French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)
- Valérie
Description:
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.
- Linnet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"flaxen haired"Description:
Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
- Burgundy
Origin:
French place-name; also color nameDescription:
It's a place. It's a wine. It's a color. -- no wonder trend-heavy Burgundy's been discovered as a name.
- Laure
Origin:
French form of Laura, English from LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"Description:
Laure is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' - a symbol of victory and honor in ancient times. It functions as both a standalone name and the French form of Laura. Elegant and understated, Laure has maintained consistent usage in France and French-speaking regions while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries.
- 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.
- Geneviève
Description:
Geneviève is a feminine name of French origin with deep historical roots. Derived from the Germanic name Genovefa, it combines elements meaning 'tribe' or 'race' and 'woman.' The name is most famously associated with Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, who lived in the 5th century and is credited with saving the city through prayer during Attila the Hun's invasion. The name carries an air of elegance and sophistication, particularly with the French spelling featuring the accent mark. Geneviève has remained consistently present in French-speaking regions and has gained international recognition for its melodic quality and historical significance. The name exudes classical femininity with a touch of strength, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with both cultural depth and graceful sounds.
- Zaidee
Description:
Zaidee is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, most likely derived from the Arabic name Zaida meaning 'growth' or 'prosperity.' It may also be a variant spelling of Sadie, which originated as a diminutive of Sarah (meaning 'princess' in Hebrew). The name has a vintage charm, having enjoyed modest popularity in the Victorian era alongside other names ending with the diminutive '-ee' sound. Zaidee's cross-cultural roots give it versatility, while its relatively uncommon status makes it distinctive. The initial 'Z' adds a touch of vibrancy and uniqueness to the name. In contemporary usage, Zaidee offers parents a name that feels both familiar and fresh, with a lively sound and positive connotations of abundance.
- Eglantine
Origin:
French and English botanical nameMeaning:
"sweetbriar"Description:
This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant, but it does have literary creds, having appeared in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The French form Églantine appeared in the charts in the first half of the 20th century and again in the 2000s.
- Curtis
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"courteous, polite"Description:
Best-selling Prep author Curtis Sittenfeld made this one of the many boy names for girls" gaining in popularity and acceptability.
- Zéphyrine
Description:
Zéphyrine is the feminine form of Zéphyr, derived from the Greek word 'zephyros' meaning 'west wind'. In Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the god of the west wind, considered the gentlest of the winds. This elegant French name carries an air of delicacy and natural beauty. While relatively uncommon internationally, Zéphyrine has historical usage among French aristocracy and continues to appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots and a poetic quality. The name evokes images of gentle breezes and has a rhythmic, melodious sound that contributes to its refined character.
- Anne-marie
Origin:
French, combination of Anne and MarieMeaning:
"grace + drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
One of the oldest and most widely used compound names, now a bit dated but not as much so as its opposite Mary-Ann. The hyphen is optional.
- Xaverie
Origin:
Feminine variation of Xavier, BasqueMeaning:
"new house"Description:
Xaverie is a feminine name derived from Xavier, which itself comes from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house.' Most famously associated with St. Francis Xavier, the 16th-century missionary, the name carries religious significance for many Catholic families.
- Dimanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Sunday"Description:
Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
- Frédérique
Description:
Frédérique is a feminine French name derived from the Germanic name Friedrich, meaning "peaceful ruler" or "power of peace." It serves as the female equivalent of Frédéric (Frederick). The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French pronunciation and accent marks. Frédérique has been consistently used in French-speaking regions, particularly in France, Quebec, and Belgium, though it has never been among the most common names. It reached modest popularity in the mid-20th century. The name's international appeal comes from its beautiful sound and meaningful etymology. Frédérique offers a distinctly French option that travels well across borders while maintaining its cultural authenticity. The name suggests refinement and cultural awareness, appealing to parents seeking a name with European sophistication.
- Baize
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"dark brown"Description:
This fabric word name would be a one-of-a-kind.
- Prisca
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
The rarer long form of Priscilla, which comes from the Roman name Priscus, meaning "ancient".
- Paméla
Description:
Paméla is the French variation of Pamela, a name created by the English poet Sir Philip Sidney for his 16th-century pastoral poem 'Arcadia.' The name is believed to be derived from Greek elements 'pan' (all) and 'meli' (honey), suggesting sweetness. The addition of the accent in the French spelling (Paméla) adds a touch of elegance while preserving the melodic quality of the original. The name gained significant popularity in the 18th century after Samuel Richardson used it for the virtuous heroine of his novel 'Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded.' In French-speaking regions, Paméla has periodically enjoyed fashion waves, particularly in the 1970s-1980s, and remains recognizable while not overly common.
- Vionnet
Origin:
French designer nameDescription:
This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.
- Dulcette
Description:
Dulcette is a feminine name derived from Latin roots, specifically from 'dulcis' meaning 'sweet' or 'gentle.' It functions as a diminutive form of Dulce, with the French-influenced '-ette' suffix adding a sense of delicacy. The name evokes qualities of sweetness, charm, and grace. Though relatively uncommon in modern usage, Dulcette has an inherent musicality that connects it to musical terminology, where 'dulcet' describes pleasant, melodious sounds. The name carries romantic, old-world connotations while maintaining a distinctive quality. Parents might choose this name for its elegant sound, positive meaning, and the gentle personality it suggests for a daughter.
- Lucette
Origin:
French diminutive of LucyMeaning:
"little light"Description:
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
The Nameberry App Is Live

Find your perfect baby name together in our iPhone app, now available on the App Store.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.


