French Names for Girls

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.

Mercer is one fashionable occupational name that can work as well for girls as boys, perhaps because of the soft c or the conventionally feminine nickname Mercy.

Mercer

A sleek, smooth, understated name off the grid in the US but among the Top 100 girl names in Germany. In the US, it is a unisex name, while in Germany and the Netherlands, it is predominantly feminine.

Merle

Not quite Nanette and not quite Ninon, this is one of the more unusual 'ette' options.  There was an eponymous Spanish film, starring Elsa Pataky, based on a novel.

Ninette

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia. 

Patrice

Sidonie is an appealing and chic French favorite that is starting to attract some American fans as a fresher alternative to Sydney. Also spelled Sidony, Sidonie was the birth name of the French novelist Colette. 
In the old form Sindony, it was a common name in Tudor period England, the 'n' being dropped in the seventeenth century, leading to Sidony, Sidonie and Sidney.
 Well-used in France, Sidonie ranks in that country's Top 400.

Sidonie

Actress Sigourney -- born Susan -- Weaver made this unusual name (which she found in The Great Gatsby) famous, if not popular.

Sigourney

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.

Sojourner

Talie is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive form of Natalie, which derives from the Latin 'natalis' meaning 'birthday' or 'birth,' specifically referring to the birth of Christ. Alternatively, it may be related to the Hebrew name Talia meaning 'dew from heaven' or 'gentle dew.' In some cultures, Talie might also be connected to Italian origins. The name carries a soft, melodic quality with its two syllables and flowing sound. While not among the most common feminine names in English-speaking countries, Talie offers a modern, concise alternative to longer traditional names, appealing to parents seeking something both familiar and distinctive.

Talie

The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.

Gaetane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Gaetanus, relating to someone from Gaeta, an ancient city in Italy. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality typical of classical French nomenclature. Most popular in Quebec and French-speaking regions of Canada, Gaetane enjoys modest usage in France and other Francophone countries. The name reached its peak popularity in the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades, giving it a vintage charm. Gaetane is pronounced with a soft 'g' and typically articulated as 'gay-TAN' or 'geh-tahn,' with regional variations. The name conveys strength and refinement while maintaining its distinctly French character.

Gaetane

French form of Chloé. A popular choice with French-speaking parents, though people elsewhere may associate it most with luxury handbags.

Chloé

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.

Frédérique

For years there was only one Cher, and then along came the charming heroine of the movie "Clueless."  The world now officially has enough Chers in it. 

Cher

This Frenchified variation softens and prettifies the harsh original.

Armantine

Franette is a delicate feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Frances or Francine, both deriving from Latin roots meaning 'from France' or 'free one.' This elaborated variant emerged in the mid-20th century when ornate feminine names with suffixes like '-ette' gained popularity. The name combines French elegance with a distinctive quality, making it rare and memorable. Though never widely used, Franette has appeared occasionally in naming records, particularly in French-influenced regions and during the 1950s-60s. Its uniqueness makes it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with familiar roots and a graceful, feminine sound.

Franette

This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.

France

Flore is a delicate French name derived from the Latin "flora," meaning "flower." This elegant, simple name carries connections to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, symbolizing youth, vitality, and natural beauty. As a given name, Flore has been used primarily in French-speaking regions and maintains a classic yet uncommon status. With just one syllable, it offers a rare combination of brevity and femininity. The name experienced modest usage throughout European history but never reached widespread popularity, giving it a distinctive quality. Flore appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with international flair, combining botanical associations with French sophistication.

Flore

If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome <a href="/list/589/white-cat-names">name for a white cat</a>.

Chardonnay

Feminine form of Armand, has an elegant charm. 

Armande

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 17)

French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)