French Names that Start With D
- Dory
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Didier
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Delancey
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Lancey"Description:
This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.
- 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.
- 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.
- Desirée
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"desired"Description:
Desired and chosen by many, despite (or because of) its blatantly sensual image.
- Danique
Origin:
French variation of DanicaMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.
- 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.
- Dimanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Sunday"Description:
Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
- Desi
Origin:
Short form of Desiree, FrenchMeaning:
"desired"Description:
Desi makes Desiree a lot cuter and more boyish.
- Denver
Origin:
English or French place-name and surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Descartes
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"dweller at the outskirts of town"Description:
Highly unlikely philosophical choice.
- Diggory
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Lost one"Description:
This buoyant name has the same bouncy rhythm as Rafferty and Barnaby, but is virtually unused. It has plenty of literary cred, too: characters in The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native have all borne the name.
- Danette
Description:
Danette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Dana or Danielle, which themselves derive from the masculine Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. Popular primarily during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, Danette exemplifies the trend of creating feminine names by adding the French-inspired suffix "-ette" to create a delicate, feminine variation. The name has a vintage charm that evokes mid-century aesthetics. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Danette maintains appeal for those drawn to retro names or seeking to honor relatives from that era. The name carries a gentle sophistication with its French styling while maintaining familiar roots.
- 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.
- D'artagnan
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Artagnan"Description:
The least usable of the Three Musketeers names.
- 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.
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
- Domitille
Origin:
French feminine variation of Roman family name Domitius, LatinMeaning:
"tamed"Description:
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.
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