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French Names that Start With D

  1. Denis

    • Origin:

      French from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "god of Nysa"

    • Description:

      While Dennis may be more familiar to English speakers, Denis, or sometimes Denys, were the original medieval French forms of the name. Ultimately derived from Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and debauchery, it is a saint's name, popular in France during the Middle Ages, and during the 60s.
  2. Darrell

    • Origin:

      English from Norman French

    • Meaning:

      "dear one, beloved"

    • Description:

      Beach boy name of the 1960s, Darrell is still a presence on the charts and may graduate into a stately surname name.
  3. Drury

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "dear one, sweetheart"

    • Description:

      Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
  4. Dougray

    • Origin:

      French surname

    • Description:

      Scottish actor Dougray (born Stephen) Scott made us aware of this name when he took on his French grandmother's surname as his stage name.
  5. Douce

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "gentle, sweet"

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Descartes

    • Origin:

      French surname

    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the outskirts of town"

    • Description:

      Highly unlikely philosophical choice.
  7. Dabney

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Aubigny"

    • Description:

      Dapper-sounding choice with old American roots (Dabney Cosby was a 19th century Virginian architect who worked with Thomas Jefferson on some of that state's most iconic buildings). Dabney Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr's bodyguard, giving this name yet more American history depth. Dab is a sweet nickname option for this name.
  8. Delroy

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "servant of the king"

    • Description:

      One of the more subtle of the names with a royal meaning, Delroy has a vintage flavor and would be a distinctive choice today.
  9. Desi

    • Origin:

      Short form of Desiree, French

    • Meaning:

      "desired"

    • Description:

      Desi makes Desiree a lot cuter and more boyish.
  10. Donatien

    • Description:

      Donatien is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin name Donatianus, which comes from 'donatus' meaning 'given' or 'gifted.' This sophisticated name carries aristocratic connotations in French culture and history. Perhaps its most famous bearer was the 18th-century French nobleman and writer Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade. The name has remained relatively uncommon outside French-speaking regions, giving it a distinctive and cultured quality. Donatien combines classical origins with a melodic French pronunciation, featuring the characteristic nasal ending that provides linguistic elegance. For parents seeking a name with historical depth and European refinement, Donatien offers a sophisticated alternative to the more common variant Donovan.

  11. Dulcette

    • Description:

      Dulcette is a feminine name derived from Latin roots, specifically from 'dulcis' meaning 'sweet' or 'gentle.' It functions as a diminutive form of Dulce, with the French-influenced '-ette' suffix adding a sense of delicacy. The name evokes qualities of sweetness, charm, and grace. Though relatively uncommon in modern usage, Dulcette has an inherent musicality that connects it to musical terminology, where 'dulcet' describes pleasant, melodious sounds. The name carries romantic, old-world connotations while maintaining a distinctive quality. Parents might choose this name for its elegant sound, positive meaning, and the gentle personality it suggests for a daughter.
  12. Demetre

    • Description:

      Demetre is a masculine name of Greek origin, a variant of Demetrius, which derives from Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest. This name carries connotations of fertility and abundance. Throughout history, Demetre has been particularly common in Eastern European countries, especially Georgia, where it's considered a traditional name. In Western countries, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has maintained steady but modest usage, appealing to parents seeking a name with classical roots yet uncommon presence. Demetre combines sophistication with a slight exotic quality, and bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to ancient mythology and cultural heritage.
  13. Davide

    • Description:

      Davide is the Italian form of David, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved' or 'favorite one.' This variant maintains the biblical connection to King David while adding a distinctly Italian flair with its three-syllable pronunciation (dah-VEE-deh). Particularly popular in Italy and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, Davide has a rich history dating back centuries. The name carries the same prestigious biblical legacy as David but with a more melodic Mediterranean sound. While less common in English-speaking countries, Davide has gained some international recognition through Italian cultural exports, including arts, fashion, and sports. The name conveys strength, creativity, and leadership—qualities associated with the biblical figure.
  14. Delancey

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Lancey"

    • Description:

      This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.
  15. Domitilla

    • Origin:

      Italian feminine diminutive of Roman family name Domitius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "tamed"

    • Description:

      Domitilla is the name of the wife of the Roman emperor Vespasianus and the mother of the emperors Titus and Domitianus. There is a Santa Domitilla with catacombs in Rome named after her.
  16. Didier

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "desired, beloved"

    • Description:

      Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.
  17. Dumas

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "of the little farm"

    • Description:

      The name of the great French novelist, author of the timeless The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, would make a surprising middle name choice.
  18. Dimanche

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Sunday"

    • Description:

      Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
  19. Danton

    • Origin:

      French variation of Dante

    • Description:

      Has the two-syllable sound so popular for boys, though adding an apostrophe -- and turning it into D'Anton -- changes the name entirely.
  20. Dione

    • Description:

      Dione is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, though it's sometimes used for females as well. In Greek mythology, Dione was a Titaness who, in some accounts, was the mother of Aphrodite with Zeus. The name derives from 'Dios,' relating to Zeus or the divine. Despite its mythological weight, Dione has never been widely popular for boys but occasionally appears in classical or literary-minded families. It has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and simple pronunciation. The name carries an air of classical sophistication and mythological significance. For male bearers, it offers a rare and distinctive option with historical depth. Its connection to ancient deities gives it a sense of strength and timelessness that appeals to parents drawn to names with mythological backgrounds.