French Names that Start With N
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The names
Natalie
French variation of Russian Natalia
"birthday of the Lord"
Natalie — a Franco-Russian name — became Americanized years ago and is one of those surprising names that's always ranked among the girls' Top 1000 names in the US. An Old Lady Name in the 1950s,…
Noelle
French
"Christmas"
Noelle is the feminine variation of Noël, a masculine given name derived from the French word for "Christmas." As a word, Noël originated as a variant of nael , which evolved from the Latin natalis ,…
Nicole
French feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek
"people of victory"
Nicole was derived from Nicholas, the English variation of the Greek Nikolaos, composed of the compounds nike , meaning "victory," and laos , "people." The variation Nicole arose in the Middle Ages…
Noel
French
"Christmas"
Noel is British, fey, and sophisticated, connoting wit and creativity, much like namesake Noel Coward. Noel has also been a character on Felicity and Pretty Little Liars . Thanks to their association…
Nathanael
Variation of Nathaniel, Hebrew, Greek, "gift of God"
"gift of God"
Nathaniel is a wonderful classic name and Nathanael, the ancient Greek or Hebrew form, is as appealing and versatile. Appearing in the Top 1000 in England and Wales and the US, alternative spelling…
Nichelle
American, contemporary variation of Michelle
A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.
Nannette
Nannette is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Anne, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' This charming variation emerged in medieval France, where adding…
Nicolette
French, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek
"people of victory"
Frilly and feminine, Nicolette is the name of an enchanting princess in the medieval French romance, Aucassin et Nicolette , but really got its publicity from the heyday of Desperate Housewives and…
Noel
French
"Christmas"
Noel, the French word for Christmas has been given to both boys and girls born on that holiday since the Middle Ages. For girls it's often spelled Noelle.
Nathalie
A French variation of Natalie that's used occasionally in contemporary America. In England and Wales Natalie remains about 10 times as popular as Nathalie.
Norris
French
"northerner"
Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris.
Nancy
English diminutive of Ann or Agnes, Hebrew or Greek
"grace or pure"
To some, Nancy is a sweet, sparkly, vintage choice with plenty of energy and style. For it strays too much into '"old-lady" territory to be cool again yet. It's out of fashion in France, New Zealand,…
Nadine
French variation of Nadia, Russian
"hope"
Part of the vogue for French-sounding names in the 1920s and 30s, Nadine has been replaced by the Russian sound of Nadia and Natasha.
Nicholina
Nicholina is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate form of Nicole or Nicola, ultimately deriving from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people.' This elegant variation maintains…
Norris
French
"northerner"
A British surname that was used only for males until Mrs. Norman Mailer, Norris Church (born Barbara), came under the public eye.
Narcisse
Narcisse is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection. The name is connected to the narcissus flower,…
Nazaire
French from Latin
"Nazareth"
Saint-Nazaire is a harbor town in France; the name relates to Nazareth, where Jesus lived as a child. Two possible variations: Nazarius, an Italian martyr, and Nazario.
Neville
French
"new town"
More often used in Britain than here, where most names ending in ville fall into the unthinkable class, this might make an exception via fans of the musical Neville Brothers. Charles Dickens used the…
Nicaise
Nicaise is a masculine name of French origin with historical roots dating back to early Christianity. Derived from the Greek 'nike' meaning 'victory,' it was borne by several early Christian saints,…
Nouvel
French
"new"
Surname of French architect Jean Nouvel that became a given name when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it as the middle name of their daughter Shiloh.