French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)
- Amélie
Origin:
French variation of AmeliaMeaning:
"work"Description:
French favorite gaining notice here thanks to the charming film of that name. Although to the English-speaking ear it sounds more like Emily than Amelia, it derives from the latter which has a different origin and meaning.
- Fifi
Origin:
French diminutive of Josephine, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as Josephine or Federica.
- Linnet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"flaxen haired"Description:
Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
- Chimene
Description:
Chimene is a feminine name of Spanish and French origin, derived from the Spanish name Jimena. It gained literary recognition through 'El Cid,' the medieval Spanish epic where Jimena/Chimene was the wife of the hero Rodrigo Díaz. The name may have Basque roots, possibly relating to 'semen' meaning 'son' or descendant. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Chimene has occasional usage in France and Spain. Pronounced 'shee-MEN' or 'chee-MAIN,' the name carries an elegant, literary quality with historical associations to nobility and faithfulness. Its rarity makes it distinctive while its historical connections provide cultural depth.
- Claude
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lame; enclosure"Description:
Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy name for girls here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.
- Avril
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"April"Description:
The French Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne put the spotlight on this name when she made the charts with "Sk8er Boi". It is simply the French form of April, the fourth month of the year, whose name might derive from the Latin aperire meaning "to open" in reference to the start of spring in the Northern hemisphere. Other sources suggest it comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
- Adélaïde
Description:
Adélaïde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "adal" meaning "noble" and "heid" meaning "type, sort," together conveying "noble kind" or "of noble nature." This elegant French variation of Adelaide carries a distinctly sophisticated European flair, particularly with its diacritical marks. Popular in France and French-speaking regions, Adélaïde combines classical dignity with romantic charm. The name has historical significance through figures like Princess Adélaïde of Orleans and various royal women across European history. While less common internationally than the anglicized Adelaide, Adélaïde appeals to parents drawn to authentic French naming traditions. The name's refined pronunciation (ah-day-la-EED) and noble meaning make it a graceful choice that conveys cultural sophistication and timeless elegance.
- Ottoline
Origin:
French and English, diminutive of OttolieMeaning:
"prospers in battle"Description:
Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.
- Perrine
Origin:
Feminine variation of Perry or Peter, English or GreekMeaning:
"dweller near a pear tree or rock, stone"Description:
Five girls were given the name Perrine last year. Other feminine Perry or Peter alternatives are Perrin, Perry, or even Petra.
- Tali
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"dew"Description:
Friendly and relaxed choice used by singer Annie Lennox for her daughter; Tal is a unisex Hebrew version.
- Oceane
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.
- Chantilly
Origin:
French place nameMeaning:
"white"Description:
The name of a French city famous for its fine lace. Another association: Chantilly cream – a sweetened whipped cream apparently invented there in the 17th century by a chef at the Château de Chantilly. The town probably takes is name from the Gallo-Roman personal name Cantilius, derived from a word for "white".
- Lys
Origin:
Diminutive of Elisabeth or FrenchMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lys is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from 'fleur-de-lis' meaning 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and the French monarchy. In Welsh and Scandinavian contexts, Lys relates to 'light' or 'brightness.' This concise, single-syllable name carries an elegant simplicity while retaining deep symbolic connections. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lys has maintained steady usage in France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer feminine names, while its cross-cultural roots give it versatility. For parents seeking minimalist naming choices with historical depth and natural symbolism, Lys offers a refined yet understated option.
- Melisandre
Origin:
French variation of Millicent, GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.
- Jeanette
Origin:
French, diminutive of JeanneDescription:
Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.
- Angelique
Origin:
French diminutive of AngelaMeaning:
"angelic"Description:
Angelique was the fastest-rising girl name of 2021, influenced by French-Mexican actress Angelique Boyer, who starred in the telenovela Imperio de mentiras (Empire of Lies).
- Crescent
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"increasing, growing"Description:
Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.
- Sorrel
Origin:
Botanical name and FrenchMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice.
- Garnet
Origin:
Jewel name, from the FrenchMeaning:
"pomegranate"Description:
One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.
- Arabelle
Origin:
Variation of Arabella, Latin, ScottishMeaning:
"yielding to prayer; lovable"Description:
This more succinct form of the elegant Arabella might appeal to those who are looking for a less popular spin on Annabel or those who like the sounds of Arabella but want something with fewer frills. Given to around 90 girls in 2024, it is around ten times less popular than its longer counterpart.
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