French Names that Start With D
- Delano
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"from the forest of nut trees"Description:
Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.
- Delmore
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the sea"Description:
An undiscovered gem with clunky, buttoned-up appeal and a literary feel thanks to poet Delmore Schwartz.
- Darrell
Origin:
English from Norman FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Dimanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Sunday"Description:
Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
- Damica
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"open-spirited, friendly"Description:
Rarely heard but pleasing feminissima name for a baby girl.
- Douce
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Déja
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"already"Description:
Déja was a name sensation of the nineties, reaching the Top 15 in African-American popularity lists, but it has déja fallen far from those lofty heights.
- Dior
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"golden"Description:
Dior has joined Chanel and Armani on the fashionista hit parade of names, appealing due to its designer quality, its succinct sound, and contemporary air. Nearly 400 baby girls were named Dior in the US last year.
- 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.
- Desi
Origin:
Short form of Desiree, FrenchMeaning:
"desired"Description:
Desi makes Desiree a lot cuter and more boyish.
- Dariela
Origin:
Feminine variation of Darrell, FrenchMeaning:
"dear one, beloved"Description:
Dariela may have a not-quite-authentic provenance, but it's a pretty name and an unusual choice in the girly Isabella-Gabriella group.
- Danique
Origin:
French variation of DanicaMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.
- Denis
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Danelle
Description:
Danelle is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Danielle, the feminine form of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' Gaining some recognition in the United States during the mid-20th century, Danelle reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It offers a slight twist on the more common Danielle, providing uniqueness while maintaining familiar pronunciation and origins. The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft ending. While never extremely common, Danelle appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds contemporary yet established, with a subtle distinction from more widely used names.
- Dabney
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Délice
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"delight"Description:
French delicacy.
- Delroy
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Dumas
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Daumier
Origin:
French artist nameDescription:
If you're seeking a French artist name that goes beyond Monet and Manet, Daumier -- known for his revealing caricatures -- makes a rich, sophisticated choice.
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