French Word Names
- Anneau
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"a ring"
- Merveille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"marvel"Description:
The French word for marvel has a beautiful and elevated sound — pronounced "mair-VAY".
- Chaton
Description:
Chaton is an uncommon masculine name with French linguistic roots, where 'chaton' literally means 'kitten.' As a given name, it has been adopted for its gentle sound and endearing association. While rare in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in French-speaking regions and among francophile parents elsewhere. The name carries connotations of gentleness, playfulness, and affection. Its unique nature makes it stand out while still being relatively simple to pronounce. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Chaton appeals to parents seeking a soft-sounding yet distinctive name with European flair.
- Jeton
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"token"
- Lexique
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"lexicon"
- Louve
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"she-wolf"Description:
A modern name, taken literally from the French word for she-wolf, Louve could also be considered a feminine form of Loup (or Lupus). Similar in sound to Louvre — as in the famous art museum, whose name is said to mean "wolf-den" — it is a rare name that has begun to see more use in recent years.
- Marée
Description:
Marée is a feminine name with French origins, meaning 'tide' or 'sea tide.' This elegant, nature-inspired name reflects the rhythmic movement of ocean waters and carries associations with fluidity, strength, and natural beauty. The accent mark gives the name a distinctly French aesthetic and pronunciation (mah-RAY), adding sophistication and musical quality. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Marée has maintained modest usage in French-speaking regions. The name appeals to parents drawn to water imagery and French linguistic traditions. Its briefness and melodic sound make it both distinctive and graceful. Marée connects its bearer to the natural world, specifically to the powerful yet beautiful patterns of the sea.
- Satiné
Description:
Satiné is an elegant feminine name likely derived from the French word 'satin,' referring to the smooth, lustrous fabric. The addition of the accented 'é' enhances its French character and sophisticated sound. This name evokes qualities of refinement, smoothness, and luxury. While extremely rare in usage statistics, Satiné appeals to parents drawn to names with French flair and distinctive elegance. The name has a melodic flow with its soft consonants and emphasized final syllable, following French pronunciation patterns. Though uncommon enough to be absent from most popularity charts, Satiné fits with contemporary interest in unique names with artistic or sensory associations. The name projects femininity, sophistication, and a certain artistic quality that makes it stand out while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation for those familiar with French-influenced names.
- Doré
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"gilded"Description:
Glitzy and pretentious.
- Musique
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"music"Description:
As more English words get turned into names, parents in search of a really. unusual name may look to words from other languages, in this case French. Musique has an undoubtedly, well, musical sound, and even resembles familiar French names like Monique.
- Triolet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"short verse poem"
- Solaire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"solar"Description:
An intriguing French word and surname, Solaire has a hint of aristocratic ruggedness and plenty of flair. Translating to "solar", it is unlikely to be used within France itself, however, it has seen usage with the Francophone Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the US where it was given to 9 boys and 6 girls in a recent year. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.
- Margay
Description:
Margay is an unusual feminine name derived from the margay wild cat (Leopardus wiedii), a small spotted feline native to Central and South America. The word itself likely comes from indigenous South American languages. As a personal name, Margay is extremely rare, appealing to parents drawn to nature-inspired and unique naming choices. It bears some phonetic similarity to more common names like Margie or Margo, which may make it feel accessible despite its rarity. The name carries connotations of grace, agility, and wildness, reflecting the characteristics of the sleek, tree-dwelling cat it references. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it stand out while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.
- Plaire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to please"Description:
Please choose another name.
- Délice
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"delight"Description:
French delicacy.
- Nichée
Description:
Nichée is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the French word 'nichée' meaning 'nestful' or 'brood,' evoking images of nurturing and home. The name has a delicate, graceful quality with its soft sound and accent mark. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Nichée appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with French flair and a poetic meaning. The connection to birds' nests gives the name associations with protection, comfort, and maternal care. As a given name, Nichée remains rare and distinctive, offering a unique option for those drawn to French-inspired names that balance elegance with meaningful natural imagery.
- Amande
Description:
Amande is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'amandier' meaning 'almond tree.' It's closely related to the name Amanda, which comes from the Latin 'amanda' meaning 'worthy of love' or 'lovable.' Amande has a softer, more distinctly French pronunciation and feel compared to its more common counterpart. This elegant name is relatively rare in English-speaking countries but carries sophistication and subtle beauty. The almond association brings symbolism of promise and hope, as almond trees are among the first to bloom in spring. While never achieving widespread popularity, Amande appeals to parents seeking a refined name with European flair and natural symbolism.
- Bonté
Description:
Bonté is a feminine name of French origin meaning 'goodness' or 'kindness.' This virtue name directly embodies positive moral qualities, making it meaningful and aspirational. The accent mark gives the name a distinctive French flair and helps guide proper pronunciation. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Bonté carries an elegant, sophisticated quality that transcends language barriers. The name's direct connection to the concept of goodness makes it a powerful choice for parents wanting to instill positive values through naming. While uncommon globally, Bonté appeals to those seeking names with both beautiful sound patterns and substantive meaning, representing the virtues of compassion and generosity that transcend cultural boundaries.
- Mystique
Origin:
French word nameDescription:
Better for a perfume.
- Épiphanie
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"realization"Description:
You could just spell it epiphany, but that's so much more pedestrian. It's also a holiday name, à la Christmas and Easter: the Epiphany marked the visitation of the Three Wise Men to Baby Jesus.
