Feels more modern than the Y version but also less authentic.

French Canadian singer Dion made us notice this variation, but most parents would prefer the Selene spelling.

The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.

Sounds like a princess -- or an enticingly evil witch -- in a fairy tale.

Cadeau puts a decidedly French-ified twist on the word name trend, but don't be surprised if you encounter ponies and poodles with the same moniker.

In the Top 25 in the unisex seventies, these days Tracy would more likely be Gracie.

Sibylle is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek 'Sibylla', referring to female prophets or oracles in ancient Greece and Rome. These sibyls were revered for their wisdom and prophetic abilities. The name has been used throughout European history, particularly in German, French, and Swiss regions. While never extremely common, Sibylle has maintained a steady presence, especially in continental Europe. It carries an air of mystique and classical elegance, often associated with wisdom and foresight. The name experienced modest popularity in the mid-20th century in French-speaking and Germanic countries. Variations include Sibyl, Sybil, and Sibilla.

Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.

This French version of Viridiana and Viridis lacks the charm of similar and more familiar French names like Vivienne and Adrienne.

Filippa is the feminine form of Philip, derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses.' This elegant name has been used throughout Europe for centuries, particularly in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and Greece. While less common than the masculine Philip or feminine Philippa in English-speaking regions, Filippa offers a softer, more distinctly feminine sound with its ending in 'a.' The name carries connotations of nobility and classical heritage, as it has been borne by various historical figures and royalty across Europe. Filippa represents a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and international recognition that still remains relatively uncommon and distinctive in many Western countries.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

A sweet French word name and an equivalent to English Dulcie, Douce may also be elaborated into Doucette and the saintly name Douceline. Pronounced with one syllable (DOOS), some English speakers may find it too close to "doozy" or worse, douche, to use as a first name.

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".

African-American and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth was born as Isabelle into enslavement. She adopted her new name when she began traveling and preaching abolition in 1843. Sojourner is a heroine name that may, with the rise of spiritual word names such as Journey and Genesis, finally be ready for prime time.

Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.

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.

A variation made famous by Australian Aboriginal tennis champ Evonne Goolagong.

There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.

Déja was a name sensation of the nineties, reaching the Top 15 in African-American popularity lists, but it has déja fallen far from those lofty heights.