French Names that Start With O

Ottilie is trending in the UK, where the pronounced T helps the name sound pretty and delicate, rather like Amelie and Elodie. Ottilie is less popular in the US, where many Americans pronounce it as a near-homonym for "oddly".

Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly soigne, sophisticated yet upbeat choice, unlike some of the more dated other 'ette'-ending names.

Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of favor.

A particularly beautiful member of the Orane/Oriana clan, Oriane is the first name of a major character in Proust's In Search Of Lost Time, the Duchesse de Guermantes.

Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.

More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.

The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.

Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient.

Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.

Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave. This, however, might not be considered a bad thing, or even an accident. Cadence, Lyric, Poem, and Anthem had seen increased interest, so why not this musical word?

The name appeared in the US stats in 2024 for the first time since the late 60s, when it was given to 6 boys.

French variation of Ophelia that might make that lovely-and-haunted name feel more viable, yet there will be inevitable pronunciation issues.

Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.

Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.

A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.

Odon is a masculine name with rich historical roots across several cultures. In Hungarian, it developed as a form of the Germanic name Odo or Otto, meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' The name also appears in French heritage, sometimes as a variant of Eudes, sharing the same Germanic origins. In Spanish contexts, it may relate to the medieval name Odón, borne by several saints and historical figures. Despite its historical pedigree across Europe, Odon remains relatively uncommon in the United States. The name's brevity and strong sound give it a distinctive quality, while its international connections add depth. Its simplicity makes it accessible across language barriers, yet its rarity ensures individuality. The name carries an air of quiet dignity and old-world charm.

Obéron is a masculine name derived from Auberon, the French form of Alberich, a Germanic name meaning 'elf ruler' or 'king of the elves.' Most famously, Oberon appears in medieval and Renaissance literature as the king of the fairies in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' The addition of the accent in Obéron gives the name a distinctly French flair. This enchanting name carries magical and mystical associations, connecting the bearer to a rich tradition of folklore and literary fantasy. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, Obéron offers a majestic quality with its mythological heritage and regal connotations.

Wildly popular name in France that could easily cross the Atlantic.

A Greek form of the rising star Otto, Othon was brought to public consciousness when a Bavarian prince named Otto became the first modern king of Greece in 1832. It was briefly popular in France in the early 20th century and might appeal today, due to its relation to Otto, and its slight similarity to Ethan and Nathan.