1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
Across 61 pages
of 61
Villard
French from German
"battle fortress"
Creative surname choice, associated with the great French postimpressionist Edouard Villard.
Villiers
French
"town-dweller"
Name with aristrocratic overtones.
Virgile
Virgile is a masculine name of Latin origin, the French form of the Roman name Virgil or Vergilius. It is most notably associated with the classical Roman poet Virgil, author of the 'Aeneid,' giving…
Vitalis
Latin
"of life, vital"
Borne by a number of early saints, it comes from the Latin word for life.
Viel
French, English, or German surname
"life; swamp"
As a surname, Viel is a French and English variation of Vial, ultimately from the Latin word for "life". The German variation is derived from the word vil , meaning "swamp" or "bog". In the…
Vrai
French word name
"true"
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.
Gauther
Gauther is a masculine name with Germanic origins, likely a variant of Gautier, the French form of Walter. The name derives from elements meaning 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior,' reflecting…
Gautier
French variation of Walter
"ruler of an army"
Often spelled Gauthier, this could make a distinctive way to honor Grandpa Walter, but first syllable pronounced 'goat' might be a problem.
Yann
French/Breton variation of John
"God is gracious"
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
Yannick
Breton
"God is gracious"
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…
Zachalie
French variation of Zachary
This is one you will get tired of explaining.
Zephyrin
French variation of Zephyr
"west wind"
This name feels warmer and more human-appropriate in its longer version, but still retains that breezy feel. Trivia tidbit: Zephyrinus was a Jewish pope.
Jarrell
English and French surname derived from a place-name, Gerville
Randall Jarrell was an important mid-20th century poet; his surname makes a pleasingly soft name for a girl.
Oceane
French
"ocean"
Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more…
Armel
French
"bear prince"
The name of a sixth century Welsh saint who founded abbeys in Brittany, reconstituted for a modern girl.
Axelle
French feminine form of Axel
"father of peace"
Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.
Isaline
French variation of Isabelle
A trendy name in France, sometimes also spelled Ysaline, that's related to both Isabelle and Iseult. To the American ear, it freshens up Isabelle without really improving on it.
Lilou
Occitan pet form of French Liliane, or French compound of Lili and Louise
"lily; lily + renowned warrior"
Sweet, enchanting Lilou is considered both a pet name from the Occitan language (spoken in Provence in the south of France), and a compound name, blending floral Lili with classic Louise. It peaked…
Maelys
French or Breton
"chief or prince"
Another feminine form of the old saint's name Mael. Spelled Maëlys, it is a very popular name in France today.
Mailys
French or Breton
"chief or prince"
Another female relative of Saint Mael.