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1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Léopold

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "brave people"

    • Description:

      French form of Leopold.
  2. Bastienne

    • Origin:

      Variation of Sebastienne, French

    • Meaning:

      "person from Sebastia"

    • Description:

      Rare French option for girls, but feels familiar thanks to the popularity of Sebastian.
  3. Véronique

    • Origin:

      French variation of Veronica

    • Description:

      The sleek French version of Veronica has considerable class and chic.
  4. Ésaïe

    • Origin:

      French, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "salvation of the lord"

    • Description:

      French variant of Isaiah
  5. Angelette

    • Description:

      Angelette is a delicate feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Angela, which stems from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' The addition of the French suffix '-ette' gives it a dainty, more feminine quality, essentially meaning 'little angel.' While not as common as Angela or Angelina, Angelette emerged primarily in the mid-20th century and saw modest usage in the United States. The name carries connotations of sweetness, innocence, and celestial beauty. Despite its charming sound and clear meaning, Angelette has remained relatively uncommon, making it an option for parents seeking a recognizable but distinctive name with spiritual undertones and a touch of French elegance.
  6. Geoffroi

    • Description:

      Geoffroi is a masculine name representing the traditional French form of Geoffrey, which ultimately derives from Germanic elements meaning 'peace' (fred) and either 'territory' or 'god' (gawia). This elegant spelling preserves the name's medieval French heritage, evoking images of chivalry and courtly tradition. While Geoffrey and its variants like Jeffrey became quite common in English-speaking countries, the distinctly French Geoffroi has remained rare outside Francophone regions. The name carries a sophisticated European flair with its silent final 'i' and traditional pronunciation. For parents seeking a name with historical depth, aristocratic associations, and French cultural connections, Geoffroi offers a distinguished yet accessible option.

  7. Candide

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "naive"

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Juditha

    • Description:

      Juditha is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Judith, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' In the Bible, Judith is known as a heroine who saved her people from the Assyrian general Holofernes. The addition of the 'a' ending gives Juditha a slightly more feminine and flowing quality compared to the traditional Judith. While Judith has been consistently popular throughout history, Juditha remains quite rare, offering a distinctive twist on the biblical classic. The name carries connotations of courage, wisdom, and beauty, drawing on the legacy of its biblical namesake.
  9. Villiers

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "town-dweller"

    • Description:

      Name with aristrocratic overtones.
  10. Damica

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "open-spirited, friendly"

    • Description:

      Rarely heard but pleasing feminissima name for a baby girl.
  11. Seraffinu

    • Description:

      Seraffinu is a rare masculine name of Maltese origin, derived from the Italian 'Serafino' or ultimately from the Hebrew word 'seraphim,' referring to a celestial being or angel. In religious iconography, seraphim are depicted as six-winged angels who serve as caretakers of God's throne. The Maltese variant Seraffinu maintains the angelic associations while incorporating distinctive local phonology. This name remains uncommon globally but carries spiritual significance in Mediterranean Catholic cultures. Historically, it was more frequently used in Malta and southern Italian regions where saints bearing variations of this name were venerated. The name suggests qualities of purity, divine protection, and spiritual devotion.
  12. Victorine

    • Origin:

      French variation of Victoria, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.
  13. Bayless

    • Origin:

      French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "bailiff"

    • Description:

      Offers much less than Bay.
  14. Pascalie

    • Description:

      Pascalie is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the masculine Pascal, which comes from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter' or 'born at Passover.' The feminine suffix '-ie' gives the name a graceful, flowing quality typical of French feminine names. While relatively uncommon even in French-speaking regions, Pascalie carries connotations of spring, renewal, and spiritual significance through its connection to Easter. The name has a melodic, three-syllable rhythm that feels both elegant and approachable. Pascalie offers families a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with comprehensible pronunciation and spelling. Like other holiday-inspired names, it subtly references important cultural and religious traditions while functioning beautifully as a personal name with a touch of French sophistication.
  15. Aloyse

    • Description:

      Aloyse is a feminine name with Germanic and French origins, functioning as a variation of Aloys or Aloïs, which themselves derive from the name Louis. The ultimate root is the Old Frankish name Chlodovech, meaning 'famous warrior' or 'famous in battle.' Predominantly used in Luxembourg, eastern France, and German-speaking regions of Europe, Aloyse has a refined, classical quality. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it carries an air of aristocratic heritage and European sophistication. The name experienced modest usage in the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon today, giving it a distinctive character for contemporary bearers.
  16. Gerardine

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Gerard

    • Description:

      Makes Geraldine seem positively groovy.
  17. Lacrosse

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "the cross"

    • Description:

      Could be used by fans of the game...or the Wisconsin city, but far from the easiest of names to carry.
  18. Sibylle

    • Description:

      Sibylle is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek 'Sibylla', referring to female prophets or oracles in ancient Greece and Rome. These sibyls were revered for their wisdom and prophetic abilities. The name has been used throughout European history, particularly in German, French, and Swiss regions. While never extremely common, Sibylle has maintained a steady presence, especially in continental Europe. It carries an air of mystique and classical elegance, often associated with wisdom and foresight. The name experienced modest popularity in the mid-20th century in French-speaking and Germanic countries. Variations include Sibyl, Sybil, and Sibilla.
  19. Dorothée

    • Description:

      Dorothée is a feminine name representing the French form of Dorothy, derived from the Greek 'Dorothea' meaning 'gift of God.' This elegant variation retains the original name's spiritual significance while adding distinctly French sophistication through its accent mark and pronunciation (dor-oh-TAY). In France and French-speaking regions, Dorothée enjoyed periods of popularity, particularly in the mid-20th century. The name gained additional recognition in francophone countries through French television personality Dorothée (born Frédérique Hoschedé) who hosted popular children's programs in the 1980s and 90s. While less common today, Dorothée continues to appeal to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections, classical roots, and a graceful, feminine quality that travels well internationally.
  20. Mellicent

    • Description:

      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.