French Names

You could just spell it epiphany, but that's so much more pedestrian. It's also a holiday name, à la Christmas and Easter: the Epiphany marked the visitation of the Three Wise Men to Baby Jesus. 

Épiphanie

Moniqua is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Monica. The name Monica has Latin origins meaning 'advisor' or 'counselor.' This alternative spelling with the 'q' gives the traditional name a more distinctive and modern appearance while maintaining its pronunciation. Moniqua emerged in popularity during the late 20th century when unique spellings of classic names became fashionable. While less common than the traditional Monica, Moniqua appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with an individualized touch. The name carries connotations of wisdom and guidance while offering a contemporary flair.

Moniqua

The grandiose name of a French revolutionary – in full: Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau. Mirabeau likely derives from Latin mirabilis, making it a masculine cousin of Mirabelle.

Mirabeau

Émilie is the French variation of Emily, derived from the Latin name 'Aemilia.' This elegant feminine name carries a sense of grace enhanced by the accent mark over the first 'e,' which indicates a specific pronunciation in French (ay-mee-lee). The name has a long history in French-speaking regions, with notable bearers including Émilie du Châtelet, an accomplished 18th-century French mathematician and physicist. Throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Émilie has maintained steady popularity, often ranking among the top 100 girls' names. The name conveys a classic yet timeless quality, embodying both intellectual depth and feminine charm across French-speaking cultures.

Émilie

Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium.

To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.

Capucine

Minerve is a French variation of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, arts, and trade. Derived from the Latin name Minerva, itself possibly of Etruscan origin, Minerve carries strong associations with intelligence, creativity, and strategic thinking. While less common than Minerva internationally, Minerve maintains a sophisticated, distinctive quality particularly appreciated in French-speaking regions. The name has historical connections to several places in France, including the village of Minerve in Languedoc. With its elegant sound and powerful mythological associations, Minerve appeals to parents drawn to names with classical roots and feminine strength. The name projects an image of refinement, wisdom, and artistic sensibility.

Minerve

Milicent is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Millicent, which derives from the Old Germanic name Amalasuintha, meaning "work" and "strength." This elegant name carries connotations of determination and resilience. Popular in medieval England following the Norman Conquest, Milicent's usage declined over centuries before experiencing brief revivals. The spelling variant Milicent is considerably rarer than the traditional Millicent, giving it a distinctive quality. Though uncommon in contemporary times, the name maintains an air of vintage sophistication and refinement with its flowing syllables and historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with classical elegance and strong meaning.

Milicent

Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is also connected with the French Lusignan royal house which claimed to be descended from Melusine. This name makes a good choice for people looking for a feminine mythological name but want to steer clear of Greek and Arthurian mythology.

Melusine

Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?

Emeraude

Charming French endearment, first used as a name by Goethe, that now makes an appealing choice -- though the proper feminine form is Mignonne. Note, though, that this is not actually used as a name in France, where Manon would be the closest choice. 
 Mignon is the leading character, a young Italian dancer, in Goethe's novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, upon which an eponymous opera was based. Mignon Eberhart was a popular American mystery writer. 
 The name is also associated with the flower name Mignonette.

Mignon

Michéle is a feminine name that represents the French variation of Michelle, itself the feminine form of Michel, derived from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?' The accent over the 'e' (acute accent) gives the name its distinctive French pronunciation and flair, differentiating it from the more common Michelle. This elegant variation gained some popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, making it a sophisticated choice that balances familiarity with distinctiveness. The name carries the rich heritage of its biblical roots while offering a touch of European refinement. Michéle projects an image of grace, intelligence, and cultural sophistication, appealing to parents drawn to French-influenced names with timeless appeal and international recognition.

Michéle

Elvire is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'elf' or 'magical being' and 'true' or 'faithful.' It's the French form of Elvira, which has been used throughout Europe since medieval times. The name carries an elegant, somewhat mysterious quality with its connection to mythological beings and Old World charm. Elvire has been particularly used in French-speaking regions and has literary connections, appearing in works by Victor Hugo and Alphonse de Lamartine. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name maintains a sophisticated European flair that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically grounded. The name's rich vowel sounds give it a melodic quality that feels both classic and distinctive.

Elvire

One of those quintessentially<a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French names</a> still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.

Micheline

Elvéra is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the Spanish name Elvira, which itself likely comes from the Gothic element "alwi" meaning "all, whole" combined with "wers" meaning "true." The addition of the accent mark gives the name a distinct French or European flair. While less common in English-speaking countries, Elvéra has maintained some popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in French and Spanish-speaking regions. The name carries an air of elegance and old-world charm, conjuring images of sophistication. With its melodic pronunciation and slightly exotic feel to English speakers, Elvéra appeals to parents seeking a name that's both classical and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to popular names like Ella or Eva.

Elvéra

Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella. 

Cantrelle

The French version of Candida, and with no unfortunate medical connection, much more wearable. It has never been recorded in the US charts, but could be a charming alternative to names like Cosette, Celine, Celeste, or Constance. In France, although not common, it was used in small numbers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Candide

Appolinia is a feminine name that originated as a variant of Apollonia, which is derived from the Greek god Apollo, deity of music, prophecy, and healing. This elegant name has roots in ancient Greek and Roman traditions, carrying associations with beauty and artistic inspiration. The spelling variation with double 'p' gives it a distinctive touch while maintaining its classical essence. Appolinia is relatively uncommon, offering a rare alternative to more familiar feminine names. Throughout history, it has appeared occasionally among European nobility and in Mediterranean regions, particularly in Italy. Those named Appolinia might find connections to Saint Apollonia, an early Christian martyr. The name's melodic quality and classical heritage make it appealing for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with historical depth.

Appolinia

Michèle is the French feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God?' The distinctive accent over the 'e' (accent grave) indicates the French pronunciation (mee-SHELL), differentiating it from the masculine Michel. This elegant variation has been popular in French-speaking regions for generations, while also finding favor internationally among those appreciating its sophistication and European flair. Michèle enjoyed particular popularity in the mid-20th century but remains a timeless choice that bridges cultures. Notable bearers include French actress Michèle Morgan and American author Michèle Roberts. The name conveys refinement and cultural awareness while maintaining accessibility. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its French styling gives it a touch of cosmopolitan elegance, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both substance and style.

Michèle

Mellicent is a rare feminine name that evolved as a variant of Melisande and Millicent. It derives from Germanic origins, combining elements meaning 'work' and 'strength' or possibly 'honey' and 'sweet.' Popular during medieval times, it was brought to England by the Normans but gradually declined in use over centuries. The spelling with 'e' rather than 'i' gives it a distinctive honey-like quality, reinforcing associations with sweetness (reflecting the Latin 'mel' meaning honey). The name enjoyed brief popularity during the early 20th century but remains uncommon today. Mellicent offers the friendly nicknames Mel, Mellie, or Milly. It appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with a gentle sound and historical depth that still feel unique in contemporary settings.

Mellicent

The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.

Melisandre

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 32)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)