1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Minerve

Minerve is a French variation of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, arts, and trade. Derived from the Latin name Minerva, itself possibly of Etruscan origin, Minerve carries…

Mirabelle

French

"marvelous"

If you're looking for a fresher belle name than Isabelle, Mirabelle is lovely, and we also like the extra flourish of Mirabella. And if you want a nature tie, Mirabelle is also the name of a delicate…

Mireille

French

"to admire"

A pretty name that may pose pronunciation problems for non-French speakers or those who've never encountered it, but it is worth the effort. Pronounced meer-AY (or closer to MEE-RAY in French), it…

Monet

French artist name, from diminutive of Simon

A new favorite of the bohemian set, brought to light by actress Monet Mazur, daughter of the artist who designed the Rolling Stones' mouth logo.

Moniqua

Moniqua is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Monica. The name Monica has Latin origins meaning 'advisor' or 'counselor.' This alternative spelling with the 'q' gives…

Monike

Monike is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Monica. The traditional Monica derives from North African or possibly Greek origins, associated with the word 'monos' meaning 'alone' or…

Monique

French variation of Monica

"advisor"

The sort of oh-so-French name that's falling out of favor now.

Muirgan

Muirgan is a feminine name with Celtic, specifically Irish and Scottish Gaelic roots. The name likely derives from elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'gean' or 'gan' possibly relating to 'birth' or…

Morgane

Morgane is a feminine name of Welsh and Breton origin, a variant of Morgan that's particularly popular in France. It derives from the Welsh elements 'mor' meaning 'sea' and 'gan' meaning 'born,'…

Béatrice

Béatrice is the French form of Beatrice, a feminine name with Latin origins meaning 'she who brings happiness' or 'blessed.' The accent over the 'e' emphasizes the French pronunciation…

Morgaine

Morgaine is a feminine name with mystical Celtic origins, being a variant of Morgan or Morgana. The name is steeped in Arthurian legend, where Morgaine (also known as Morgan le Fay) appears as a…

Muguet

French

"lily"

One of the few French words/names not attractive to the American ear. It's pronounced moo-gay, not a winner on either syllable. Alternatives: Liliane, Lily, Lilou, Manon.

Musette

Musette is a delicate feminine name of French origin with musical associations. Derived from the French word for a small bagpipe-like instrument popular in the 18th century, it also refers to a…

Andrée

French variation of Andrea

Gilding the lily.

Nadége

Nadége is a variant of the French name Nadège, which itself is derived from the Russian name Nadezhda, meaning 'hope.' This elegant feminine name has its ultimate origins in Slavic languages, where…

Alexandrine

Variation of Alexandra, Greek

"defending men"

Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual, found mostly in France and Germany. Another, Alexandrina, was the…

Zenaida

Greek

"the life of Zeus; dedicated to Zeus"

A powerful name with an intriguing air of antiquity, Zenaida has the freshness of Zephyr and Azalea too. Meaning "life of Zeus" or "dedicated to Zeus", it was notably borne by the first-century…

Yolanthe

Yolanthe is a distinctive variation of Yolande, a name derived from the medieval French name Violante, which relates to the Latin word for 'violet flower.' This elaborate version adds sophistication…

Iolanthe

Greek

"violet flower"

Iolanthe is known primarily through the 1882 Gilbert & Sullivan operetta of that name, in which the title character is a fairy. Iolanthe is a softer version of Yolanda, and is the kind of…