By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 72 pages
of 72
French word name
"realization"
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.
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…
French
"wonderful, miraculous"
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.
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…
"nasturtium"
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…
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…
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…
French, folkloric name
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…
"Emerald"
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?
"delicate, dainty"
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…
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…
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…
French, feminine variation of Michael
One of those quintessentially French names still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.
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."…
"song"
Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella.
French from Latin
"naive"
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,…
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…
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…
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…
French variation of Millicent, German
"strong in work"
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…
