​
​
Advanced Search

French Names that Start With F

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Francine

    • Origin:

      French diminutive pet form of Francoise

    • Meaning:

      "from France or free man"

    • Description:

      With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a dated midcentury Mad Men feel. But its choice for their daughter by modern glamour couple Casey Neistat and Candice Pool, respectively a video star and a jewelry designer, has made Francine chic again.
  2. Fleur

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "flower"

    • Description:

      Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur Delacour, a French witch and the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter.
  3. Forest

    • Origin:

      French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "woodsman or woods"

    • Description:

      The Forest variation of Forrest, used by actor Whitaker, nudges the meaning more toward the woods and away from the woodsman.
  4. Florin

    • Origin:

      French and Romanian

    • Meaning:

      "flower; flourishing"

    • Description:

      Florin is one of the legion of names derived from the root word for flower, most of them like Flora and Florence used for girls. But the boys' form Florin is among the popular French names for boys, along with sister name Fleur for girls. There was a ninth century Swiss St. Florin. The related Florian was the name of a second century Roman saint.
  5. Faron

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "handsome servant"

    • Description:

      Faron, a soft and gentle name, has a diverse group of references. There was the medieval Saint Faron, Bishop of Meaux (who has given his name to a cheese); Faron Young, a colorful midcentury country singer known as The Hillbilly Heartthrob, and a character from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
  6. Fate

    • Origin:

      Short form of Lafayette, French, English word name

    • Meaning:

      "faith; predestined, destiny, chance"

    • Description:

      Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word name among English speakers, akin to Destiny, Chance, Blessing, and Chosen. Around six boys are given the name Fate each year in the US, though 2023 saw it rise a little, with ten babies receiving the name.
  7. Fabienne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Fabia

    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"

    • Description:

      Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.
  8. Fort

    • Origin:

      French, English

    • Meaning:

      "strong; a protected building, a stronghold"

    • Description:

      A saints name and a word name, this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place.
  9. Fabiola

    • Origin:

      French, Spanish, Italian, and German variation of Fabia

    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"

    • Description:

      Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.
  10. François

    • Origin:

      French variation of Francis

    • Description:

      Francois is the ultimate sophisticated French name.
  11. Fermin

    • Origin:

      Basque, Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

      The name of an ancient saint, a legendary holy man and martyr who is the patron saint of the city of Pamplona in Navarre, Spain. The popular week-long festival Sanfermines, which takes place in Pamplona every year from July 6-14 and includes the infamous encierro or bull runs, is named in his honor.
  12. Florent

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "flowering"

    • Description:

      Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can be floral too.
  13. Françoise

    • Origin:

      French variation of Frances

    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"

    • Description:

      In France it's sometimes bestowed as a patriotic gesture; in English-speaking places it has an air of genteel sophistication.
  14. Fifi

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Josephine, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as Josephine or Federica.
  15. Flavie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Flavia

    • Meaning:

      "golden, blond"

    • Description:

      That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.
  16. Foulques

    • Description:

      Foulques is a masculine name of Old Germanic origin that came into prominence in medieval France. It derives from the Germanic element 'folk,' meaning 'people' or 'army.' Historically significant, the name was borne by several Counts of Anjou during the Middle Ages, including Foulques V who became King of Jerusalem during the Crusades. Despite its noble heritage, Foulques remains exceptionally rare outside of historical contexts and French genealogical records. The pronunciation (roughly 'Foolk') may present challenges in English-speaking regions. This name carries strong connections to medieval European history and French heritage, making it an erudite choice for parents interested in historical names. Its extreme rarity guarantees distinctiveness for any modern bearer.
  17. Fernand

    • Description:

      Fernand is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning "journey" and "brave." It's the French and Catalan form of Ferdinand, a name with royal connections throughout European history. Fernand has been particularly popular in French-speaking regions and Spanish-speaking communities. The name exudes a certain aristocratic charm while maintaining a strong, masculine quality. Though less common today than in previous generations, Fernand continues to be appreciated for its distinguished history and international appeal. Notable bearers include French painter Fernand Léger and Belgian cyclist Fernand Jacobs. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name offers a sophisticated European alternative to more common names while being easy to pronounce and spell.

  18. France

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.
  19. Fabron

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "young blacksmith"

    • Description:

      And this sounds like the synthetic fabric washed with Fabrice.
  20. Fanchon

    • Origin:

      French variation of Frances

    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"

    • Description:

      Fanchon is a sweet and affectionate Gallic choice.