am shocked. It is completely wrong that Renault should take the name of a woman — of my daughter — for a car, a marketing product,” she wrote.

Renault said that there was nothing insulting in the choice. “It is a name that evokes values of femininity, of youth, a playful spirit and vivacity,” said Valerian David, a spokesman.

“It is also a reference to the concept of zero emissions.”

Naming cars after women was hardly new, said Mr David. In 1902, Emil Jellinek, a German-born businessman, named a car after his daughter — Mercedes. “I think people will be able to tell the difference,” he said.

The decision on Zoé was not final