French Names

Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine. 

Bechette

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

Beline

Bénédicte is a feminine French name derived from the Latin name Benedicta, the female form of Benedictus, meaning 'blessed.' The name carries the same linguistic roots as Benedict and Benedetta, all stemming from the Latin words 'bene' (well) and 'dicere' (to speak). The accent marks in Bénédicte guide its traditional French pronunciation. Popular in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, the name has historical connections to religious traditions through Saint Benedict and has been used since medieval times. Bénédicte projects an image of elegance and refinement while maintaining its spiritual meaning. Though less common outside Francophone countries, it offers a sophisticated alternative to the more widely used Benedetta or Benedicta for parents seeking a name with French flair and meaningful origins.

Bénédicte

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little. 

Benilde

Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.

Saint Bernardine of Siena was, surprise!, a man, also called Bernardino, a clearer gender signifier. We don't recommend the name Bernardine for your son or your daughter.

Bernardine

Bernardene is a feminine name derived from Bernard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'brave as a bear' or 'strong, bold bear.' This elaborated feminine form adds a gentle, flowing quality to the strong root name. While Bernard has been a traditionally popular masculine name throughout European history, Bernardene is considerably rarer. It shares origins with variants like Bernadette, which gained recognition through St. Bernadette of Lourdes. Bernardene peaked in modest usage during the mid-20th century but remains uncommon today. The name combines strength and femininity, offering the powerful meaning of its root while the '-ene' suffix adds a delicate touch. Parents might choose Bernardene for its classic origins paired with its distinctive, uncommon nature.

Bernardene

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.

Benadette

Bérénice is a feminine name of ancient Greek origin, derived from 'Berenikē' meaning 'bearer of victory.' This elegant name has historical significance, notably worn by several queens of ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty. The name traveled through Latin (Berenice) before developing its French form with accent marks. Bérénice gained literary fame through Jean Racine's 17th-century tragedy of the same name. While consistently recognized in French-speaking regions, it has never been extremely common. The name conveys a sense of classical refinement, strength, and nobility. Its melodious quality and historical depth make it appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated name with ancient roots yet contemporary elegance.

Bérénice

Bernelle is a feminine name that appears to be a decorative elaboration of Bernie or Bernadette, names ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'brave as a bear.' The addition of the feminine '-elle' suffix gives it a French-inspired flair and elegant quality. Bernelle has never been widely used, remaining a rare choice throughout recorded naming history. This scarcity gives it a distinctive charm for those seeking something truly uncommon. The name balances strength (from its Germanic origins) with grace (through its French-sounding ending). Those named Bernelle likely experience having a name that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce and understand. The name might appeal to parents looking to honor a relative named Bernard or Bernadette while creating something more distinctly feminine.

Bernelle

Berenicia is a rare feminine name with ancient roots, believed to be derived from the ancient Macedonian city of Berenice, which was named after Berenice I, queen of Egypt. The name ultimately comes from the Greek "Berenike," combining "phere" (to bring) and "nike" (victory), meaning "she who brings victory." Berenicia represents an elaborated form of this historical name, adding a flowing, romantic quality with its additional syllables. Despite its regal heritage, Berenicia has remained exceptionally uncommon in modern times, making it a distinctive choice. The name carries an air of classical elegance and exotic mystery while maintaining feminine grace, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and uniqueness.

Berenicia

Berthe was quite popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, notably carried by Berthe of Burgundy, queen of France in the 10th century. The name saw modest popularity in France and other European countries throughout history but has declined in usage during the 20th century. The more common Bertha is so far out that variations like Berthe have no chance of coming in.

Berthe was the name of Madame Bovary's neglected daughter in the Flaubert novel. Berthe Morisot was a French Impressionist painter.

Berthe

The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.

Bertille

Bibiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Viviana, meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' The name has roots in early Christianity through Saint Bibiana (or Viviana), a 4th-century Roman martyr. While more common in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec and parts of Europe, Bibiane remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name has a delicate, antique quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. Bibiane offers an elegant alternative to the more familiar Vivian or Vivienne, while maintaining the same life-affirming meaning. Its classic origins combined with its uncommon usage give it both historical depth and distinctiveness.

Bibiane

Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems. 

Bichette

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 used as a female name throughout history, particularly in French-speaking regions or among families with French heritage. 

The name has an inherently feminine quality with its '-ette' suffix, which is a French diminutive ending. Brunette carries sophisticated, European overtones and suggests a classic, timeless elegance. As a given name, it remains extremely rare, making it a truly distinctive choice. 

Some may appreciate its direct reference to physical appearance, while others might find this limiting. Parents choosing this name might be drawn to its French flair and uniqueness, though bearers may need to frequently explain that their name is not merely describing their hair color but is indeed their given name.

Brunette

It's a place. It's a wine. It's a color. -- no wonder trend-heavy Burgundy's been discovered as a name. 

Burgundy

Papillon, meaning 'butterfly' in French, is a delicate and distinctive feminine name. Though primarily recognized as a dog breed (the French Papillon spaniel with butterfly-like ears), it has occasionally been adopted as a human name. The butterfly symbolism gives this name associations with transformation, beauty, and freedom. As a human name, Papillon remains extremely rare, appealing to parents drawn to unique French-derived names with clear natural imagery. The name's pronunciation (pap-ee-YON) adds to its exotic feel. While uncommon in mainstream usage, it shares qualities with other nature-inspired names like Mariposa or feminine French names.

Papillon

Cachet is one of those word names -- Cliché is the most egregious example -- that sounds lovely but seems slightly ridiculous when taken literally. 

Cachet

Cadeau puts a decidedly French-ified twist on the word name trend, but don't be surprised if you encounter ponies and poodles with the same moniker. 

Cadeau

Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port. 

Calais

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 49)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)