French Names that Start With G

  1. Genevieve
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "tribe woman"
    • Description:

      Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements kuni, meaning "kin", and wefa, meaning "woman." The medieval saint Genevieve, patroness of Paris, defended the city against Attila the Hun through her rational thinking, courage and prayer.
  2. Guy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "wood"
    • Description:

      The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the 1950s. Now he hovers steadily below the Top 1000, in the sweet spot of familiar but not overused. With the meteoric rise of Kai, Guy may have potential with parents looking for a more classic name with a similar sound.
  3. Gage
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "oath, pledge"
    • Description:

      Gage was part of the craze for one-syllable surnames, with associations to tasty green gage plums and the mathematical gauge.
  4. Gabrielle
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Gabriel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my Strength"
    • Description:

      The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise.
  5. Gigi
    • Origin:

      French diminutive
    • Description:

      Joining the likes of Coco and Fifi, Gigi has a style but some may feel it lacks substance. Model and TV personality Gigi Hadid (born Jelena) has likely drawn attention to this name, while designer Cynthia Rowley may have inspired parents to use it as a given name by choosing it for her daughter.
  6. Geneviève
    • Description:

      Geneviève is a feminine name of French origin with deep historical roots. Derived from the Germanic name Genovefa, it combines elements meaning 'tribe' or 'race' and 'woman.' The name is most famously associated with Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, who lived in the 5th century and is credited with saving the city through prayer during Attila the Hun's invasion. The name carries an air of elegance and sophistication, particularly with the French spelling featuring the accent mark. Geneviève has remained consistently present in French-speaking regions and has gained international recognition for its melodic quality and historical significance. The name exudes classical femininity with a touch of strength, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with both cultural depth and graceful sounds.
  7. Geraldine
    • Origin:

      German and French, feminine variation of Gerald
    • Meaning:

      "ruler with the spear"
    • Description:

      Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie.
  8. Geneva
    • Origin:

      Swiss place-name or French
    • Meaning:

      "juniper tree"
    • Description:

      Unlike its somewhat formal Swiss city namesake, this is a lively and appealing place-name that also has a real history as a female name.
  9. Gui
    • Origin:

      Short form of Guillermo, Spanish form of William
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      It's tempting to think of Gui as the Spanish form of Guy, but it's short for Guillermo.
  10. Gaspard
    • Origin:

      French variation of Jasper, Persian
    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"
    • Description:

      Jasper is an internationally-popular name that takes many forms, among them Casper, Gaspar, and the French version Gaspard. Virtually unknown in the US, Gaspard is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
  11. Gable
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "triangular feature in architecture"
    • Description:

      The iconic Gone With the Wind star Clark's surname was brought into the first-name mix when Weeds' Kevin Nealon picked it for his son. Gable makes a strong and unusual possibility, a rhyming cousin to Abel and Mabel.
  12. Gaston
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "the foreigner, the guest"
    • Description:

      Depending on your cultural references, you may think of Phantom of the Opera author Gaston Leroux, or the macho villain of Beauty and the Beast. While he's hardly a role model (unless you too use antlers in all of your decorating), his name was likely chosen because it's a classic in France. It's been used there since the middle ages, partly in honor of the Frankish bishop St Gaston. It went out of style in France mid-century, but now it's having a revival, entering the Top 300 in 2017.
  13. Ghislaine
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "pledge"
    • Description:

      Ghislaine still sounds unusual to us, even though in France this name is dated. It can also be spelled Ghislain.
  14. Geoffrey
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon from French
    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"
    • Description:

      In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Welsh historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such it may feel more rooted and enduring.
  15. Guillaume
    • Origin:

      French variation of William, German
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility elsewhere, Guillaume is a French form of the classic Germanic William. It's heyday was back in the 1980s and 90s, when it ranked in the French Top 10 and the Belgium and Quebec Top 20, though more recent years have seen it drop from the popularity charts.
  16. Georgette
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of George
    • Description:

      Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
  17. Gaylord
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "brisk, high-spirited"
    • Description:

      Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.
  18. Germain
    • Origin:

      French variation of Germanus
    • Meaning:

      "from Germany"
    • Description:

      Saint Germain, the intellectual center of Paris, lends the name a creative aura. But most Americans would say jer-mayn. The Latin Germanus may mean sprout or bud, or brother.
  19. Gaby
    • Description:

      Gaby is a warm, approachable feminine name typically used as a shortened form of Gabrielle or Gabriela, names derived from Hebrew meaning 'God is my strength.' This friendly diminutive has gained popularity as a standalone name, embracing the modern trend toward casual, accessible naming. Gaby carries an international appeal, being recognizable across many European and Latin American cultures. The name conveys a friendly, unpretentious personality while maintaining a connection to its more formal origins. With its soft sounds and easy pronunciation, Gaby balances femininity with a certain casual confidence. It's become a popular choice for parents seeking names that feel both familiar and contemporary.
  20. Gabin
    • Origin:

      French form of the Latin Gabinus
    • Meaning:

      "of Gabium"
    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"

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