French Names that Start With H

  1. Harvey
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "battle worthy"
    • Description:

      Harvey, which was brought to England by the Normans, is a genial, old-timey name that has been much more popular across the pond in the UK. It was a Top 100 choice in England & Wales from 1997 until 2021, though 2022 saw it fall just slightly.
  2. Harriet
    • Origin:

      English variation of French Henriette
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it.
  3. Henrietta
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that Henrietta has the same vintage charm.
  4. Helene
    • Origin:

      French variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
    • Description:

      Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
  5. Heloise
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"
    • Description:

      Heloise is an ancient name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.
  6. Honoré
    • Origin:

      French variation of Latin
    • Meaning:

      "honored one"
    • Description:

      A name that is truly honored in France, as the name of several saints, artists like Daumier, and writers like Balzac.
  7. Hadrien
    • Origin:

      French variation of Hadrian
    • Description:

      What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.
  8. Héloïse
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "healthy, wide"
    • Description:

      Héloïse is a chic French name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.
  9. Hippolyte
    • Origin:

      French from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "releaser of horses"
    • Description:

      Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so. It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux.
  10. Henri
    • Origin:

      French and Finnish variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
  11. Hyacinthe
    • Description:

      Hyacinthe is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the name of the purple-blue flower called hyacinth. In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was a beautiful youth beloved by Apollo. The feminine form Hyacinthe has been more common in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries. It carries an air of classical elegance and floral beauty. Though never widely popular in the United States or United Kingdom, the name has maintained a steady presence in France and among families with French heritage. Parents might choose this name for its beautiful sound, classical references, floral connection, and distinctly feminine yet sophisticated quality.

  12. Henriette
    • Origin:

      French, feminine form of Henri
    • Description:

      Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.
  13. Hazard
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "chance, luck"
    • Description:

      Chance has risen far on the baby-naming charts, but Hazard has a considerably more dangerous edge. It was the middle name of famed US naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry.
  14. Harriette
    • Description:

      Harriette is a feminine name of Germanic origin, a diminutive form of Harriet, which itself is a feminine version of Harry or Henry. The name means 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,' suggesting strength and leadership. Harriette gained some popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among the British aristocracy, but has become less common in modern times, giving it a vintage charm. The extra 'te' ending adds a touch of elegance and distinction to the classic Harriet. While not among the most popular names today, Harriette occasionally experiences small revivals as parents seek out sophisticated traditional names with historical depth. The name carries associations with notable figures like the 19th-century writer Harriette Wilson.

  15. Helaine
    • Origin:

      French variation of Helen
    • Description:

      Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.
  16. Hilaire
    • Origin:

      French from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"
    • Description:

      Hilaire, a name that has rarely been exported out of its native France, was originally bestowed in honor of the fourth century bishop and theologian St. Hilaire of Poitiers.
  17. Hebert
    • Description:

      Hebert is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning primarily as a surname that has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. It represents a variant spelling of Herbert, which combines the elements 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright or famous), conveying the meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Particularly common in French-speaking regions, especially among Cajun communities in Louisiana, Hebert maintains its traditional pronunciation (often as 'A-bear' rather than 'HE-bert'). While relatively uncommon as a first name in most English-speaking countries, it carries a dignified, classic quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical roots and familial connections.
  18. Hewett
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Hugh
    • Description:

      Hugh plus.
  19. Hercule
    • Description:

      Hercule is a masculine name directly derived from Greek mythology, serving as the French variant of Hercules, the legendary hero known for his extraordinary strength and twelve labors. Made particularly recognizable through Agatha Christie's fictional detective Hercule Poirot, the name carries connotations of intellectual prowess alongside physical might. Despite its powerful mythological associations, Hercule remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it has maintained steady usage in French-speaking regions. The name projects authority, determination, and exceptional ability. Its distinctive classical heritage makes it appealing to parents drawn to mythological names with substantial cultural significance. Pronounced typically as 'air-KOOL' in French tradition, the name has a sophisticated European flair.
  20. Hervé
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "battle worthy"
    • Description:

      Hervé was a legendary French saint, patron of the blind, who performed many miracles -- it's a lot more sophisticated than the English Harvey.