French Names for Girls

A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice. 

Sorrel

Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.

Veronique

A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat." 

Vianne

A multicultural name with a whole variety of meanings, Abelina may appeal as an alternative to Adeline, Abilene, Annabel or Abigail.
 
From its Spanish, German, and Niçard roots, Abelina may be considered a feminine form of the Biblical Abel, lending it the meaning "breath". As such, it is sometimes considered an elaboration of Abelia too, as they share the same source.
 
Alternatively, it may also derive from the German Abela, which is used as a short form of Apollonia ("strength" "destroyer") and Alberta ("noble and bright"), or a separate name, deriving from the Old Saxon aval meaning "strength, force". 
 
As a Dutch name, it is a feminine form of Abe, itself a variation of Adalbert, an old German form of Albert, while as a French choice, it comes from the Aramaic Abba meaning "father", linking it to Abraham. 
 
Additionally, it may be seen as a variation of the Biblical place name, Abilene, giving it the meaning "meadow, grassy area".

Abelina

Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris -- it's a Top 100 name for baby girls in France -- and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world.  Derived from the mythological name Apollo, the name may mean strength; Apollo was the god of sun and light.  Apolline is a perfect choice for those attracted to the name Apple who don't want to go quite that far.

Apolline

Once seen as a dated French Claudette-Colbert feminization, along with Annette and Paulette, we can see Claudette moving into a more plausible Colette-Cosette arena. While some may be put off by the common "lame" meaning, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.

Claudette

Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.

Clemence

Cydney

Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.

Julienne

Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.

Laverne

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.

Victoire

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl. 

Garnet

Mariann is a feminine name that functions as a variant of Marian or a combination of Maria and Ann. With roots in both Hebrew and Latin traditions, it carries the meanings of 'bitter' (from Maria/Mary) and 'grace' (from Ann), though the original 'bitter' meaning has evolved to be associated with the beloved biblical figure rather than its literal definition. Mariann peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and combines traditional religious associations with a slightly distinctive spelling. Mariann offers the nickname options of Mari, Ann, or Anna, providing versatility for the bearer. In many European countries, particularly in Hungary, Mariann remains a classic choice.

Mariann

Martine

A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols. 

Nichelle

A particularly beautiful member of the Oriana and Orane clan,Oriane is the first name of a major character in Proust's In Search Of Lost Time, the Duchesse de Guermantes. Also borne by climber Oriane Bertone, the name may derive from the Latin aurum meaning "gold" or from oriens meaning "rising, sunrise". It was give to just 8 girls in a recent year in the US, but was a popular choice in France in the 2000s.

Oriane

Ro- names are on trend, with Rowan, Romy, Rosemary Rosalie, and Rory in the US charts, but how about this rare option? 
 Rhone may derive from the name of a river in southeastern France, that takes its name from a Proto-European word believed to mean "to flow", however, it could equally be considered an Anglicization of Roan, a Frisian name meaning "raven". Opting for this spelling could help get you to a single syllable pronunciation.
 
The name has been appearing in the US charts for boys since 2004 and debuted for girls in 2016. Used for a small but rising number of babies, a recent year saw it given to 8 girls, along with 28 boys.

Rhone

A feminine form of Thomas, popular in Spain in the first half of the 20th century, it also ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 1920s. Parents may have been inspired by the Spanish Roman Catholic Nun, Tomasa Oritz Real, who devoted her life to looking after ill and orphaned children, and who had died in 1916, shortly before the name gained traction. 



Tomasa

Verenice is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Berenice or Bernice, which comes from the Greek 'Berenike' meaning 'bringing victory.' The name has ancient roots, notably belonging to a historical Egyptian queen, Berenice II. The variation with 'V' instead of 'B' gives the name a slightly different phonetic quality while maintaining its classical heritage. Verenice has a flowing, melodic sound with a romantic, almost poetic quality. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Spanish-speaking communities. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, offering an elegant alternative to more common classical names.

Verenice

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.

Bijou

French names for baby girls have always had a chic appeal for parents far from Paris. French names for girls are led today by Charlotte, one of the top girl names in the US, French Quebec, the British Isles, Australia, and New Zealand. 

 that rank in the US Top 200 include Eloise and Elodie, Caroline, Claire, Josephine, Natalie, Sophie, Sydney, and Valerie. French names for girls trending in the US include Remi and Remy, Juliet and Juliette, Margo and Margot, Esme, and Adele.

French names popular for baby girls in France

 include Louise — a common middle name in the US — Camille, Manon, and Lilou. Other top French names for girls around the world include Arielle, Belle, Eloise, Gabrielle, Juliette, and Vivienne.

 gaining new attention in the US, France, and internationally include Darcy, Delphine, Fleur, Ottilie, Romilly, and Sylvie.

Browse our full collection of French girl names here. The names are ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry, which is updated monthly.

French names for baby girls, ordered by popularity with meanings, including top French girl names in the US and France such as Eloise and Charlotte along with unique French. names for girls such as Olympiad and Maurelle.  (Page 15)

French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)