French Names that Start With D

An original choice for a fisherman's child.

Danial is a variant spelling of Daniel, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly distinctive written form. The biblical Daniel was known for his wisdom and interpretation of dreams, particularly in the lion's den story, giving the name strong religious associations across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Danial has been consistently used throughout history but remains less common than the traditional spelling. While especially popular in Muslim communities as a form of the Arabic Danyal (دانيال), this spelling variant appears across various cultures. The name conveys qualities of wisdom, faith, and integrity, regardless of its spelling.

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.

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

Highly unlikely philosophical choice.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The least usable of the Three Musketeers names.

Domitille is the French form of the ancient royal name Domitilla. Domitille is used today, and was in the French Top 500 during the 2000s. While English speakers might say it as dom-ih-till or dom-ih-teel, in French, it would be DAW-MEE-TEE. Either way, it could be an interesting way to nickname Dottie.

Denney is a masculine name typically functioning as a variant spelling of Denny, which originated as a diminutive form of Dennis or a surname derived from the same source. Dennis comes from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning 'of Dionysos,' the god of wine, fertility, and theater in Greek mythology. This particular spelling gives the nickname a more distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar sound. Denney has appeared occasionally as a given name throughout the 20th century in English-speaking countries but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a friendly, unpretentious quality with its casual sound and approachable nature. It carries vintage appeal connected to the mid-century popularity of Dennis while offering a slightly unique variant. Denney works well as both a given name and nickname, providing versatility for parents attracted to its informal charm.

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.

Alternative spelling of Dennis, and the usual transliteration from Ukrainian. Used (though rarely) for both sexes.

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

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.

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

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.