French Names

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.

Dorothée

A sweet French word name and an equivalent to English Dulcie, Douce may also be elaborated into Doucette and the saintly name Douceline. Pronounced with one syllable (DOOS), some English speakers may find it too close to "doozy" or worse, douche, to use as a first name.

Douce

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, Dulcet's use as a given name is extremely rare. The name evokes qualities of gentleness, harmony, and a pleasant disposition. As a name, it carries musical connotations, suggesting someone with a sweet voice or artistic sensibilities. Dulcet has never appeared in popular name rankings, making it an extraordinarily distinctive choice. The name's literary quality gives it an elegant, sophisticated character that might appeal to parents seeking something genuinely unique. Though uncommon as a name, its meaning is immediately accessible, conveying sweetness and melodious charm.

Dulcet

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 adding a sense of delicacy. The name evokes qualities of sweetness, charm, and grace. Though relatively uncommon in modern usage, Dulcette has an inherent musicality that connects it to musical terminology, where 'dulcet' describes pleasant, melodious sounds. The name carries romantic, old-world connotations while maintaining a distinctive quality. Parents might choose this name for its elegant sound, positive meaning, and the gentle personality it suggests for a daughter.

Dulcette

Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat highlighted this sophisticated, chignon-wearing choice for literate parents. 

Edwige

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 charts in the first half of the 20th century and again in the 2000s.

Eglantine

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 variants found throughout Europe. The addition of the French accent mark (é) emphasizes its French heritage and gives the name a sophisticated, cosmopolitan quality. While less common than Eleanor or Eleonora, Élénora offers a melodic alternative with its flowing syllables and soft ending. The name carries associations with light, beauty, and grace, and connects to a long lineage of noble women throughout European history. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but a distinctive modern feel, Élénora provides a beautiful option that works well across multiple languages and cultural contexts.

Élénora

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 of sophistication. 

Throughout European history, Eléonore in all its variations has graced queens and noblewomen, including Eléonore of Aquitaine, a powerful medieval queen of France and later England. While more common in French-speaking regions, it has international appeal for parents seeking a name with historical depth and European flair. 

The most common version in the US, Eleanor, is highly fashionable too -- and most Americans will ignore the accent over the second e or be confused by it and just call your little Eléonore Eleanor.

Eléonore

Likely a French form of the Roman Aeliana, Éliane is a name that feels at once sophisticated and elegant, but also sunny and bright. Familiar in France, Canada, and Brazil, it can be spelled with the accent too.
 
If you follow its Latin roots back to Aeliana and Aelianus, Éliane means "sun", however it might additionally be seen as a variation of the Hebrew Eliana ("my God has answered") or a feminization of the French Élie ("my God is Yahweh").
 
Notable bearers include composer Éliane Radigue and swimmer Éliane Droubry.

Éliane

Elvéra is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the Spanish name Elvira, which itself likely comes from the Gothic element "alwi" meaning "all, whole" combined with "wers" meaning "true." The addition of the accent mark gives the name a distinct French or European flair. While less common in English-speaking countries, Elvéra has maintained some popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in French and Spanish-speaking regions. The name carries an air of elegance and old-world charm, conjuring images of sophistication. With its melodic pronunciation and slightly exotic feel to English speakers, Elvéra appeals to parents seeking a name that's both classical and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to popular names like Ella or Eva.

Elvéra

Elvire is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'elf' or 'magical being' and 'true' or 'faithful.' It's the French form of Elvira, which has been used throughout Europe since medieval times. The name carries an elegant, somewhat mysterious quality with its connection to mythological beings and Old World charm. Elvire has been particularly used in French-speaking regions and has literary connections, appearing in works by Victor Hugo and Alphonse de Lamartine. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name maintains a sophisticated European flair that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically grounded. The name's rich vowel sounds give it a melodic quality that feels both classic and distinctive.

Elvire

Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?

Emeraude

Émilie is the French variation of Emily, derived from the Latin name 'Aemilia.' This elegant feminine name carries a sense of grace enhanced by the accent mark over the first 'e,' which indicates a specific pronunciation in French (ay-mee-lee). The name has a long history in French-speaking regions, with notable bearers including Émilie du Châtelet, an accomplished 18th-century French mathematician and physicist. Throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Émilie has maintained steady popularity, often ranking among the top 100 girls' names. The name conveys a classic yet timeless quality, embodying both intellectual depth and feminine charm across French-speaking cultures.

Émilie

You could just spell it epiphany, but that's so much more pedestrian. It's also a holiday name, à la Christmas and Easter: the Epiphany marked the visitation of the Three Wise Men to Baby Jesus. 

Épiphanie

Ermine

Esme is a sophisticated, distinctive, and charming J. D. Salinger name, from his classic 1950 story 'For Esme, With Love and Squalor'.Related to the French Aimee, which means beloved, and to the concept of esteem, it was originally a male name exported from France to Scotland via a member of the royal family.
A current favorite among celebs, including Samantha Morton, Michael J. Fox and Katey Sagal. Esme got a lot of publicity via the character Esme Cullen, the vampire matriarch of the Olympic Coven in the Twilight Saga.
 The final accent indicates the pronunciation of ez-may, though in English you can just spell it Esme.

Esmé

Estée is a feminine name most famously associated with the cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, whose birth name was actually Josephine Esther Mentzer. The name has French origins and is a stylized form of Esther, which derives from the Persian word for 'star.' The distinctive accent mark gives the name a touch of European sophistication and elegance. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, Estée carries connotations of beauty, luxury, and entrepreneurial success due to the Lauder connection. The name has a delicate yet strong quality, with its brief two syllables ending in an elegant accent. It appeals to parents seeking a name with cosmopolitan flair and subtle sophistication, while remaining distinctive in most naming contexts.

Estée

Étoile

Eugénie is the French feminine form of Eugene, derived from the Greek name Eugenios meaning "well-born" or "noble." With its elegant accent mark, this name carries an air of sophistication and historical significance. It gained prominence through Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III who influenced fashion and culture in 19th-century France. The name has remained more popular in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, where it's considered rare and distinctive. Eugénie offers a delicate yet strong sound with its soft 'g' and feminine ending. For parents drawn to names with European flair and classical roots, Eugénie provides an uncommon choice that combines refinement with historical depth.

Eugénie

Génie is a feminine French name that derives from the Latin 'genius,' meaning innate talent or special ability. It carries connotations of brilliance, creativity, and magical qualities. The name evokes the French word for 'genius' as well as connections to mystical beings with supernatural powers, similar to the English concept of a genie. Though relatively uncommon, Génie has a charming, whimsical quality while maintaining sophistication through its French pronunciation and accent mark. The name suggests someone with special gifts or magical qualities. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions, Génie offers parents a name that's both enchanting and elegant, with a touch of intellectual brilliance in its meaning.

Génie

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 52)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)