1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
Across 61 pages
of 61
Clemence
French feminine variation of Clement
"mild, merciful"
Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
Héloïse
French
"healthy, wide"
Héloïse is a chic French name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the…
Helaine
French variation of Helen
Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.
Claudine
French feminine variation of Claude
There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.
Ballou
French
"from Bellou"
Unusual surname with rowdy quality.
Harriette
Harriette is a feminine name of Germanic origin, a diminutive form of Harriet, which itself is a feminine version of Harry or Henry. The name means 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,'…
Harriet
English variation of French Henriette
"estate ruler"
Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider…
Claudie
French feminine variation of Claude
Attractive form still très Parisienne.
Grazielle
Grazielle is a feminine name of Italian and Portuguese origin, derived from 'grazia' meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. It's an elaborate and melodious variation of Graziela or Graciela, infused with…
Claudette
French, feminine variation of Claude
"lame; enclosure"
Once seen as a dated French Claudette-Colbert feminization, along with Annette and Paulette, we can see Claudette moving into a more plausible Colette-Cosette arena. While some may be put off by the…
Baize
French
"dark brown"
This fabric word name would be a one-of-a-kind.
Auberte
Auberte is a feminine French name derived from the Germanic elements 'alb' meaning 'elf' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. It is the feminine form of Aubert, which itself is a French…
Claude
Latin
"lame; enclosure"
Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy…
Questa
French
"one who seeks"
Sounds too much like the name of a minivan.
Prune
Fruit name
Prune is a fruit name loved by the French, for whom it's a Plum equivalent. In the U.S., Plum works, but Prune is not a name we'd want to inflict on a child. Prunella is slightly more plausible.
Gisele
The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
Prunelle
French
"little plum"
This sweet, fruity French name debuted in the American charts in 2020 (but dipped out again the following year). Although it's offbeat, the spunky nicknames Prue and Nell(ie) definitely work in its…
Prue
Short form of Prudence, English virtue name
"caution"
After a long time in limbo, Prudence is now so clunky it'a cool, and it's starting to make a comeback, along with other Puritan virtue names like Mercy, Patience, and Constance. Its short form, Prue,…
Gilberte
French, feminine variation of Gilbert
You might be able to make this work if you pronounce it the sophisticated French way: zhil-bare.
Clairette
Clairette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Claire (meaning 'clear' or 'bright' from Latin 'clarus'). The suffix '-ette' adds a touch of delicacy and charm, typical…