French Names that Start With L
- Lancelot
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"servant"Description:
In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly romantic-- name.
- Luis
Origin:
Spanish variation of LouisMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Luis has long been one of the most popular Hispanic names in America — it was in the Top 100 every year from 1980 to 2014, though it's dropped a bit in popularity. It's familiar, yet would add a worldly touch to a basic surname.
- Lynette
Origin:
French elaboration of Lynn or WelshMeaning:
"idol"Description:
Linda begat Lynn which gave way to Lynette, which peaked in the late 1960s. Lynette has been off the Top 1000 for a couple decades now, and the Lynn variations finding the most favor are those that put the "lyn" part at the end: Evelyn, Madelyn, Brooklyn.
- Lucienne
Origin:
French feminine variation of LucianMeaning:
"light"Description:
Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle.
- Luc
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"man from Lucania"Description:
Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel and Sean Patrick Thomas picked this version for their sons.
- Leontine
Origin:
French female form of Leontios, GreekMeaning:
"lion"Description:
Leontine is the French form of a name that's more familiar by its spelling variation Leontyne, the name made famous by opera diva Price. An obscure choice, Leontine nevertheless feels right for our lion-name-crazed moment.
- Leandre
Origin:
French form of Leander, GreekMeaning:
"lion-man"Description:
Leandre, the French form of the name of a Greek mythological figure, the doomed lover of Hero, is gaining modern notice in France. Leandre is one of many leonine names, including Leopold, Leo, Leonie, and Leon, that are fashionable now.
- Linnet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"flaxen haired"Description:
Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
- Lys
Origin:
Diminutive of Elisabeth or FrenchMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lys is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from 'fleur-de-lis' meaning 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and the French monarchy. In Welsh and Scandinavian contexts, Lys relates to 'light' or 'brightness.' This concise, single-syllable name carries an elegant simplicity while retaining deep symbolic connections. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lys has maintained steady usage in France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer feminine names, while its cross-cultural roots give it versatility. For parents seeking minimalist naming choices with historical depth and natural symbolism, Lys offers a refined yet understated option.
- Lunette
Description:
Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.
- Laverne
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"springlike"Description:
Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.
- Leopoldine
Origin:
French feminine version of LeopoldMeaning:
"brave people"Description:
A sophisticated girls' name for those attracted to Leona, Leonie and Leonore.
- Lebron
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"brown-haired one"Description:
The best-known bearer of this name by far is basketball superstar LeBron James. While LeBron James is a great athlete and American hero, only 19 baby boys were named LeBron or Lebron in 2021.
- Lyon
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lion"Description:
The y makes it seem more like a name and less like an animal, but it's still not as appealing as several Leo choices.
- Lyle
Origin:
Scottish and English from FrenchMeaning:
"someone who lives on an island"Description:
Though it's used far more often for boys, Lyle has a lot in common with today's trending girl names that share the double L sound: Lila, Layla, and Lola. With its cool island related meaning, derived from the Norman French l'isle, it has been appearing in the US stars for girls since at least the 1880s, given to a small number of girls most years.
- Lucette
Origin:
French diminutive of LucyMeaning:
"little light"Description:
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
- Liliane
Origin:
French variation of LilianMeaning:
"lily, a flower"Description:
Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.
- Lumière
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"light"Description:
Innovative French word name, suggesting illumination and clarity.
- Léa
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"weary"Description:
French version of Leah, currently popular with French-speaking parents. In this spelling, it looks pleasingly like the female equivalent of Leo (or Léo), and sounds like Leia.
- Laramie
Origin:
Wyoming place-name, FrenchMeaning:
"canopy of leafy boughs"Description:
Swaggering western place-name with a lot of cowboy bravado and panache.
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