French Names from the 1900's & 1910's
- Corentin
Origin:
French, BretonMeaning:
"tempest, hurricane"Description:
Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
- Clotilde
Origin:
Spanish, French, Italian, and PortugueseMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.
- Florentine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flowering; flourishing; from Florence"Description:
Florentine is an unusual member of a group of names destined for great popularity for girls. Its primary members are Flora and Florence, but rarer choices such as Flory and Fleur and Florentine are sure to flower in the years ahead.
- Violette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"purple"Description:
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.
- Victoire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"victory"Description:
Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.
- Clarisse
Description:
Clarisse is a feminine name of French origin derived from the Latin name 'Clara,' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' It's the French variation of Clarice, carrying the same elegant and refined qualities. Throughout history, the name has maintained a classic appeal while never becoming overly common. In literature, the name gained some recognition from Ray Bradbury's novel 'Fahrenheit 451,' where Clarisse McClellan is a free-thinking, insightful character. The name has a delicate, sophisticated sound that combines traditional charm with a touch of uniqueness. While not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Clarisse continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its graceful, timeless quality and French flair.
- Marcelle
Description:
Marcelle is the feminine form of Marcel, a name with Latin origins derived from 'Marcellus,' a diminutive of Marcus meaning 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. Popular in France and other French-speaking regions, Marcelle carries an elegant, classic quality. The name has historical significance, having been borne by several saints and notable figures throughout European history. While more common in previous generations, Marcelle has the timeless sophistication that could appeal to parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth. The name balances femininity with strength, and its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible despite being relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Marcelle offers the appeal of vintage names while maintaining a distinctive international character.
- Gustave
Description:
Gustave is a masculine name of Swedish and French origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats people of southern Sweden) and 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The name gained prominence through Swedish royalty, including several kings named Gustav. In French-speaking regions, Gustave has been used since medieval times, made notable by figures like French artist Gustave Doré and writer Gustave Flaubert. While the more anglicized 'Gustav' appears in Scandinavian countries, the form 'Gustave' is distinctly French in character. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name carries an air of classic sophistication and European elegance that appeals to parents seeking a distinguished yet approachable traditional name.
- Basile
Origin:
French variation of BasilMeaning:
"regal"Description:
Herby and aristocratic Basil remains a tough sell, but we’d like to introduce you to Basile, the delightful French version. It retains all of Basil’s charm, but sheds some of the pesto linkage.
- Gaston
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"the foreigner, the guest"Description:
Depending on your cultural references, you may think of Phantom of the Opera author Gaston Leroux, or the macho villain of Beauty and the Beast. While he's hardly a role model (unless you too use antlers in all of your decorating), his name was likely chosen because it's a classic in France. It's been used there since the middle ages, partly in honor of the Frankish bishop St Gaston. It went out of style in France mid-century, but now it's having a revival, entering the Top 300 in 2017.
- Clemence
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClementMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
- Cyprien
Description:
Cyprien is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Latin name Cyprianus, meaning 'from Cyprus.' The name connects to the ancient Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which was sacred to Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Cyprien has a long history of use in France and French-speaking regions, with notable peaks during early Christian periods due to the veneration of Saint Cyprian, a 3rd-century bishop and martyr. While well-established in French culture, the name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. Cyprien carries an elegant, sophisticated quality characteristic of French names. It offers a distinctive alternative to more common names while maintaining historical roots and cultural significance. The name balances classic heritage with a slightly exotic quality, appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon.
- Clovis
Origin:
Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or LouisDescription:
An aromatic, unconventional name.
- Leone
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lioness"Description:
With male version Leon taking off all over Europe, the female variations, from Leona to Leonie to Leone, are coming back into style too.
- Constant
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"steadfast"Description:
A traditional French male name that could, with American pronunciation, become an admirable word name.
- Eglantine
Origin:
French botanical nameDescription:
This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.
- Albertine
Origin:
French feminine variation of AlbertDescription:
Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.
- Cyrille
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"lordly"Description:
A unisex French name, but you may want to simplify your son's life if you're English speakers by going with Cyril. It's an unusual enough name that it doesn't need further complications of spelling and pronunciation.
- Angelique
Origin:
French diminutive of AngelaMeaning:
"angelic"Description:
Angelique was the fastest-rising girl name of 2021, influenced by French-Mexican actress Angelique Boyer, who starred in the telenovela Imperio de mentiras (Empire of Lies).
- Eleonore
Description:
Eleonore is a feminine name with Germanic origins, a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, meaning 'other' or 'foreign.' This regal name has been carried by numerous European nobility throughout history, including queens and duchesses. The spelling 'Eleonore' is particularly common in French, German, and Scandinavian countries, giving it a continental sophistication. With its elegant four syllables and flowing sound, Eleonore offers a more elaborate alternative to the more common Eleanor or Ellie. The name exudes classic dignity and timeless grace while still allowing for cute nicknames like Nora, Lena, or Elle. Though not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Eleonore maintains steady appeal for parents seeking a name with historical depth and European charm.