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1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Danique

    • Origin:

      French variation of Danica

    • Meaning:

      "morning star"

    • Description:

      This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.
  2. Lilas

    • Description:

      Lilas is a delicate feminine name derived from the French word for 'lilac,' the fragrant purple flowering shrub. This nature-inspired name carries the gentle, sweet associations of the lilac flower, which symbolizes spring, renewal, and first love in many cultures. While not extremely common internationally, Lilas has maintained steady usage in France and Lebanon, and among Arabic speakers (where it's pronounced LEE-las). The name has a soft, melodic quality with its repeated 'l' sounds and final 's' that is pronounced in French. Lilas offers a subtle alternative to more common floral names like Lily or Rose, while still evoking natural beauty and feminine grace.

  3. Denver

    • Origin:

      English or French place-name and surname

    • Meaning:

      "green valley or from Anvers"

    • Description:

      Yet another creative character name from Toni Morrison, Denver was a daughter of Sethe's in the novel Beloved. Today Denver is most familiar as the name of the largest city in Colorado, used almost equally for girls and boys.
  4. 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.
  5. Romane

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "a Roman"

    • Description:

      The feminine version of the newly-stylish Roman -- and the longer form of the also-newly-stylish Romy -- would make a girls' choice that achieves that near-impossible balance of being both original and fashionable. This variation is far superior to Romaine, which is too lettuce-y.
  6. Honoré

    • Origin:

      French variation of Latin

    • Meaning:

      "honored one"

    • Description:

      A name that is truly honored in France, as the name of several saints, artists like Daumier, and writers like Balzac.
  7. Jeanne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Jean

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.
  8. Ninon

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Sweet and charming French nickname for Anne, à la Manon for Marie.
  9. Celie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Cecilia

    • Meaning:

      "blind"

    • Description:

      Attractive, underused name made famous by the heroine of The Color Purple. Still, if you're going to go to Celie, why not go all the way to Celia or Cecelia? You can always use Celie for short.
  10. Zenaida

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the life of Zeus"

    • Description:

      This name of a daughter of Zeus has an intriguing air of antiquity.
  11. 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.
  12. Jeter

    • Origin:

      French or German surname

    • Description:

      Jeter, which of course is used as a first name only because of Yankee star Derek, rhymes with Peter and may be derived from the French surname Jette, which was often bestowed on foundlings because it means "thrown out," or the German Jetter, an occupational name meaning "weeder." If your husband insists on Jeter, counter with Percival.
  13. Claudie

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Claude

    • Description:

      Attractive form still très Parisienne.
  14. Ermentrude

    • Origin:

      French version of Germanic Ermendrud

    • Meaning:

      "universal strength"

    • Description:

      Ermentrude was the name of two medieval queens of France. Despite these distinguished beginnings, this antique name is unlikely to catch on with contemporary parents, perhaps because the first syllable may sound unattractive to the modern ear and the last two syllables are the equivalent of intrude. Then there's that rude final syllable. English variant Ermintrude is equally unlikely to find favor.
  15. Sixtine

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Sixtus

    • Meaning:

      "sixth-born"

    • Description:

      While Sixtine is a name with ancient roots that's popular in modern-day France, it's hard to imagine it gaining hold in English-speaking lands, given its similarity to the number sixteen and its even-more-problematic similarity to the word "sexting." You wouldn't do that to your daughter.
  16. Ambroise

    • Description:

      Ambroise is the French form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which is derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This name carries connotations of longevity and heavenly association. Ambroise was popularized by several saints, most notably Saint Ambrose of Milan, a 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church. In France, this classic name has maintained steady, though modest, usage throughout the centuries. While Ambroise never reached tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains appreciated for its sophisticated sound and rich historical connections. The name evokes a sense of timeless elegance with its mellifluous pronunciation and distinguished heritage.
  17. Françoise

    • Origin:

      French variation of Frances

    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"

    • Description:

      In France it's sometimes bestowed as a patriotic gesture; in English-speaking places it has an air of genteel sophistication.
  18. Morgane

    • Description:

      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,' together suggesting 'born from the sea' or 'sea-dweller.' In Arthurian legend, Morgan le Fay was a powerful enchantress, giving the name mystical associations. The addition of the final 'e' in Morgane gives the name a distinctly French flair and feminine quality compared to the more unisex Morgan. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Morgane has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions. The name balances ancient Celtic roots with a contemporary sound, offering mythological depth alongside modern appeal.

  19. Cyrille

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lordly"

    • Description:

      Cyrille is a unisex French name, and its association with the suddenly suave Cyril has turned from a liability into an advantage.
  20. Léandre

    • Description:

      Léandre is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the mythological figure Leander who swam across the Hellespont nightly to visit his beloved Hero. The name combines the Greek elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'andros' meaning 'man,' suggesting strength and courage. Particularly popular in French-speaking regions and Quebec, Léandre carries a sophisticated European flair with its accent mark. The name has classical roots while maintaining a contemporary feel. Though not common in English-speaking countries, it has steady popularity in Francophone areas. Léandre offers a distinguished alternative to more common names while providing the friendly nickname Leo or Léo. Its mythological associations add depth and romantic significance.