French Names that Start With D

  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Denver
    • Origin:

      English or French place-name and surname
    • Meaning:

      "green valley or from Anvers"
    • Description:

      Yet another creative character name from Toni Morrison, Denver was a daughter of Sethe's in the novel Beloved. Today Denver is most familiar as the name of the largest city in Colorado, used almost equally for girls and boys.
  5. Darrell
    • Origin:

      English from Norman French
    • Meaning:

      "dear one, beloved"
    • Description:

      Once exclusively male name, Daryl Hannah made the Darrell spelling just as appropriate for girls -- and maybe even more feminine than masculine these days.
  6. Drury
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "dear one, sweetheart"
    • Description:

      Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
  7. Dimanche
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "Sunday"
    • Description:

      Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Dulé
    • Origin:

      French, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Talented Jamaican-American actor Dule (born Karim Dule) Hill introduced this name, suggested by an aunt who'd heard it in France. Pronounced doo-lay.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. Dariela
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Darrell, French
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. 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.
  15. Duvall
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of the valley"
    • Description:

      Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
  16. Descartes
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the outskirts of town"
    • Description:

      Highly unlikely philosophical choice.
  17. Dory
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.
  18. 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.
  19. Daumier
    • Origin:

      French artist name
    • Description:

      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.
  20. 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.

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