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1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Roberte

    • Description:

      Roberte is the feminine form of Robert, a name of Germanic origin meaning 'bright fame' or 'shining with glory.' Primarily used in French-speaking regions, Roberte combines the traditional strength of Robert with a feminine ending. Though never achieving widespread popularity, the name saw modest usage in France during the early to mid-20th century. Roberte offers a distinctive alternative to the more common feminine forms like Roberta or Robertine. The name carries associations with notable qualities like intelligence, determination, and leadership. In contemporary naming practices, Roberte has become increasingly rare, giving it a vintage charm and uniqueness for modern parents seeking uncommon traditional names.
  2. Louisianna

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Louisiana, French place name

    • Description:

      LeeLee Sobieski, who knows a thing or two about unique names, chose this spelling twist for her daughter. Does the extra n make it more of a name and less of a place, or more of an invention and so less authentically appealing? Your call.
  3. Norris

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "northerner"

    • Description:

      A British surname that was used only for males until Mrs. Norman Mailer, Norris Church (born Barbara), came under the public eye.
  4. Lucinenne

    • Description:

      Lucinenne is an elaborate feminine name that appears to be a variation or elaboration of Lucienne, the French feminine form of Lucien, derived from the Latin 'lux' meaning 'light.' The additional 'n' gives the name a more ornate, distinctive quality. Lucinenne carries an air of sophistication and vintage elegance, evoking images of classical French beauty. This extremely rare name offers the familiar root 'Luci-' with its associations of brightness and illumination, but in a more unique form. The name might appeal to parents drawn to elaborate French-inspired names with a lyrical quality. Lucinenne provides the nickname options of Lucy, Luci, or Cienne, combining familiarity with originality.
  5. Ichmaël

    • Description:

      Ichmaël is a rare variant of Ishmael, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning "God will hear." In biblical tradition, Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, and is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Ichmaël spelling appears to be a French-influenced variation, incorporating the characteristic "ch" sound found in French adaptations of biblical names. This uncommon spelling gives the traditional name an exotic, continental flair while maintaining its profound historical and religious connections. Though extremely rare in English-speaking countries, Ichmaël might appeal to parents seeking a name with deep spiritual roots but a distinctive presentation that sets it apart from more common biblical names.

  6. Toinon

    • Description:

      Toinon is a feminine French name that originated as a diminutive form of Antoinette, itself derived from Antoine (the French form of Anthony). The name has historical usage particularly in France during earlier centuries, often as a nickname that eventually became used as a given name in its own right. It carries a distinctively French character with its nasal ending, typical of French phonology. Toinon has remained quite rare throughout history and is now considered an antique name even in France. Its charm lies in its delicate sound and connection to French cultural heritage. Parents might choose this name for its elegant, vintage quality and distinctiveness while maintaining ties to the more common Antoinette family of names.

  7. Quentilien

    • Description:

      Quentilien is a rare masculine name that appears to be an elaborate extension of Quentin, which derives from the Latin name Quintinus, meaning 'fifth.' The addition of the '-ilien' suffix creates a name with a French aesthetic and literary quality. While not widely documented in naming traditions, it evokes comparisons to ancient Roman names and medieval French naming patterns. The name carries a sophisticated, scholarly impression with its unusual construction and rhythmic flow. Quentilien might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with classical undertones. Its rarity means it has little statistical presence in naming records, but it maintains connections to the more familiar Quentin while offering a distinctly more elaborate and formal alternative.
  8. 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.
  9. Girauld

    • Description:

      Girauld is a masculine name of Germanic origin, a variant of Gerald or Gerold, derived from elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power.' This medieval form was more common in France during the Middle Ages but has become exceedingly rare in modern times. The name carries the connotation of strength and leadership from its warrior origins. Girauld has an antique, noble quality that evokes images of medieval knights and courtly tradition. While virtually unknown in contemporary naming practices, it may appeal to parents interested in historical names with strong etymological roots. The unusual spelling gives this ancient name a distinctive appearance while maintaining links to the more familiar Gerald family of names.

  10. Picard

    • Origin:

      French from Basque

    • Meaning:

      "from Picardy"

    • Description:

      Associated with the "Star Trek" commander of the USS Enterprise.
  11. Ourson

    • Description:

      Ourson is a masculine name of French origin, literally meaning 'little bear' or 'bear cub.' It derives from the French word 'ours' (bear) with the diminutive suffix '-on.' This charming name carries associations of strength tempered with gentleness and playfulness. In French literature and folklore, bears often symbolize both power and a certain wild nobility. While quite rare even in French-speaking regions, Ourson has an appealing whimsical quality that connects to nature. The name appears in some French fairy tales, including as a character in Countess d'Aulnoy's 'The Story of Pretty Goldilocks.' For parents seeking a highly distinctive name with French flair and natural imagery, Ourson provides an unusual option with sweet, endearing connotations.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Perpétue

    • Description:

      Perpétue is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'perpetua,' meaning 'continuous' or 'everlasting.' The name carries significant historical weight through its connection to Saint Perpetua, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century who died for her faith in Carthage and whose memoir is one of the earliest known works by a Christian woman. Despite its beautiful meaning and historical significance, Perpétue remains uncommon outside of French-speaking regions and Catholic communities. The name conveys a sense of endurance, faithfulness, and timelessness. With its elegant French pronunciation and accent mark, Perpétue has a sophisticated quality that distinguishes it from more common names.
  15. Guillaumette

    • Description:

      Guillaumette is a feminine French name derived from Guillaume, the French form of William, which has Germanic origins meaning "resolute protection" or "will helmet." This name represents the feminine diminutive form, historically given to daughters named after their fathers or grandfathers named Guillaume. Guillaumette was moderately popular in medieval and Renaissance France, particularly among noble families. While rare in modern usage, it carries an elegant, historical quality that connects to French heritage. The name's traditional feminine suffix "-ette" adds delicacy to the strong root name. Though uncommon internationally, Guillaumette might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive French name with historical depth and aristocratic associations.
  16. Muirgan

    • Description:

      Muirgan is a feminine name with Celtic, specifically Irish and Scottish Gaelic roots. The name likely derives from elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'gean' or 'gan' possibly relating to 'birth' or 'born of.' In Irish mythology, there are connections to sea deities and mermaids, including Muirgen, a name sometimes associated with mermaids or sea spirits. Muirgan carries the evocative imagery of the ocean's power and mystery. This uncommon name maintains strong cultural ties to Celtic heritage while offering a distinctive sound. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and natural symbolism that stands apart from more common Celtic names.
  17. Marcelia

    • Description:

      Marcelia is a feminine name with Latin origins, likely derived from Marcella, the feminine form of Marcellus, meaning 'dedicated to Mars' (the Roman god of war). Another possible origin is as a variant of Marcella combined with Celia, adding the meaning 'heavenly.' With its romantic, flowing sound, Marcelia has a lyrical quality reminiscent of many Romance language names. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has seen some usage in Latin American cultures. The name offers several nickname possibilities including Marcy, Celia, or Lia. Marcelia brings together classical roots with a distinctive, melodious quality that sets it apart from more common names.
  18. Judithe

    • Description:

      Judithe is an elegant variation of Judith, a name with biblical origins derived from the Hebrew name Yehudit, meaning "woman from Judea" or simply "Jewish woman." In the Bible, Judith is known as a heroine who saved her people from the Assyrian general Holofernes. The addition of the final 'e' in Judithe gives the name a French-inspired touch and a softer, more feminine ending. While less common than the traditional Judith, Judithe carries the same rich historical and religious significance while standing out as slightly more distinctive. The name has an air of classical dignity and strength, reflecting its heritage as the name of a courageous biblical figure.
  19. Vyolette

    • Description:

      Vyolette is an ornate variation of Violet, featuring a distinctive spelling with the 'y' replacing the 'i' and doubling the 't'. The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'viola,' referring to the purple flower known for its delicate beauty and sweet scent. This elaborate spelling emerged from the modern trend of giving traditional names unique orthographic twists. While the conventional spelling Violet has enjoyed popularity in English-speaking countries, Vyolette remains much rarer, appealing to parents seeking a more unusual version of the classic floral name. The name carries connotations of elegance, femininity, and natural beauty while its spelling adds a touch of unconventionality and distinctiveness.
  20. Deniss

    • Origin:

      French from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "God of Nysa"