French Names for Girls

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

Céline

This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
 A French diminutive of Amanda, it was the birth name of novelist George Sand--born Amandine Aurore Lucile-- and is in the Top 100 in France.
 Of course, amandine is also a French culinary term for a garnish of almonds.

Amandine

The French form of the dignified Adelaide, Adélaïde has been borne by Belgian, French, and Luxembourgish nobility, along with musician Héloïse Adélaïde Letissier. It re-entered the French Top 500 in 2019 and a recent year saw it rank at #349 alongside Lena, Aimée, and Mélia. 
 
Ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, it means "noble kind".

Adélaïde

Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia.
 "Eulalie" is a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, and the name also appeared in Gone With the Wind and The Music Man. It has been on the French popularity list for most of the 2000s. Eulalie Spence was a playwright from the British West Indies who contributed to the Harlem Renaissance.

Eulalie

Génie is a feminine French name that derives from the Latin 'genius,' meaning innate talent or special ability. It carries connotations of brilliance, creativity, and magical qualities. The name evokes the French word for 'genius' as well as connections to mystical beings with supernatural powers, similar to the English concept of a genie. Though relatively uncommon, Génie has a charming, whimsical quality while maintaining sophistication through its French pronunciation and accent mark. The name suggests someone with special gifts or magical qualities. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions, Génie offers parents a name that's both enchanting and elegant, with a touch of intellectual brilliance in its meaning.

Génie

Eugénie is the French feminine form of Eugene, derived from the Greek name Eugenios meaning "well-born" or "noble." With its elegant accent mark, this name carries an air of sophistication and historical significance. It gained prominence through Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III who influenced fashion and culture in 19th-century France. The name has remained more popular in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, where it's considered rare and distinctive. Eugénie offers a delicate yet strong sound with its soft 'g' and feminine ending. For parents drawn to names with European flair and classical roots, Eugénie provides an uncommon choice that combines refinement with historical depth.

Eugénie

Étoile

Estée is a feminine name most famously associated with the cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, whose birth name was actually Josephine Esther Mentzer. The name has French origins and is a stylized form of Esther, which derives from the Persian word for 'star.' The distinctive accent mark gives the name a touch of European sophistication and elegance. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, Estée carries connotations of beauty, luxury, and entrepreneurial success due to the Lauder connection. The name has a delicate yet strong quality, with its brief two syllables ending in an elegant accent. It appeals to parents seeking a name with cosmopolitan flair and subtle sophistication, while remaining distinctive in most naming contexts.

Estée

Esme is a sophisticated, distinctive, and charming J. D. Salinger name, from his classic 1950 story 'For Esme, With Love and Squalor'.Related to the French Aimee, which means beloved, and to the concept of esteem, it was originally a male name exported from France to Scotland via a member of the royal family.
A current favorite among celebs, including Samantha Morton, Michael J. Fox and Katey Sagal. Esme got a lot of publicity via the character Esme Cullen, the vampire matriarch of the Olympic Coven in the Twilight Saga.
 The final accent indicates the pronunciation of ez-may, though in English you can just spell it Esme.

Esmé

Ermine

Cécile is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'Caecilia', the feminine form of 'Caecilius', an ancient Roman family name possibly meaning 'blind' or related to the Latin word 'caecus'. The name gained popularity through Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians in the Catholic tradition. Cécile has been used in France since medieval times and maintains steady popularity in French-speaking regions. The accent over the first 'e' creates the soft 'say-SEEL' pronunciation. The name carries an elegant, refined quality typical of French names while maintaining historical depth. Cécile evokes images of sophistication and artistic sensibility, perhaps influenced by its connection to the musically-inclined saint.

Cécile

You could just spell it epiphany, but that's so much more pedestrian. It's also a holiday name, à la Christmas and Easter: the Epiphany marked the visitation of the Three Wise Men to Baby Jesus. 

Épiphanie

Émilie is the French variation of Emily, derived from the Latin name 'Aemilia.' This elegant feminine name carries a sense of grace enhanced by the accent mark over the first 'e,' which indicates a specific pronunciation in French (ay-mee-lee). The name has a long history in French-speaking regions, with notable bearers including Émilie du Châtelet, an accomplished 18th-century French mathematician and physicist. Throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Émilie has maintained steady popularity, often ranking among the top 100 girls' names. The name conveys a classic yet timeless quality, embodying both intellectual depth and feminine charm across French-speaking cultures.

Émilie

Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium.

To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.

Capucine

Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?

Emeraude

Elvire is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'elf' or 'magical being' and 'true' or 'faithful.' It's the French form of Elvira, which has been used throughout Europe since medieval times. The name carries an elegant, somewhat mysterious quality with its connection to mythological beings and Old World charm. Elvire has been particularly used in French-speaking regions and has literary connections, appearing in works by Victor Hugo and Alphonse de Lamartine. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name maintains a sophisticated European flair that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically grounded. The name's rich vowel sounds give it a melodic quality that feels both classic and distinctive.

Elvire

Elvéra is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the Spanish name Elvira, which itself likely comes from the Gothic element "alwi" meaning "all, whole" combined with "wers" meaning "true." The addition of the accent mark gives the name a distinct French or European flair. While less common in English-speaking countries, Elvéra has maintained some popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in French and Spanish-speaking regions. The name carries an air of elegance and old-world charm, conjuring images of sophistication. With its melodic pronunciation and slightly exotic feel to English speakers, Elvéra appeals to parents seeking a name that's both classical and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to popular names like Ella or Eva.

Elvéra

Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella. 

Cantrelle

The French version of Candida, and with no unfortunate medical connection, much more wearable. It has never been recorded in the US charts, but could be a charming alternative to names like Cosette, Celine, Celeste, or Constance. In France, although not common, it was used in small numbers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Candide

Appolinia is a feminine name that originated as a variant of Apollonia, which is derived from the Greek god Apollo, deity of music, prophecy, and healing. This elegant name has roots in ancient Greek and Roman traditions, carrying associations with beauty and artistic inspiration. The spelling variation with double 'p' gives it a distinctive touch while maintaining its classical essence. Appolinia is relatively uncommon, offering a rare alternative to more familiar feminine names. Throughout history, it has appeared occasionally among European nobility and in Mediterranean regions, particularly in Italy. Those named Appolinia might find connections to Saint Apollonia, an early Christian martyr. The name's melodic quality and classical heritage make it appealing for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with historical depth.

Appolinia

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 19)

French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)