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French Names that Start With F

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Fabrice

    • Origin:

      French, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "skilled craftsman"

    • Description:

      There are plenty of French guys named Fabrice, but here, it sounds more like a laundry product.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Frostine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "freezing"

    • Description:

      Frostine, best known in the U.S. as the name of the Candyland queen, is newly fashionable in France and is certainly a choice that any little girl the world over would love. Fanciful, if over-the-top, but a perfect name for a winter baby girl.
  14. Florentin

    • Description:

      Florentin is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman family name 'Florentinus,' which means 'flowering' or 'flourishing.' It is related to the ancient Roman name Florentius and the city of Florence, Italy. The name carries connotations of prosperity, growth, and blossoming potential. Florentin is particularly popular in France, Romania, and other European countries, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Its elegant sound and positive associations make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots. Variations include Florent, Florian, and the feminine form Florentina.

  15. Flavie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Flavia

    • Meaning:

      "golden, blond"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Fleurette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, derived from 'fleur' meaning 'flower,' with the diminutive suffix '-ette' adding a sense of daintiness—essentially meaning 'little flower.' This charming name evokes images of springtime blossoms and carries a distinctly romantic, vintage French aesthetic. While never achieving widespread popularity, Fleurette has maintained a consistent presence as a rare and elegant choice. The name reached modest recognition in the early 20th century, particularly in French-speaking regions and among Francophiles. Fleurette offers a more elaborate and sophisticated alternative to the simpler Flora or Fleur. With its unmistakably French character and botanical associations, Fleurette remains a graceful option for parents drawn to names with European flair and natural beauty.
  18. Flore

    • Description:

      Flore is a delicate French name derived from the Latin "flora," meaning "flower." This elegant, simple name carries connections to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, symbolizing youth, vitality, and natural beauty. As a given name, Flore has been used primarily in French-speaking regions and maintains a classic yet uncommon status. With just one syllable, it offers a rare combination of brevity and femininity. The name experienced modest usage throughout European history but never reached widespread popularity, giving it a distinctive quality. Flore appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with international flair, combining botanical associations with French sophistication.

  19. Fayette

    • Origin:

      Short form of Lafayette, French

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      Short form found in historical records, feels a tad feminine for modern times.
  20. François

    • Origin:

      French variation of Francis

    • Description:

      Francois is the ultimate sophisticated French name.