French Names

Lune is a delicate feminine name derived from the French word for 'moon.' With Latin origins in 'luna,' this name carries celestial associations and evokes images of moonlight and nighttime serenity. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Lune has occasional usage in France and among parents drawn to French-inspired names. The name's single-syllable simplicity belies its rich poetic qualities and mythological connections—the moon being associated with feminine energy in many cultures. Lune offers a subtle alternative to the more common Luna while maintaining the same ethereal qualities. Its brevity, elegant sound, and meaningful connection to the night sky make it appealing for parents seeking something both simple and evocative.

Lune

Marine was trending for a long time in France, but the far right politician Marine (born Marion) LePen has dampened the mood.


Marine

There was a time when <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French names</a> like Annette, Paulette – and Nanette – were chic, but now, we'd have to say "No, no, Nanette".

Nanette

Angelette is a delicate feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Angela, which stems from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' The addition of the French suffix '-ette' gives it a dainty, more feminine quality, essentially meaning 'little angel.' While not as common as Angela or Angelina, Angelette emerged primarily in the mid-20th century and saw modest usage in the United States. The name carries connotations of sweetness, innocence, and celestial beauty. Despite its charming sound and clear meaning, Angelette has remained relatively uncommon, making it an option for parents seeking a recognizable but distinctive name with spiritual undertones and a touch of French elegance.

Angelette

A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era. Babette's Feast is a 1987 Danish film based on a Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) story about a cook who wins the lottery and prepares an elaborate feast.

Babette

Daija

Danette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Dana or Danielle, which themselves derive from the masculine Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. Popular primarily during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, Danette exemplifies the trend of creating feminine names by adding the French-inspired suffix "-ette" to create a delicate, feminine variation. The name has a vintage charm that evokes mid-century aesthetics. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Danette maintains appeal for those drawn to retro names or seeking to honor relatives from that era. The name carries a gentle sophistication with its French styling while maintaining familiar roots.

Danette

A vintage-feeling compound name, blending two classic choices, Louanne was popular in France in the 2000s, both in this form and as Lou-Anne. While it may mean "graceful, renowned warrior" from Anne and Louise, it may also be considered a feminine form of the Breton Elouan meaning "light".
 
Other forms of the name include Louanna, Luann, and Luanna, which are more popular in the US.

Louanne

Though it's used far more often for boys, Lyle has a lot in common with today's trending girl names that share the double L sound: Lila, Layla, and Lola. With its cool island related meaning, derived from the Norman French l'isle, it has been appearing in the US stars for girls since at least the 1880s, given to a small number of girls most years.

Lyle

Lys is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from 'fleur-de-lis' meaning 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and the French monarchy. In Welsh and Scandinavian contexts, Lys relates to 'light' or 'brightness.' This concise, single-syllable name carries an elegant simplicity while retaining deep symbolic connections. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lys has maintained steady usage in France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer feminine names, while its cross-cultural roots give it versatility. For parents seeking minimalist naming choices with historical depth and natural symbolism, Lys offers a refined yet understated option.

Mercer is one fashionable occupational name that can work as well for girls as boys, perhaps because of the soft c or the conventionally feminine nickname Mercy.

Mercer

A sleek, smooth, understated name off the grid in the US but among the Top 100 girl names in Germany. In the US, it is a unisex name, while in Germany and the Netherlands, it is predominantly feminine.

Merle

Not quite Nanette and not quite Ninon, this is one of the more unusual 'ette' options.  There was an eponymous Spanish film, starring Elsa Pataky, based on a novel.

Ninette

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia. 

Patrice

Sidonie is an appealing and chic French favorite that is starting to attract some American fans as a fresher alternative to Sydney. Also spelled Sidony, Sidonie was the birth name of the French novelist Colette. 
In the old form Sindony, it was a common name in Tudor period England, the 'n' being dropped in the seventeenth century, leading to Sidony, Sidonie and Sidney.
 Well-used in France, Sidonie ranks in that country's Top 400.

Sidonie

Actress Sigourney -- born Susan -- Weaver made this unusual name (which she found in The Great Gatsby) famous, if not popular.

Sigourney

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.

Sojourner

Talie is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive form of Natalie, which derives from the Latin 'natalis' meaning 'birthday' or 'birth,' specifically referring to the birth of Christ. Alternatively, it may be related to the Hebrew name Talia meaning 'dew from heaven' or 'gentle dew.' In some cultures, Talie might also be connected to Italian origins. The name carries a soft, melodic quality with its two syllables and flowing sound. While not among the most common feminine names in English-speaking countries, Talie offers a modern, concise alternative to longer traditional names, appealing to parents seeking something both familiar and distinctive.

Talie

Pierra is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Pierre, the French form of Peter, which means 'rock' or 'stone.' By adding the feminine '-a' ending to the traditionally masculine Pierre, the name creates a feminine equivalent while maintaining its French aesthetic. This pattern of feminizing male names has historical precedent across many European languages. Pierra has a sophisticated, continental European flair that suggests strength and elegance simultaneously. While relatively uncommon, it offers an interesting alternative to more popular names like Petra or Patricia that share similar etymological roots. The name's rarity gives it distinction, while its recognizable sounds make it accessible. Pierra might appeal to parents with French heritage or those seeking an uncommon name with romantic language influences.

Pierra

Pierrette is the French feminine form of Peter or Pierre, an antiquated if charming feminization in the style of Albertine.

Pierrette

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 26)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)