French Names that Start With O

Ottilie is trending in the UK, where the pronounced T helps the name sound pretty and delicate, rather like Amelie and Elodie. Ottilie is less popular in the US, where many Americans pronounce it as a near-homonym for "oddly".

Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly soigne, sophisticated yet upbeat choice, unlike some of the more dated other 'ette'-ending names.

Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of favor.

A particularly beautiful member of the Oriana and Orane clan,Oriane is the first name of a major character in Proust's In Search Of Lost Time, the Duchesse de Guermantes. Also borne by climber Oriane Bertone, the name may derive from the Latin aurum meaning "gold" or from oriens meaning "rising, sunrise". It was give to just 8 girls in a recent year in the US, but was a popular choice in France in the 2000s.

French variation of Ophelia that might make that lovely-and-haunted name feel more viable, yet there will be inevitable pronunciation issues.

Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.

Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.

Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient.

Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.

More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.

A cute Hebrew name also written as Orli.

The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.

Wildly popular name in France that could easily cross the Atlantic.

Also appearing as Odalys, this name has two possible origins, one more favorable perhaps than the other.

Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.

Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave. This, however, might not be considered a bad thing, or even an accident. Cadence, Lyric, Poem, and Anthem had seen increased interest, so why not this musical word?

The name appeared in the US stats in 2024 for the first time since the late 60s, when it was given to 6 boys.

Ourson is a masculine name of French origin, literally meaning 'little bear' or 'bear cub.' It derives from the French word 'ours' (bear) with the diminutive suffix '-on.' This charming name carries associations of strength tempered with gentleness and playfulness. In French literature and folklore, bears often symbolize both power and a certain wild nobility. While quite rare even in French-speaking regions, Ourson has an appealing whimsical quality that connects to nature. The name appears in some French fairy tales, including as a character in Countess d'Aulnoy's 'The Story of Pretty Goldilocks.' For parents seeking a highly distinctive name with French flair and natural imagery, Ourson provides an unusual option with sweet, endearing connotations.

A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.