By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 72 pages
of 72
French
"marjoram"
A French botanical word name, Marjolaine translates to "marjoram". A minty herb that can be used in cooking, it has also been considered medicinal and was used as an antiseptic by the Greek…
Marjolie is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Marjorie, which derives from the medieval form of Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' With its French-sounding ending, Marjolie…
Eléonore is the French form of Eleanor, a name with Greek origins meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' The elegant accent over the first 'e' emphasizes its French pronunciation and adds a touch…
French place-name; also color name
It's a place. It's a wine. It's a color. -- no wonder trend-heavy Burgundy's been discovered as a name.
Élénora is an elegant feminine name with French and Greek influences. It combines elements of the Greek name Helen, meaning 'bright, shining light' or 'torch,' with the popular Eleanor/Eleonora…
"woman with brown hair"
Brunette is an unusual feminine name derived from the French word for a woman with brown hair. While more commonly recognized as a descriptive term rather than a given name, it has occasionally been…
French, diminutive of Antoinette
"priceless one"
Probably too close for comfort to "toilette." Antonia conveys the same idea with a more mellifluous sound.
Antonie is a feminine variation of the name Anthony, derived from the Roman family name Antonius, which has roots in Ancient Greece. The name means 'priceless' or 'of inestimable worth.' Popular in…
"beloved"
Whether you pronounce it like the original Amy or the Frenchified Ay-may, this form adds considerable elan to an old favorite.
Abelle is a feminine name of French origin, serving as a variant of the more common Abelle or Abella. It derives from the Hebrew name Abel, meaning "breath" or "vapor." The feminine suffix "-elle"…
Marjie is a diminutive form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This sweet, informal variation emerged as a nickname before sometimes being used as a given name in…
"Tuesday"
Mardi is a foreign word name that sounds like a homegrown nickname. For what? We're not sure, but it's kinda cute, and preferable to Tuesday.
Marcelia is a feminine name with Latin origins, likely derived from Marcella, the feminine form of Marcellus, meaning 'dedicated to Mars' (the Roman god of war). Another possible origin is as a…
French and English botanical name
"sweetbriar"
This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant, but it does have literary creds, having appeared in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales . The French form Églantine appeared in the…
French, diminutive of Marie
Manette might be a fresh way to spin Mary or Marie, but popular French Manon has more grace and heft. Manet takes Manette in an artistic direction.
French from German Hedwig
"war"
Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat highlighted this sophisticated, chignon-wearing choice for literate parents.
French artist name
Manet is the accessible, attractive name of an Impressionist great; it could be the next Monet.
French, musical intrument
Mandolin may seem like an outlandish choice for a name, but since BANJO has been used as a baby name, all the instruments in the band seem to be auditioning for a place on birth certificates. This…
Dulcette is a feminine name derived from Latin roots, specifically from 'dulcis' meaning 'sweet' or 'gentle.' It functions as a diminutive form of Dulce, with the French-influenced '-ette' suffix…
Dulcet is an unusual feminine name derived from the Latin word 'dulcis,' meaning sweet or pleasant. While primarily known as an adjective describing something melodious or soothing to the ear,…
