1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
Across 61 pages
of 61
Bechette
French
"little spade"
Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.
Beline
French
"goddess"
This French name meaning goddess is a possible Gallic import in the Celine mode.
Bénédicte
Bénédicte is a feminine French name derived from the Latin name Benedicta, the female form of Benedictus, meaning 'blessed.' The name carries the same linguistic roots as Benedict and Benedetta, all…
Benilde
French variation of Latin
"good"
The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.
Bernadette
German
"brave as a bear"
Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated…
Bernardine
German
"brave as a bear"
Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name. Saint Bernardine of Siena was, surprise!, a man, also called Bernardino, a…
Bernardene
Bernardene is a feminine name derived from Bernard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'brave as a bear' or 'strong, bold bear.' This elaborated feminine form adds a gentle, flowing quality to the…
Benadette
Benadette is a feminine name that serves as a variant of the more common Bernadette, which originated from the Germanic masculine name Bernard, meaning "brave as a bear." The alteration from "r" to…
Bérénice
Bérénice is a feminine name of ancient Greek origin, derived from 'Berenikē' meaning 'bearer of victory.' This elegant name has historical significance, notably worn by several queens of ancient…
Bernelle
Bernelle is a feminine name that appears to be a decorative elaboration of Bernie or Bernadette, names ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'brave as a bear.' The addition of the feminine…
Berenicia
Berenicia is a rare feminine name with ancient roots, believed to be derived from the ancient Macedonian city of Berenice, which was named after Berenice I, queen of Egypt. The name ultimately comes…
Berthe
French form of Bertha, German
"bright, glorious"
Berthe was quite popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, notably carried by Berthe of Burgundy, queen of France in the 10th century. The name saw modest popularity in France and other…
Bertille
French
"heroine, bright maiden"
The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.
Blanche
French
"white"
Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to…
Bibiane
Bibiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Viviana, meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' The name has roots in early Christianity through Saint Bibiana (or Viviana), a…
Bichette
French
"little doe"
Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
Bijou
French
"jewel"
Bijou is a name that lives up to its definition -- a real jewel. Warning: not unheard of on poodles' dog collars. Actress Bijou Phillips is its best known bearer. It can also be spelled Bijoux.
Bleu
French
"blue"
The middle name of the Travoltas' Ella is used twice as often -- 36 to 18 babies in the US last year -- for boys as for girls, leaning even more to the male side than the traditional Blue.
Brie
French, place-name of cheese-producing region, short form of Briana
Place-name and homonym of Bree, less popular than its enlargement, Brielle or Brianna. Brie Larson is a notable bearer.
Brigitte
French variation of Brighid
"strength or exalted one"
Brigitte is the French version of the ancient Irish Brighid long associated with 1950s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot. If you want to pronounce Brigitte the French way, it's brih-ZHEET.