1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
- Pierrette
Origin:
Feminine form of Pierre, French version of PeterMeaning:
"rock"Description:
Pierrette is the French feminine form of Peter or Pierre, an antiquated if charming feminization in the style of Albertine.
- Oreli
Description:
Oreli is a delicate feminine name that likely derives from several possible sources. It may be a variation of Aurelie (from Latin 'aureus' meaning 'golden') or a shortened form of Orielle (related to the French word for 'ear' or 'to hear'). The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft vowel sounds. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Oreli has a cosmopolitan feel that crosses cultural boundaries. The name's brevity and melodic nature make it both distinctive and accessible. Its rarity gives it a special quality while its intuitive pronunciation prevents it from feeling too unfamiliar.
- Guillaumine
Description:
Guillaumine is a feminine name derived from the masculine Guillaume, which is the French form of William. William has Germanic origins meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' Guillaumine represents the feminine adaptation, adding the feminine suffix '-ine' to Guillaume. This elegant, French-influenced name carries an aristocratic flair and sophisticated sound. Extremely rare in English-speaking countries, Guillaumine offers a distinctive choice for parents drawn to French naming traditions. The name's length and melodious quality give it a formal, refined character, though its pronunciation might present challenges in non-French-speaking regions. It presents a unique alternative to more common William-derived feminine names like Wilhelmina or Willa.
- Dumas
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the little farm"Description:
The name of the great French novelist, author of the timeless The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, would make a surprising middle name choice.
- Monike
Description:
Monike is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Monica. The traditional Monica derives from North African or possibly Greek origins, associated with the word 'monos' meaning 'alone' or 'solitary.' Some sources connect it to the meaning 'advisor' or 'counselor.' The spelling variation Monike gives the classic name a modern twist while maintaining its recognizable pronunciation. This alternative spelling has gained some usage in European countries, particularly in Baltic and Germanic regions. While less common than the standard spelling, Monike offers a fresh take on a familiar name. The name's long history, dating back to Saint Monica in the 4th century, provides cultural depth despite the contemporary spelling.
- Verrill
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"honest"Description:
Feminine, à la Beryl and Merrill.
- Milicent
Description:
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 connotations of determination and resilience. Popular in medieval England following the Norman Conquest, Milicent's usage declined over centuries before experiencing brief revivals. The spelling variant Milicent is considerably rarer than the traditional Millicent, giving it a distinctive quality. Though uncommon in contemporary times, the name maintains an air of vintage sophistication and refinement with its flowing syllables and historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with classical elegance and strong meaning.
- Qassen
Description:
Qassen is a masculine name primarily found in Arabic-speaking regions and parts of North Africa. The name likely derives from Arabic roots related to concepts of division, distribution, or apportionment. In some contexts, it may be connected to fairness or justice. Qassen remains relatively uncommon even within Arabic-speaking communities, giving it a distinctive quality. The name features the characteristic 'Q' sound found in many Arabic names, though regional pronunciations vary. While traditional in its origins, Qassen has a contemporary sound that travels well across cultural boundaries. The spelling may also appear as Qasim, Kassem, or Casim in different transliterations. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity within cultures where it appears.
- Urbain
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"city dweller"Description:
French form of Urban or Urbanus, borne by eight popes.
- Danial
Description:
Danial is a variant spelling of Daniel, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly distinctive written form. The biblical Daniel was known for his wisdom and interpretation of dreams, particularly in the lion's den story, giving the name strong religious associations across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Danial has been consistently used throughout history but remains less common than the traditional spelling. While especially popular in Muslim communities as a form of the Arabic Danyal (دانيال), this spelling variant appears across various cultures. The name conveys qualities of wisdom, faith, and integrity, regardless of its spelling.
- Orlee
Description:
Orlee is a feminine given name with Hebrew origins, derived from the word 'or' meaning 'light.' It's a variant of the more common Orli or Orly, carrying connotations of brightness and illumination. While relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Orlee has maintained a steady presence in Jewish communities. The name has a delicate, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. In recent decades, Orlee has seen modest usage in the United States and Israel, appreciated for its distinctive sound and positive meaning without being overly unusual.
- Léonce
Description:
Léonce is a masculine French name with ancient roots, derived from the Latin name 'Leontius,' which means 'lion-like' or 'belonging to the lion.' This distinguished name carries connotations of strength, courage, and nobility. Léonce has been used historically in France and French-speaking regions since medieval times, though it has never been among the most common names. The name experienced modest popularity in the 19th century but has become increasingly rare in modern times. Léonce has a sophisticated, somewhat aristocratic feel with its French accent mark and elegant pronunciation. The name's leonine associations give it a subtle power while maintaining its refined character.
- Perette
Description:
Perette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, representing the feminine form of Peter (Pierre in French). Derived from the Greek 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone', it carries connotations of strength and steadfastness despite its gentle sound. Popular in medieval France, Perette has become quite rare in modern times, giving it a distinctive vintage charm. The name appears in historical French literature and folk tales, including as a character in La Fontaine's fables. With its subtle French elegance and two-syllable rhythm ending in the feminine '-ette' suffix, Perette offers an uncommon alternative to more widely used French names. It maintains an air of classic refinement while being virtually unique in contemporary usage.
- Vardar
Description:
Vardar is an uncommon feminine name with geographic origins, derived from the Vardar River that flows through North Macedonia and Greece. The river's name has ancient Indo-European roots, possibly connected to words meaning 'water' or 'flow.' As a personal name, Vardar carries associations with strength, persistence, and natural beauty. While rare internationally, it may be encountered more frequently in Balkan regions where the river holds cultural significance. The name offers a distinctive geographical connection for parents seeking a unique name with natural elements and regional ties.
- Clairette
Description:
Clairette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Claire (meaning 'clear' or 'bright' from Latin 'clarus'). The suffix '-ette' adds a touch of delicacy and charm, typical of French feminine diminutives. Beyond its use as a personal name, Clairette is also known as a variety of white wine grape grown primarily in southern France. The name evokes qualities of clarity, brightness, and refinement with its French styling. While never achieving widespread popularity outside of French-speaking regions, Clairette carries an elegant, sophisticated air that appeals to those drawn to names with French flair. The name suggests a personality that is illuminating, pure, and graceful, with the diminutive form adding a note of endearing sweetness.
- Sylvianne
Description:
Sylvianne is an elegant feminine name that represents an elaborate extension of Sylvia, which derives from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The addition of the French-inspired suffix '-anne' creates a more ornate, sophisticated variation that maintains the nature-inspired roots while adding a touch of romantic flair. This melodic four-syllable name carries an air of classical femininity with a European sensibility, particularly French or Belgian influence. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Sylvianne may have more presence in Francophone regions. The name evokes images of woodland grace and natural beauty while its flowing pronunciation offers a lyrical quality. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but distinctive presentation, Sylvianne provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar forms like Sylvia or Sylvie.
- Vrai
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"true"Description:
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.
- Raphaëlle
Origin:
Variation of Raphaela
- Platt
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"flat land"Description:
A surname with a lot of "juice," as they say, in Hollywood. In addition to veteran character actor Oliver Platt, there's La La Land producer Marc Platt and his actor son, Ben Platt, who won a Tony for Best Actor as the star of Broadway smash Dear Evan Hansen.
- Elisée
Description:
Elisée is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the biblical name Elisha (Hebrew: Elisha or Elishah), meaning 'God is salvation' or 'God is my oath.' This elegant French variation maintains the spiritual significance of its Hebrew roots while adding distinctive Gallic charm through its spelling and pronunciation. Particularly used in France, Quebec, and other Francophone regions, Elisée carries both religious heritage and cultural sophistication. The name appears in the Bible as the prophet who succeeded Elijah, giving it historical depth and spiritual associations. With its melodious sound and refined ending, Elisée offers a less common alternative to related names like Elias or Elijah while maintaining similar meaningful connections to faith traditions.