French Names

Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Used to describe a curved shape more generally, it is heavily associated with the lunar calendar, with the moon forming a crescent sharp as it wanes and waxes throughout the month.
 
Ultimately from Latin, via Old French, Crescent started appearing in the US stats (albeit very quietly) in the 1070s, while in a more recent year, it was given to 7 girls. In France, it was even briefly popular for boys in the early 20th century.
 
Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon, though you may prefer elaborated options like Crescentia or Crescencia.

Crescent

Loose, lean, and lanky cowboy-sounding names have become a recent trend, but how about the name of a real one--the Singing Cowboy Gene. Autry might be thought of as a masculine spin on the fashionable Audrey or a fresher version of Austin or Auden. 
Some other cowboy surnames from the Golden Age of movie and TV westerns: Boone, Boyd, Cody, Corrigan, Gibson, Hart, Holt, Houston, McCoy and Renaldo.

Autry

Pronounced with either two or three syllables, Aymeric is a rare, French way to honor a Henry. Derived from Aimeric, itself from the Germanic Heimrich and the English Henry, Aymeric makes an unexpected twist on a classic. 
 
The name featured in the French Top 500 right up until 2020, while in the US, it has been sporadically given to a couple of boys in recent years.
 
Footballer Aymeric Laporte is a notable bearer.

Aymeric

A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.

Dory

Breton is the term for the people and language of Brittany, a region of northern France with a distinct culture.  Breton also might be thought of as a trendy modern invention, taking the midcentury surfer boy Bret or Brett and adding the current favorite boy's name ending -on and turning it into a name all its own.  Bretton is a variation.

Breton

Demetre is a masculine name of Greek origin, a variant of Demetrius, which derives from Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest. This name carries connotations of fertility and abundance. Throughout history, Demetre has been particularly common in Eastern European countries, especially Georgia, where it's considered a traditional name. In Western countries, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has maintained steady but modest usage, appealing to parents seeking a name with classical roots yet uncommon presence. Demetre combines sophistication with a slight exotic quality, and bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to ancient mythology and cultural heritage.

Demetre

Florin is one of several names derived from the Latin root floris, making it a floral and prosperous choice for boys. A relative of Flora, Florence, and Florian, this form is most popularly heard in Romania, when it has featured in the Top 20 in previous years.
 
Borne by a ninth-century Swiss saint (also known as Florinus of Remüs), the name has been more recently borne by musician Florin Salam, actor and TV personality Florin Piersic, footballer Florin Andone, and content creator Florin Vitan.
 
Pronounced as flaw-REEN or flo-REEN in Romanian, "florin" was also the name of a now obsolete gold coin, used in a variety of countries and cultures throughout history. In relation to the English coin, it would be pronounced as floh-rin.

Florin

The modern French take on Luna, ranking in the French Top 100, but sure to cause confusion in the US.

Louna

Janvier is a masculine French name derived directly from the Latin 'Januarius,' meaning 'January' or 'relating to Janus.' Janus was the Roman god of doorways, transitions, beginnings, and endings, depicted with two faces looking to the past and future. Traditionally, Janvier was often given to boys born in January, following a naming pattern common in many cultures of naming children after their birth month or season. The name has maintained steady use in French-speaking regions including France, Canada, Haiti, and various African countries. While not extremely common, Janvier has a sophisticated, distinctive quality with its French pronunciation (zhahn-vee-AY). The name carries connotations of new beginnings and fresh starts, reflecting its association with the first month of the year.

Janvier

Seva is a feminine name with multicultural origins and rich spiritual significance. In Sanskrit, "seva" means "selfless service" or "devotion," representing acts of kindness without expectation of reward. The name also appears in Slavic languages, particularly Russian, where it functions as a diminutive of Vsevolod, meaning "ruler of all." Seva's simplicity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal despite its ancient roots. Though uncommon in Western countries, it has gained modest recognition among parents seeking names with spiritual meaning or cross-cultural significance. The name's brevity, easy pronunciation, and meaningful connotations make it accessible while remaining distinctive. Seva carries beautiful associations with compassion, generosity, and humanitarian values.

Seva

An intriguing French word and surname, Solaire has a hint of aristocratic ruggedness and plenty of flair. Translating to "solar", it is unlikely to be used within France itself, however, it has seen usage with the Francophone Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the US where it was given to 9 boys and 6 girls in a recent year. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.

Solaire

The fashionable occupational last name category gets some French flair with this, Tennessee Williams's middle name. 

Lanier

Zaidee is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, most likely derived from the Arabic name Zaida meaning 'growth' or 'prosperity.' It may also be a variant spelling of Sadie, which originated as a diminutive of Sarah (meaning 'princess' in Hebrew). The name has a vintage charm, having enjoyed modest popularity in the Victorian era alongside other names ending with the diminutive '-ee' sound. Zaidee's cross-cultural roots give it versatility, while its relatively uncommon status makes it distinctive. The initial 'Z' adds a touch of vibrancy and uniqueness to the name. In contemporary usage, Zaidee offers parents a name that feels both familiar and fresh, with a lively sound and positive connotations of abundance.

Zaidee

Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.

Axelle

Doesn't everything sound better with a French accent? Sylvain, the French variation of the Roman wood god's name, sounds somehow cooler and more sophisticated than Sylvan.

Sylvain

Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground problems. 

Timon

Filippa is the feminine form of Philip, derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses.' This elegant name has been used throughout Europe for centuries, particularly in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and Greece. While less common than the masculine Philip or feminine Philippa in English-speaking regions, Filippa offers a softer, more distinctly feminine sound with its ending in 'a.' The name carries connotations of nobility and classical heritage, as it has been borne by various historical figures and royalty across Europe. Filippa represents a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and international recognition that still remains relatively uncommon and distinctive in many Western countries.

Filippa

Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of Germain derive from the Latin Germanus, referring to a person from Germany. 

Germaine

With Isabel getting so popular, parents are searching for new varieties of the name, and Isabeau is one that makes a lovely French twist. 
 Isabeau of Bavaria was the wife of King Charles VI of France--and it was possibly a nickname for Elisabeth. It is also the name of an opera by Pietro Mascagni, a retelling of the medieval English legend of Lady Godiva, and in the 1985 film Ladyhawke, Michelle Pfeiffer plays the heroine, Lady Isabeau d'Arjou, who assumes the form of a hawk during the day.

Isabeau

Josiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the male name Joseph, which ultimately comes from Hebrew roots meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland, Josiane emerged as a fashionable name in the mid-20th century. Though its popularity has declined in recent decades, it maintains an air of classic French elegance. The name often carries diminutives like 'Josi' or 'Jo.' Josiane blends traditional religious heritage with a distinctly feminine French character, offering a sophisticated yet accessible choice. The name's rhythmic three syllables and soft sounds contribute to its graceful, melodious quality.

Josiane

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 25)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)