French Names

Also appearing as Odalys, this name has two possible origins, one more favorable perhaps than the other. 
 Used predominantly in Spanish speaking countries, and in the US, Odalis may come from the Germanic Odalia or Oda, meaning "wealth, fortune" or "fatherland, heritage". As such, it would be a relative of Otto and Ottilie, and follows the popular Spanish trend of adding a -ys or -is suffix to names (such as Idalys, Arielys, and Ailanys). 
 
Other sources suggest however that it comes from the French word Odalisque, derived from the Ottoman Turkish odalık referring to an enslaved chambermaid, house servant, or a concubine which may be less appealing.
 
Used in Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, the US, and Mexico, the name leans feminine but is also given to boys (most notably in the Dominican Republic).

Odalis

Sleek and sophisticated single-syllable choice that has NEVER been in the Top 1000, though sister name Paige has ranked since the mid 1950s. Though off her peak, Paige is still in the Top 200. Along with Poppy, Patience, and Plum, Page is one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/search/girls-names/p">girl names that start with P</a> that are also words.

Page

This is the French form of Lazarus, which recently has been rising from the dead – it's popular on Nameberry, and was used for his son by musician Trent Reznor. Lazare might be familiar to some via the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris.

Lazare

Like Maximilian, but with an attractive French twist.

Maximilien

Venerable old saint's name now associated solely with talk show host Philbin, who is constantly seeking namesakes. It comes from the word rex meaning "king".
 
It could also be considered a place name, inspired by English beach towns, Bognor Regis and Lyme Regis, both of which had 'Regis' added to their names when they were given royal charter.

Regis

Either an alternative feminization to Christina, an elaboration of the French diminutive Christelle , or a compound name, blending the element Christ- with either Stella or Ella. In the case of the latter, it could give you a rather powerful meaning. 

Christella

A variation made famous by Australian Aboriginal tennis champ Evonne Goolagong.

Evonne

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

Lucette

Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. 
Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon Lescaut a 1731 novel by Abbe Prevost, set in France and Louisiana, that was controversial in its day. It formed the basis of operas by Puccini and Massenet, and several films and TV series.
 Manon is currently a Top 50 name in France and Belgium, and is also relatively common among Welsh speakers. British actors Damian Lewis, of Homeland and Helen McCrory have a daughter named Manon.

Manon

Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.
 This group of names all relate to the ancient Greek Oceanus, god of the open sea and the oldest Titan, son of Uranos and Gaia. If you're looking for uncommon <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/641/names-that-mean-ocean">names that mean ocean</a>, this is one to consider.

Oceane

Percy is a traditional boys' name that could be cute and unexpected for a girl – perhaps as a short form for Persephone or Persis. Adventurous and literary Percy could follow in the footsteps of other boyish nicknames for girls, like Frankie and Charlie.
 
Percy Haswell was a silent film actress. And Lady Persephone "Percy" Towyn is a character on Upstairs, Downstairs.

Percy

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

Roselle

Solstice graduated from word to official first name when author Lionel Shriver used it for a character in her novel Big Brother. But of course, there were people named Solstice before: 16 baby girls were given the name in the US in 2021 (and it is occasionally used for boys too).

The word solstice is derived from the Old French and Latin term meaning "point at which the sun seems to stand still." There are pagan celebrations around the time of the winter and summer solstices, June 21 and December 21, the longest and shortest days of the year, which makes Solstice one of the best <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/577/names-for-december-babies">names for babies born in December</a> or June.

Solstice

A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice. 

Sorrel

Saint Germain, the intellectual center of Paris, lends the name a creative aura. But most Americans would say jer-mayn.   The Latin Germanus may mean sprout or bud, or brother.

Germain

This French feminine version of Germain is a unisex choice in the U.S., also spelled Jermaine, Jemaine, and Germain.  Rooted in the ancient Latin Germanus, which may mean sprout or brother, it's no longer a fashionable choice in any version.

Germaine

Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.

Veronique

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

Vianne

A multicultural name with a whole variety of meanings, Abelina may appeal as an alternative to Adeline, Abilene, Annabel or Abigail.
 
From its Spanish, German, and Niçard roots, Abelina may be considered a feminine form of the Biblical Abel, lending it the meaning "breath". As such, it is sometimes considered an elaboration of Abelia too, as they share the same source.
 
Alternatively, it may also derive from the German Abela, which is used as a short form of Apollonia ("strength" "destroyer") and Alberta ("noble and bright"), or a separate name, deriving from the Old Saxon aval meaning "strength, force". 
 
As a Dutch name, it is a feminine form of Abe, itself a variation of Adalbert, an old German form of Albert, while as a French choice, it comes from the Aramaic Abba meaning "father", linking it to Abraham. 
 
Additionally, it may be seen as a variation of the Biblical place name, Abilene, giving it the meaning "meadow, grassy area".

Abelina

Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris -- it's a Top 100 name for baby girls in France -- and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world.  Derived from the mythological name Apollo, the name may mean strength; Apollo was the god of sun and light.  Apolline is a perfect choice for those attracted to the name Apple who don't want to go quite that far.

Apolline

French names include many classic names that have ranked highly in the US for its entire history. These

 include Anne and Louis, Charlotte and Charles, and Josephine and Curtis (though it may surprise you to learn that Curtis is not only French, but perennially popular!).



French names in the US Top 200 for girls include Annabelle, Charlotte, Claire, Josephine, and Sophie. For boys, 

 include Andre, Beau, Chase, Remy, and Russell. In France, popular names include Louise, Manon, Jules, and Bastien.

 attracting fresh attention in both France and beyond include, for girls, Capucine, Darcy, Delphine, Elodie, Maribel, Oceane, Ottilie, Quincy, Romilly, and Sylvie. For boys, Dion, Emilien, Florent, Julius, Lionel, Montague, Pom, and Quincy.

Here are all the French names for girls and boys on Nameberry, ordered by their current popularity with our visitors.

French names including meaning and popularity for girls and boys such as Beau, Elodie, Sylvie, including baby names popular in France and names of French origin for boys and girls.. (Page 23)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)