Beautiful, Chic French Names for Baby Girls

Rosemarie had its moment in the sun back in the middle of the last century, when parents were looking for new ways to recycle traditional family names. So a child might combine her two grandma's names and become Rosemarie (or Annmarie or Maryjean), but these combination names feel dated now.

Frenchified name rarely used in France. And perhaps even more rarely used in the US -- there were NO baby girls given the name on the official records of 2021.

Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.

This modern name gathers some steam from the wildly popular Isabel.

Has lost all trace of its French accent.

Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.

Quincy is a Presidential surname name that actually sounds both cute and strong when used for a girl. For the first time ever, Quincy joined the Top 1000 roster for girls in 2023, given to over 250 baby girls that year.

The sweet Czech form of Sylvia.

Place-name and homonym of Bree, less popular than its enlargement, Brielle or Brianna. Brie Larson is a notable bearer.

Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.

Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.

Brigitte is the French version of the ancient Irish Brighid long associated with 1950s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot. If you want to pronounce Brigitte the French way, it's brih-ZHEET.

Paris, a one-time mythical and Shakespearean boys' name, peaked in 2004 at Number 157 at least in part due to the highly publicized Paris Hilton. Michael Jackson used it for his daughter.

Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta.

This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.

Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.

Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.

It's interesting how names imported to the US from other countries and cultures have fashion cycles based on their culture of origin. Paulette along with cousins Annette and Claudette were the most fashionable French imports in the middle of the last century, only to sink from sight and be replaced by such current French favorites as Charlotte, Sophie, and Eloise. In general, feminizations of male names have faded in favor of gender-neutral choices, and Paul itself is off its own fashion peak.

The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.

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.