French Names for Girls

Marthe is a feminine name of Aramaic origin, representing the French form of Martha, which means 'lady' or 'mistress of the house.' This elegant variation has been particularly popular in French-speaking regions and has historical significance in Christian tradition, as Martha was a biblical figure known for her hospitality. While less common in English-speaking countries, Marthe has maintained steady usage in France and Quebec. The name carries an air of classic sophistication and timeless grace. Its pronunciation (typically 'mart' with a silent 'h') gives it a soft, refined quality that distinguishes it from the more widely used Martha. Marthe projects an image of dependability, nurturing, and quiet strength.

Marthe

Frenchified name rarely used in France. And perhaps even more rarely used in the US -- there were NO baby girls given the name on the official records of 2021.

Minette

New twist to the Maur- names, a bit cosmetic sounding. 

Maurelle

One of those old-mannish names that sounds a lot fresher for a girl. 

Maurice

Mauve is an offbeat color name whose soft and sentimental Victorian spirit is conveyed by the name. One of the newer color names like Blue, Gray and Plum that are increasingly being used as novel <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/673/middle-names">middle names</a>, Mauve has the added benefit of being similar to stylish Maeve and classic Maude.
 
Said with a strong O sound in the UK and a softer one in the US, it ultimately comes from the French word for the floral Mallow, itself from the Latin Malva. Mauve debuted in the US stats in 2024 when it was given to 6 girls.

Mauve

Maxime is a French feminine name, though it can also be used for males in some cultures. Derived from the Latin name Maximus, meaning "greatest" or "largest," it carries connotations of excellence and achievement. In France, Maxime has maintained steady popularity as a given name for both genders but is more commonly used for boys. The feminine usage tends to emphasize the elegant, sophisticated quality of French naming traditions. Outside of French-speaking regions, Maxime is less common but appreciated for its international flair and subtle strength. The name offers the friendly nickname Max while maintaining a more formal, distinctive full name. Its classic roots and modern appeal have helped Maxime remain relevant across generations without becoming overused.

Maxime

Mélanie is the French form of Melanie, derived from the Greek name Melania, meaning 'black' or 'dark.' With its elegant accent mark, Mélanie carries a distinctly French sophistication while maintaining the accessibility of its more widely used English counterpart. The name has been consistently popular in France, Quebec, and other French-speaking regions since the 1980s. Mélanie gained international recognition through figures like French singer Mélanie Laurent and various literary characters. The name evokes qualities of creativity, intelligence, and grace. The pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable (may-lah-NEE), giving it a melodic flow that distinguishes it from the English version and highlights its romantic French character.

Mélanie

Mélaine is a refined French feminine name that shares roots with Melanie, ultimately derived from the Greek 'melania' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' The addition of the accent mark gives the name its distinctive French pronunciation and elegance. In France, there was also a male Saint Mélaine who lived in the 6th century, though today the name is primarily used for girls. The name carries a delicate balance of sophistication and sweetness, with its soft consonants and flowing sound. While never extremely common even in French-speaking regions, Mélaine offers a stylish alternative to the more widely used Melanie. The name evokes qualities of grace, refinement, and subtle beauty, appealing to parents drawn to French naming traditions and melodic qualities.

Mélaine

Melaniu appears to be a rare variant or creative spelling of Melanie, a feminine name derived from Greek origins. The traditional Melanie comes from 'melania,' meaning 'dark' or 'black,' originally referring to dark features or complexion. This variant spelling with a 'u' ending is extremely uncommon and may represent a cultural adaptation or unique family spelling. Unlike the standard Melanie, which enjoyed significant popularity in the late 20th century, Melaniu remains exceptionally rare. The unusual ending gives the name a somewhat exotic quality while maintaining the melodic sound of the original. The uniqueness of this spelling would likely make it a conversation starter.

Melaniu

Romantique French name invoking Debussy's haunting score for the opera Pelléas and Mélisande. 

Mélisande

Melissande is an elegant elaboration of Melissa, derived from the Greek word for 'bee' or 'honey bee.' This French-influenced variant adds a sophisticated, fairy-tale quality to the more common Melissa. The '-ande' ending gives it a medieval or fantasy-literature feel, reminiscent of names from Arthurian legends or historical romances. While relatively rare, Melissande has appeared occasionally throughout history, particularly in European aristocratic families. It offers parents a way to honor a relative named Melissa while choosing something more distinctive. Melissande projects grace, femininity, and a touch of the extraordinary, making it appealing for those seeking an uncommon name with classical roots and romantic associations.

Melissande

The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.

Melisandre

Mellicent is a rare feminine name that evolved as a variant of Melisande and Millicent. It derives from Germanic origins, combining elements meaning 'work' and 'strength' or possibly 'honey' and 'sweet.' Popular during medieval times, it was brought to England by the Normans but gradually declined in use over centuries. The spelling with 'e' rather than 'i' gives it a distinctive honey-like quality, reinforcing associations with sweetness (reflecting the Latin 'mel' meaning honey). The name enjoyed brief popularity during the early 20th century but remains uncommon today. Mellicent offers the friendly nicknames Mel, Mellie, or Milly. It appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with a gentle sound and historical depth that still feel unique in contemporary settings.

Mellicent

Michèle is the French feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God?' The distinctive accent over the 'e' (accent grave) indicates the French pronunciation (mee-SHELL), differentiating it from the masculine Michel. This elegant variation has been popular in French-speaking regions for generations, while also finding favor internationally among those appreciating its sophistication and European flair. Michèle enjoyed particular popularity in the mid-20th century but remains a timeless choice that bridges cultures. Notable bearers include French actress Michèle Morgan and American author Michèle Roberts. The name conveys refinement and cultural awareness while maintaining accessibility. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its French styling gives it a touch of cosmopolitan elegance, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both substance and style.

Michèle

One of those quintessentially<a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French names</a> still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.

Micheline

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.

Michéle

Charming French endearment, first used as a name by Goethe, that now makes an appealing choice -- though the proper feminine form is Mignonne. Note, though, that this is not actually used as a name in France, where Manon would be the closest choice. 
 Mignon is the leading character, a young Italian dancer, in Goethe's novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, upon which an eponymous opera was based. Mignon Eberhart was a popular American mystery writer. 
 The name is also associated with the flower name Mignonette.

Mignon

Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is also connected with the French Lusignan royal house which claimed to be descended from Melusine. This name makes a good choice for people looking for a feminine mythological name but want to steer clear of Greek and Arthurian mythology.

Melusine

Milicent is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Millicent, which derives from the Old Germanic name Amalasuintha, meaning "work" and "strength." This elegant name carries connotations of determination and resilience. Popular in medieval England following the Norman Conquest, Milicent's usage declined over centuries before experiencing brief revivals. The spelling variant Milicent is considerably rarer than the traditional Millicent, giving it a distinctive quality. Though uncommon in contemporary times, the name maintains an air of vintage sophistication and refinement with its flowing syllables and historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with classical elegance and strong meaning.

Milicent

Minerve is a French variation of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, arts, and trade. Derived from the Latin name Minerva, itself possibly of Etruscan origin, Minerve carries strong associations with intelligence, creativity, and strategic thinking. While less common than Minerva internationally, Minerve maintains a sophisticated, distinctive quality particularly appreciated in French-speaking regions. The name has historical connections to several places in France, including the village of Minerve in Languedoc. With its elegant sound and powerful mythological associations, Minerve appeals to parents drawn to names with classical roots and feminine strength. The name projects an image of refinement, wisdom, and artistic sensibility.

Minerve

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 40)

French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)