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1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Aurelien

    • Description:

      Aurelien is a sophisticated masculine name with French origins, derived from the ancient Roman name Aurelius, which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' This elegant name carries an air of distinction and nobility, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and saints. In modern France, Aurelien remains a consistently popular choice for boys, while internationally it offers a distinctive yet accessible option. The name conveys qualities of brilliance and warmth, often associated with creative, intellectual personalities. Aurelien provides a perfect balance between classical heritage and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly appreciated in English-speaking countries for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth.
  2. Laverne

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "springlike"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Augustus

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      French version of August, for both sexes. And for those who feel the spelling of August is too plain.
  4. Linnet

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "flaxen haired"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      French variation of Jasper

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"

    • Description:

      Jasper is an internationally-popular name that takes many forms, among them Casper, Gaspar, and the French version Gaspard. Virtually unknown in the US, Gaspard is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
  6. Maxime

    • Origin:

      French variation of Maximus

    • Description:

      Common in France, but could be confused with the feminine Maxine here.
  7. Chevy

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Chevalier

    • Meaning:

      "horseman, knight"

    • Description:

      Eternally tied to the surname Chase, via the old English battle and ballad, the DC suburb, and the goofy SNL pratfaller (who was born Cornelius). It entered the US Top 1000 in 2014.
  8. Aurel

    • Description:

      Aurel is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'Aurelius' meaning 'golden' or 'gilded'. Popular in Romania, France, and other European countries, it carries an elegant, classical feel. The name has connections to the ancient Roman family name Aurelius and to the Latin word 'aurum' for gold. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Aurel has maintained steady popularity in Eastern Europe. It offers a sophisticated yet accessible alternative to more common names, with a musical quality that makes it both distinctive and pleasing to the ear. Notable variations include Aurèle (French) and Aurelio (Italian, Spanish).
  9. Claude

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lame; enclosure"

    • Description:

      Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy name for girls here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.
  10. Delano

    • Origin:

      French surname

    • Meaning:

      "from the forest of nut trees"

    • Description:

      Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.
  11. Capucine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "nasturtium"

    • Description:

      Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium. To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.
  12. Nathanael

    • Origin:

      Variation of Nathaniel

    • Description:

      Nathaniel is a wonderful classic name and Nathanael, which may be an ancient Greek or Hebrew form, is appealing and has gravitas but may prove needlessly confusing in the modern world.
  13. Aurélie

    • Description:

      Aurélie is an elegant feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name 'Aurelius,' which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' The name carries a lustrous, radiant quality through its association with gold and light. Widely used in France and French-speaking regions, Aurélie peaked in popularity there during the 1980s but has maintained steady usage. The accent mark gives the name an authentic French character, though it's sometimes simplified to Aurelie in English-speaking countries. With its soft sounds and flowing syllables, Aurélie exudes sophistication and femininity. The name offers international appeal while retaining its distinctly French identity. For those seeking a name with European flair that suggests brightness and beauty, Aurélie provides a melodious option with a rich linguistic heritage.
  14. Brigitte

    • Origin:

      French variation of Brighid

    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"

    • Description:

      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.
  15. Burke

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from the fortress"

    • Description:

      Simple, usable surname choice.
  16. Vianne

    • Origin:

      French, blend of Vivian and Anne

    • Description:

      A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."
  17. Claudine

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Claude

    • Description:

      There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.
  18. Alienor

    • Origin:

      French, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.
  19. Zélie

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      A cute, zippy French saint's name that's picking up in popularity there, and here in the US. Zélie originated as a short form of Azélie, thought to derive from Adelaide via the Occitan form Azalaïs. Saint Zélie was born Marie-Azélie.
  20. Romain

    • Description:

      Romain is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin 'Romanus,' meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This classic name has been used in France for centuries, honoring the historical significance of Roman culture. It remains quite popular in French-speaking regions while maintaining a sophisticated, international appeal elsewhere. The name carries connotations of strength and civility, reflecting the cultural impact of the Roman Empire. In English-speaking countries, Romain offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Roman. Notable bearers include French writers, athletes, and artists, which has helped maintain its cultural relevance. The name has a refined, intellectual quality while still sounding strong and masculine. Its pronunciation (ro-MAN) adds to its elegant, continental character, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with European sophistication.