1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Minuet is delicate, dancey, and lacy, with a Masterpiece Theatre feel. Is Minuet a real name? Not really, though similar-sounding French names such as Minette and Manette are.

Elisée is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the biblical name Elisha (Hebrew: Elisha or Elishah), meaning 'God is salvation' or 'God is my oath.' This elegant French variation maintains the spiritual significance of its Hebrew roots while adding distinctive Gallic charm through its spelling and pronunciation. Particularly used in France, Quebec, and other Francophone regions, Elisée carries both religious heritage and cultural sophistication. The name appears in the Bible as the prophet who succeeded Elijah, giving it historical depth and spiritual associations. With its melodious sound and refined ending, Elisée offers a less common alternative to related names like Elias or Elijah while maintaining similar meaningful connections to faith traditions.

Sophisticated French choice. Or toxic petrochemical.

This French name meaning goddess is a possible Gallic import in the Celine mode.

More commonly spelled as Sylvester in English speaking countries, Silvester is closer to its Latin origins silva . Sharing a root with Silas, Sylvia, and Sylvie, this form saw occasional use in the US in the early 20th century, and may be used in Slavic countries, such as Czechia and Slovakia

Yannick originated as a diminutive of Yann, the Breton form of John. However, it has since become popular as a standalone name in its native region of Brittany, as well as in France as a whole, where it peaked at #31 in 1973-4. It remains well within the Top 500 in France to this day, and has also seen regular use in Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Quebec.

Domitille is the French form of the ancient royal name Domitilla. Domitille is used today, and was in the French Top 500 during the 2000s. While English speakers might say it as dom-ih-till or dom-ih-teel, in French, it would be DAW-MEE-TEE. Either way, it could be an interesting way to nickname Dottie.

Benadette is a feminine name that serves as a variant of the more common Bernadette, which originated from the Germanic masculine name Bernard, meaning "brave as a bear." The alteration from "r" to "n" gives Benadette a softer pronunciation while maintaining the recognizable connection to its origin. Bernadette gained significant popularity after the apparitions at Lourdes, France, where Saint Bernadette Soubirous reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. The Benadette variation is considerably less common, offering a unique alternative while preserving the melodic quality of the traditional name. Though rare in usage statistics, Benadette appeals to parents who appreciate the heritage and feminine qualities of Bernadette but desire a subtle distinction in spelling and pronunciation.

A pretty name heard in the Louisiana Cajun community, Abella would fit right in with all the other, more familiar, bella names.

The Indre is a river in France. Spelled Indra, it's the name of a powerful deity worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains — roughly the South Asian equivalent of the Greek Zeus or Norse Odin. But either Indra or Indre might make a simple, captivating, attractive name for a modern little girl.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.

A happy combination of several desirable genres: it's a word name, it has a foreign accent, and it has a highly virtuous meaning. And few other parents will be bold enough to choose it.

Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.

Appoline is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Greek name 'Apollonia,' which itself comes from the Greek god Apollo, associated with light, music, and healing. This elegant name carries a sense of classical beauty and sophistication. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Appoline has maintained a quiet presence in French-speaking regions. The name offers appealing nickname options such as Apple, Polly, or Lina. Appoline conveys a blend of ancient wisdom and refined grace, making it a distinctive choice that combines historical depth with melodic charm.

Jérôme is the French form of Jerome, ultimately derived from the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning 'sacred name.' This masculine name carries considerable historical weight through Saint Jerome, the 4th-century scholar who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate). The French spelling, with its distinctive accent marks, adds a touch of sophistication and continental flair to the name. Jérôme has maintained consistent popularity in French-speaking regions, particularly in France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland, though it's less common in English-speaking countries. The name evokes associations with intellectualism, scholarship, and cultural refinement. Jérôme offers parents a name with substantial historical depth and European elegance, particularly appealing to those with French connections or appreciation for French culture and pronunciation.

A Greek form of the rising star Otto, Othon was brought to public consciousness when a Bavarian prince named Otto became the first modern king of Greece in 1832. It was briefly popular in France in the early 20th century and might appeal today, due to its relation to Otto, and its slight similarity to Ethan and Nathan.

Unusual saint's name rarely heard outside Roman Catholic rectories until it made an appearance on a reality-TV show; has an attractive French feel. Gervase is a common spelling variation.

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.

One of those old-mannish names that sounds a lot fresher for a girl.