French Names

The onetime star of "Northern Exposure" named his daughter Tu Morrow. Think about it. 

Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.

Turquoise

Valérie is the French form of Valerie, a feminine name derived from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'to be strong' or 'health, strength.' The addition of the accent mark (é) maintains the authentic French pronunciation and adds a touch of elegance. Popular throughout French-speaking regions including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Valérie reached peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s but remains a classic choice. The name carries associations with both strength and grace, balancing traditional origins with a timeless quality. Its international recognition makes it work well across cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctly French character.

Valérie

While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful. 

Vanille

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.

Vardar

Translating to "star", but used to refer to the leading female artist in a cabaret show, for French speakers, this would be like naming your child "Showgirl".
 
Alternatively however, it could be a form of Sanskrit Veda, combined with suffix, -ette, giving it the meaning "knowledge". Additionally, it was historically used in the military for a sentinel (often on horseback), stationed to watch for enemies. In this case, it links back to the Italian vedere meaning "to see, view".

Vedette

The most common association of this name is to a thick white sauce. 

Velouté

Venise is a feminine name derived from Venice, the famous Italian city of canals. The French spelling gives the name an elegant, sophisticated quality while maintaining the romantic associations of its inspiration. As a place name turned personal name, Venise evokes images of beauty, artistry, and old-world European charm. Though never widely common in naming statistics, it appeals to parents drawn to location-inspired names with cultural significance. The name's melodic quality, with emphasis on the second syllable (veh-NEESE), creates a flowing, graceful sound. Venise offers a distinctive alternative to more common place names while carrying rich historical and architectural associations of its beautiful namesake city.

Venise

Verania is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from the Roman family name Veranius or from "verus" meaning "true" or "truthful." It may also connect to the Latin "ver" meaning "spring," suggesting youthfulness and renewal. Historically, Verania appears occasionally in ancient Roman contexts, though it remained uncommon throughout the centuries. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing syllables and romantic ending. Verania offers the appeal of ancient heritage while being rare enough to feel distinctive. Its lyrical sound pattern makes it accessible across various language backgrounds despite its rarity. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but limited usage, Verania represents an uncommon but melodious choice.

Verania

Veira is a feminine name with potential roots in multiple cultures. It may be related to the Slavic name Vera (meaning 'faith'), the Portuguese/Spanish word for 'scallop' or 'edge,' or possibly a variant of Viera (a surname of Spanish origin). The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its two syllables and soft ending. Veira remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive character. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across language boundaries while maintaining a sense of elegance. Its rarity offers parents an opportunity to give their daughter a name that stands out while still having subtle connections to established naming traditions.

Veira

Veranina is an uncommon feminine name with possible Slavic or Latin roots. If derived from Latin, it may connect to 'ver' meaning 'spring' or 'truth,' suggesting associations with renewal, honesty, or springtime birth. The name may also be a creative variation of Veronica or Vera with an extended feminine suffix. Veranina has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft consonants. Though rare in most Western countries, it possesses an exotic elegance that might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet harmonious name. Its uniqueness ensures individuality while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation. The name may be more prevalent in Eastern European regions, though it remains uncommon even there.

Veranina

Véra is a feminine name with Slavic and Russian origins, though it also appears in French and other European languages. It derives from the Latin 'vera' meaning 'truth' or 'faith.' The name gained popularity in Russia following the introduction of Christianity, as it embodied the virtue of faith. The accent mark in the French version (Véra) distinguishes its pronunciation slightly from the Russian variant. Throughout the 20th century, the name maintained modest popularity across Eastern Europe and France. Véra has a timeless, elegant quality with its two clear syllables and meaningful etymology. The name projects strength and integrity while maintaining a feminine, classic sound.

Véra

Vérane is a French name largely unknown outside its native shores: No baby girls were given this name in the US last year. But with Vera's steady rise over the past decade or so, Vérane might be discovered.

Vérane

Likely used as a variation of Verena, a Germanic name related to either the Latin verus meaning "true", or to the Greek Berenice, meaning "bringer of victory". Other theories are that it comes from vénérer meaning to "revere" or from Vavara, a Russian and Greek form of Barbara.

Varena

Ver is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Vera (meaning 'truth' or 'faith' in Russian) or Veronica. In some Latin-based languages, 'ver' means 'spring,' connecting the name to themes of renewal and growth. In Spanish, 'ver' means 'to see,' potentially symbolizing vision or wisdom. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist quality that appeals to parents seeking simplicity. Ver functions well across language boundaries due to its easy pronunciation and spelling. Despite its shortness, the name carries potential depth through its various etymological connections. The uncommon nature of Ver as a standalone name gives it distinctiveness while its shortness prevents it from feeling overly unusual or difficult.

Vériane is a feminine name of French origin, possibly derived from the Latin 'verus' meaning 'true' or 'truthful'. The name may also have connections to the ancient Roman family name Verus. With its melodic three syllables and accent mark over the 'e', Vériane carries an undeniable French elegance and sophistication. This uncommon name has a poetic quality that balances traditional roots with contemporary appeal. The name remains relatively rare even in France, making it a distinctive choice that still feels accessible and pronounceable. Vériane offers the charming nickname possibilities of 'Véri' or 'Véri'. Its association with truth and authenticity gives the name a virtuous undertone while maintaining its graceful sound.

Vériane

Vreni is a feminine name of Swiss German origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Verena. The name Verena derives from Latin, possibly meaning 'true' or referring to a specific place. Vreni is especially popular in Switzerland, where it carries warm, familiar connotations. Despite its foreign origins, the name has a soft, melodic quality that makes it accessible to English speakers. Vreni represents a connection to Alpine culture and traditions, offering a distinctive European option that remains relatively uncommon outside of German-speaking regions. The name conveys a sense of authenticity and charm with its simple yet distinctive sound.

Vreni

Vere is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It primarily derives from a Norman surname meaning 'alder tree' or from Latin 'verus' meaning 'true'. As an Old English word, vere also meant 'companion'. The name has aristocratic associations in England through the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford. As a feminine given name, Vere has an understated elegance and simplicity that appeals to those seeking uncommon names with historical depth. Its brevity gives it a crisp, modern feel despite its ancient roots. While never widely used, the name occasionally appears in upper-class British families and has seen modest revival interest from parents attracted to rare vintage names with simple pronunciation.

Vere

This French version of Viridiana and Viridis lacks the charm of similar and more familiar <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French names</a> like Vivienne and Adrienne.

Viridienne

Verone is a feminine name with Italian and French linguistic roots. It likely developed as a feminine form of the Italian surname Verona, which references the romantic Italian city known for being the setting of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.' Alternatively, it may connect to the Latin 'verus' meaning 'true.' As a first name, Verone remains quite uncommon, lending it an air of exclusivity and distinction. Its melodic three-syllable rhythm and romantic European associations give it an elegant, sophisticated quality. The name offers an intriguing alternative to more common 'Ver-' names like Veronica or Vera, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible with romantic Mediterranean undertones.

Verone

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 66)

French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)