French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Genève is a feminine name derived from the French word for Geneva, the beautiful Swiss city situated on Lake Geneva. The name carries elegance with its French pronunciation (zhuh-NEV) and accent mark. Historically, Geneva was derived from the Celtic word 'genawa,' meaning 'mouth' or 'estuary,' referring to the city's location where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhône River. As a personal name, Genève conveys sophistication and European flair, appealing to parents with connections to French culture or Switzerland. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar names like Genevieve. The name evokes images of alpine beauty, international diplomacy, and Swiss precision.

Louisiane is a feminine French name derived from Louis, which means 'renowned warrior' or 'famous in battle' from Germanic origins. This elegant variation likely draws inspiration from the French territory of Louisiana, named after King Louis XIV of France. The name combines the classic heritage of Louis with a romantic, feminine ending characteristic of French naming traditions. While uncommon even in French-speaking regions, Louisiane carries sophisticated European flair and cultural richness. It presents a more elaborate and distinctive alternative to the popular Louise or Louisa. With its flowing syllables and historic connections, Louisiane appeals to parents seeking a name with French elegance, royal associations, and geographic significance while remaining quite rare in usage.

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.

Pépélope is a feminine name that appears to be a stylized variation of Penelope, incorporating French-inspired accent marks. Penelope originates from Greek mythology, where she was the faithful wife of Odysseus known for her loyalty and cleverness. The name traditionally means 'weaver' or 'duck.' This variant spelling with accents gives the classic name a unique, international flair. While extremely rare compared to the traditional Penelope, Pépélope offers parents a way to honor the mythological roots while creating a distinctive identity for their daughter. The accented version might appeal to those with French heritage or those seeking a more exotic twist on a recognizable classic, though its pronunciation may cause some confusion in primarily English-speaking contexts.

Michéle is a feminine name that represents the French variation of Michelle, itself the feminine form of Michel, derived from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?' The accent over the 'e' (acute accent) gives the name its distinctive French pronunciation and flair, differentiating it from the more common Michelle. This elegant variation gained some popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, making it a sophisticated choice that balances familiarity with distinctiveness. The name carries the rich heritage of its biblical roots while offering a touch of European refinement. Michéle projects an image of grace, intelligence, and cultural sophistication, appealing to parents drawn to French-influenced names with timeless appeal and international recognition.

Philis is a feminine name that represents a variation of Phyllis, which has Greek origins meaning 'green branch' or 'foliage'. This uncommon spelling gives the classic name a distinctive quality while maintaining its connection to nature and growth. Historically, Phyllis appeared in Greek mythology as a character who transformed into an almond tree, adding a layer of poetic significance to the name. While the traditional spelling Phyllis peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century, the Philis variant has remained quite rare. It offers a subtle twist for parents who appreciate the classic name's history and meaning but desire something slightly less conventional.

Ronaldette is an uncommon feminine name created as a feminization of Ronald, a masculine name of Norse origin meaning "ruler's counselor." The addition of the feminine suffix "-ette" transforms the traditionally male name into a female version. Ronaldette follows a naming pattern that was more popular in earlier decades where masculine names were adapted for girls. The name is extremely rare in usage statistics, making it a highly distinctive choice. Ronaldette might be chosen to honor a family member named Ronald while adapting it for a daughter. The name's uniqueness ensures individuality, though its unusual structure might require regular explanation. Ronaldette projects strength and connection to tradition while being unmistakably feminine in structure.

Victorin is a feminine name derived from the Latin 'victor,' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner.' It represents a feminine form of Victor or Victorian, though in some contexts it may also be used as a masculine name. This name carries strong connotations of triumph and success, embodying aspirational qualities for a child. Victorin remains quite rare in English-speaking countries but has historical usage in French and Eastern European naming traditions. The name has an elegant, somewhat antique quality that distinguishes it from more common variants like Victoria or Victorine. Its rarity gives it a distinctive character while still being recognizable and relatively straightforward to pronounce. The name might appeal to parents seeking something uncommon with classical roots and positive associations.

Perline is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'perle' meaning 'pearl.' It emerged as a variation of names like Pauline and Pearl, offering a distinctive yet elegant option. The name conveys qualities of preciousness and beauty, much like its gemstone association. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Perline has maintained a quiet presence, particularly in French-speaking regions and among families seeking a name with subtle refinement. Its gentle sound and meaningful connection to something naturally beautiful and rare make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something slightly unconventional yet classically feminine.