By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 72 pages
of 72
French
"queen"
This regal French name is a descendant of the Latin Regina, as is the Spanish Reina. Reine is also a male name in Scandinavia.
French from Italian
"impulsive change of mind; lively music"
Caprice is a word name with an appealing sound and a light-hearted meaning that may well put parents off. While it was given to just 10 girls in a recent year, the name did have a moment back in the…
French/Breton variation of John
"God is gracious"
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
French form of Aurelius, Latin
"golden"
More traditionally spelled as Aurélien, this is the elegant French form of the golden Aurelius. Ultimately derived from aureus meaning "gold, gilded", this form is in the French Top 500, albeit near…
Diminutive of Mary, Miriam, and others
Sweet, nicknamey name belonging to the tragic heroines of both La Bohème and Rent . Mimi might feel too slight for many parents to use on the birth certificate, but as a short form, it's one of the…
Latin
"ancient"
The rarer long form of Priscilla, which comes from the Roman name Priscus, meaning "ancient".
English
"citizen of Rome"
Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly…
English variation of Chanel, French
"dweller near the canal"
French designer name Chanel spelt phonetically in English.
Jacque is a masculine name that serves as a French variant of Jacob, ultimately derived from Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' While Jacques (with the 's') is the standard…
Elize is a feminine name that is a variant of Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This simplified form offers a modern, streamlined alternative to the…
French variation of Marcel
"little warrior"
Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.
French form of Latin Maximus
"greatest"
A cute and fresh way to get to Max, this was the name of a sixth century saint. Maxence is a Top 100 boys' name in France, but largely unknown in the US where it is given to only a handful of baby…
French nickname and Japanese
"double happiness"
Kiki is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu bohemian-type French nickname names from the turn of the last century, which have endless energy and sparkle. Artist Kiki Smith is its most well-known…
Variation of Noel, French
"Christmas"
If Joely (as in actress Richardson) is a name, why not Noely? As nickname-names become both more acceptable and more fashionable, Noely may be a fresh spin on one traditional name for Christmas…
Pennelope represents a modern spelling variation of the classic Greek name Penelope. While maintaining the pronunciation of the traditional form, this variant incorporates a doubled 'n,' giving it a…
Variation of Renee
"reborn"
This name is hanging on as Renee, thanks to Ms. Zellweger, and in newer forms Renae and Renny.
French variation of Achilles
"thin-lipped"
The French spin on the name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel seems somewhat more portable into the modern world.
Variation of Cheryl, English invented name from Cherie, French
"dear"
Somehow, the S versions are even more passe than the C's.
French, meaning 'breath'
A pretty name heard in the Louisiana Cajun community, Abella would fit right in with all the other, more familiar, bella names.
French, English
"cape and cloak maker or wear; a point of land that juts out"
Cape is a surname-style name and a geographical, nature connected one. As a surname, it was originally given to someone who wore a cloak or cape, or to one who made them. As a word name, it describes…
