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1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. 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).
  2. Josue

    • Origin:

      French, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Joshua, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is my salvation"

    • Description:

      Josue - usually written as Josué - is a French, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Joshua that has been in the US Top 300 since 1990 and in the Top 1000 since the 70s. While it remains popular in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, in its native Spain, France, and Portugal, it has fallen slightly out of style.
  3. Lucette

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Lucy

    • Meaning:

      "little light"

    • Description:

      Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
  4. Lunette

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Victorine

    • Origin:

      French variation of Victoria, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.
  6. Cher

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      For years there was only one Cher, and then along came the charming heroine of the movie "Clueless." The world now officially has enough Chers in it.
  7. Roselle

    • Origin:

      Combination of Rose and Elle

    • Description:

      Most contemporary parents would probably opt for the more streamlined Elle.
  8. Gabin

    • Origin:

      French form of the Latin Gabinus

    • Meaning:

      "of Gabium"

    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"
  9. Jöel

    • Description:

      Jöel is a masculine name derived from the Hebrew name Yoel, meaning 'Yahweh is God.' The addition of the umlaut over the 'o' gives it a distinctive Scandinavian or Germanic touch, though this spelling variation is less common than the standard Joel. The biblical Joel was a prophet whose writings appear in the Book of Joel in the Old Testament. The name has been used across many Christian countries for centuries and remains moderately popular. Jöel combines religious significance with a touch of European flair, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both spiritual depth and unique character. The pronunciation typically emphasizes the two distinct syllables: jo-EL.
  10. Adélaïde

    • Description:

      Adélaïde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "adal" meaning "noble" and "heid" meaning "type, sort," together conveying "noble kind" or "of noble nature." This elegant French variation of Adelaide carries a distinctly sophisticated European flair, particularly with its diacritical marks. Popular in France and French-speaking regions, Adélaïde combines classical dignity with romantic charm. The name has historical significance through figures like Princess Adélaïde of Orleans and various royal women across European history. While less common internationally than the anglicized Adelaide, Adélaïde appeals to parents drawn to authentic French naming traditions. The name's refined pronunciation (ah-day-la-EED) and noble meaning make it a graceful choice that conveys cultural sophistication and timeless elegance.

  11. Vallis

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Wales"

    • Description:

      Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.
  12. Bleu

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "blue"

    • Description:

      The middle name of the Travoltas' Ella is used twice as often -- 36 to 18 babies in the US last year -- for boys as for girls, leaning even more to the male side than the traditional Blue.
  13. Aimée

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Whether you pronounce it like the original Amy or the Frenchified Ay-may, this form adds considerable elan to an old favorite.
  14. Sojourner

    • Origin:

      French, English

    • Meaning:

      "to stay a while"

    • Description:

      African-American and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth was born as Isabelle into enslavement. She adopted her new name when she began traveling and preaching abolition in 1843. Sojourner is a heroine name that may, with the rise of spiritual word names such as Journey and Genesis, finally be ready for prime time.
  15. Silvester

    • Origin:

      Latin, "wood, forest"

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      More commonly spelled as Sylvester in English speaking countries, Silvester is closer to its Latin origins silva .
  16. 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.
  17. Oralie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Aurelia

    • Description:

      Better go to the original Aurelia or Aurelie, if only for its similarity to the ord 'orally.' In pop culture, Oralie is a Pokemon name.
  18. Sabien

    • Origin:

      Romanian, Bulgarian, Basque, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from the Sabines"

    • Description:

      Sabien is a masculine name with diverse cultural connections, possibly relating to the ancient Sabine people of Italy or deriving from Latin 'sapiens' meaning 'wise.' The name may also be a variation of Sabian or Sabyan, which has connections to an ancient religious group that studied astronomy.

  19. Éric

    • Description:

      Éric is the French form of the masculine name Eric, featuring an acute accent mark over the 'E.' The name has Norse origins, derived from 'Eiríkr,' combining elements meaning 'ever' or 'always' and 'ruler' or 'king,' thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Éric is widely used in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium. The accent mark affects pronunciation, emphasizing the first syllable. While the English version Eric became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, Éric maintains steady usage in Francophone cultures. The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and nobility while its French spelling adds a touch of sophistication and cultural distinction.
  20. Baptiste

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "baptist"

    • Description:

      Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.