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French Names that Start With S

  1. Silvester

    • Origin:

      Latin, "wood, forest"

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      More commonly spelled as Sylvester in English speaking countries, Silvester is closer to its Latin origins silva .
  2. Sojourner

    • Origin:

      French, English

    • Meaning:

      "to stay a while"

    • Description:

      African-American and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth was born as Isabelle into enslavement. She adopted her new name when she began traveling and preaching abolition in 1843. Sojourner is a heroine name that may, with the rise of spiritual word names such as Journey and Genesis, finally be ready for prime time.
  3. Sylvette

    • Description:

      Sylvette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Sylvie or Sylvia, which derive from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'wood.' The suffix '-ette' adds a sense of daintiness and charm, typical of French naming patterns. The name gained some recognition through Pablo Picasso's series of artwork titled 'Sylvette,' inspired by a young woman he met in 1954. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Sylvette has maintained modest usage in French-speaking regions. The name evokes images of woodland grace and carries a sophisticated European flair while remaining approachable. Its connection to nature aligns with current naming trends favoring botanical and natural elements.
  4. Soutine

    • Origin:

      French artist name

    • Description:

      Creative choice relating to the Lithuanian-born expressionist painter known for his bold, vibrantly colored canvases.
  5. Sibylle

    • Description:

      Sibylle is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek 'Sibylla', referring to female prophets or oracles in ancient Greece and Rome. These sibyls were revered for their wisdom and prophetic abilities. The name has been used throughout European history, particularly in German, French, and Swiss regions. While never extremely common, Sibylle has maintained a steady presence, especially in continental Europe. It carries an air of mystique and classical elegance, often associated with wisdom and foresight. The name experienced modest popularity in the mid-20th century in French-speaking and Germanic countries. Variations include Sibyl, Sybil, and Sibilla.
  6. Simonette

    • Description:

      Simonette is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive or elaboration of Simone, the feminine form of Simon. It has French influences, with the charming '-ette' suffix adding a touch of delicacy and elegance. The base name Simon derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'one who hears' or 'he has heard.' Simonette carries this heritage while adding a feminine, ornate quality. Quite rare in English-speaking countries, Simonette offers a distinctive alternative to more common feminine forms like Simone or Simona. The name has a romantic, vintage appeal with its French-inspired styling. Parents might choose Simonette for its sophisticated European flair, melodious quality, and the way it balances traditional roots with unique character.
  7. Siffre

    • Description:

      Siffre is an extremely rare masculine name that likely derives from a surname of French origin. It may be related to or derived from the Old French name 'Siffrid' or 'Siegfried,' which has Germanic roots meaning 'victory' and 'peace.' The name gained some recognition through Labi Siffre, a British poet, singer-songwriter, and musician known for his work in the 1970s and his influence on later musicians. As a first name, Siffre remains highly unusual, offering a distinctive choice with artistic associations. The French pronunciation would place emphasis on the second syllable, giving it an elegant, sophisticated sound quality that balances uniqueness with cultural heritage.
  8. Seraffinu

    • Description:

      Seraffinu is a rare masculine name of Maltese origin, derived from the Italian 'Serafino' or ultimately from the Hebrew word 'seraphim,' referring to a celestial being or angel. In religious iconography, seraphim are depicted as six-winged angels who serve as caretakers of God's throne. The Maltese variant Seraffinu maintains the angelic associations while incorporating distinctive local phonology. This name remains uncommon globally but carries spiritual significance in Mediterranean Catholic cultures. Historically, it was more frequently used in Malta and southern Italian regions where saints bearing variations of this name were venerated. The name suggests qualities of purity, divine protection, and spiritual devotion.
  9. Saby

    • Description:

      Saby is a versatile name used for boys, though it occasionally appears as a feminine name as well. It likely originated as a diminutive of names like Sebastian, Sabine, or Isabel, depending on the cultural context. In Latin American communities, it often functions as a nickname for Sebastian, while in Indian contexts, it may be a variant of Sabi, meaning 'eternity' or 'forever.' The name's brevity gives it a modern, approachable quality, while its potential connections to various linguistic traditions provide cultural depth. Saby remains uncommon as a formal given name in most Western countries, maintaining its distinctiveness. Its simple pronunciation and spelling make it accessible across cultures, while its rarity ensures individuality. The name has a friendly, unpretentious quality that balances uniqueness with approachability.
  10. Sabinien

    • Description:

      Sabinien is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from 'Sabinus,' which referred to a member of the ancient Sabine people who lived in the central Apennine Mountains of ancient Italy. The name gained recognition through Pope Sabinian, who led the Catholic Church briefly in the early 7th century. The '-ien' suffix reflects French influence and naming patterns. Though quite rare in modern usage, Sabinien maintains appeal in French-speaking regions and among those drawn to historically rich, distinctive names. It carries an elegant, scholarly quality with its classical roots and mellifluous sound. The name offers a rare alternative to more common saints' names while still having legitimate historical usage and religious connections.
  11. Sauveur

    • Description:

      Sauveur is a masculine French name derived from the Latin "salvator," meaning "savior" or "rescuer." This name carries profound religious significance in Christian contexts, where it directly references Jesus Christ as the Savior. In France, the name has historical usage particularly in Catholic families. Sauveur is especially associated with Corsica, where Saint Sauveur has been venerated. The name combines spiritual depth with a certain melodic elegance characteristic of French naming traditions. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains a modest presence in Francophone regions. Sauveur offers a name that balances unique qualities with deep historical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with both distinctive sound and meaningful etymology.
  12. Sarette

    • Description:

      Sarette is an uncommon feminine name with likely French origins, possibly functioning as a diminutive form of Sara/Sarah (Hebrew for 'princess') with the French diminutive suffix '-ette,' meaning 'little Sara.' Alternatively, it could relate to the French word 'soirée' meaning 'evening' or 'party.' The name has a delicate, refined quality typical of French-influenced names. While rare in mainstream usage, Sarette occasionally appears in French-speaking regions and among families seeking distinctive names with European flair. The name's soft consonants and flowing quality give it an elegant, feminine sound. Sarette might appeal to parents looking for something uncommon but with familiar elements, providing the benefit of uniqueness while maintaining some connection to the more traditional Sarah family of names.
  13. Sidony

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sidonie

    • Description:

      Sidony and its mother name Sidonie are unusual and attractive French girls' names, with a fresher feel than the fading Sydney.
  14. Sabienne

    • Origin:

      Romanian, Bulgarian, Basque, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from the Sabines"

    • Description:

      Sabienne is a feminine name with French influences, likely derived as an elaborate variation of Sabine or possibly blending elements of Sabine and Fabienne. The name carries connotations of the ancient Sabine people from central Italy.
  15. Silvestre

    • Description:

      Silvestre is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The name essentially translates to 'from the forest' or 'wild,' conveying a natural, untamed quality. Popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Silvestre has ancient roots, notably carried by Pope Saint Sylvester I in the 4th century. The name maintains steady usage in Latin American countries, Spain, and Portugal, though it remains less common in English-speaking regions. It experienced modest peaks of popularity in the early 20th century and has seen periodic revivals. Parents may be drawn to Silvestre for its melodic quality, connection to nature, and cross-cultural appeal. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while evoking imagery of natural strength and wilderness.
  16. Sabinu

    • Description:

      Sabinu is a masculine name likely derived from the Latin name 'Sabinus,' referring to a member of the Sabine people, an ancient Italian tribe. This uncommon name appears to be a variant found in certain Mediterranean or possibly African cultural contexts, though its specific regional usage is limited. Sabinu has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and vowel ending, characteristic of names from Romance language regions. It remains extremely rare in global naming statistics, making it a highly distinctive choice. The name carries echoes of ancient Roman history through its etymological connection to the Sabines, known for their role in early Roman legends including the famous episode of the 'Rape of the Sabine Women.'

  17. Squire

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "esquire"

    • Description:

      Conjures up a tweedy English country gentleman with a large paunch.
  18. Sarotte

    • Description:

      Sarotte is a distinctive feminine name with French overtones, possibly derived as a diminutive form of Sarah or Charlotte, or as a feminine variant of the French surname Sarotte. This elegant and uncommon name carries a sophisticated European charm with its soft sounds and refined ending. While rare in most English-speaking countries, Sarotte may have regional popularity in Francophone areas or among families with French heritage seeking a distinctive yet culturally connected name. The name blends classical elegance with an uncommon quality that makes it stand out. Its melodic three-syllable pattern and delicate sound combine traditional elements with uniqueness, appealing to parents looking for something both refined and unusual for their daughters.
  19. Sigfroi

    • Description:

      Sigfroi is an elegant masculine name with ancient Germanic roots, representing the French form of Siegfried. The name combines the elements 'sieg' (victory) and 'fried' (peace), creating the powerful meaning of 'victorious peace.' Sigfroi carries illustrious mythological and literary connections through the legendary hero Siegfried from Germanic and Norse sagas, later immortalized in Wagner's opera cycle 'Der Ring des Nibelungen.' Despite its distinguished heritage, Sigfroi remains exceptionally rare, primarily found in French-speaking regions with Germanic influences. The name projects nobility and heroic qualities while offering an uncommon alternative to the more familiar German Siegfried. Its distinctive sound and spelling provide a unique option for parents drawn to names with historical depth and mythological significance.

  20. Sévère

    • Description:

      Sévère is a French masculine name derived from the Latin name Severus, meaning "stern," "serious," or "strict." The name carries a dignified quality while evoking a sense of discipline and gravity. In French-speaking regions, the name is appreciated for its classical roots and sophisticated sound, though it remains relatively uncommon. Historically, Sévère connects to several early Christian saints and Roman figures, giving it depth and historical resonance. The accent mark (é) adds a distinctly French flair that enhances its elegant pronunciation. While not widely used internationally, Sévère appeals to parents seeking a name with strong character, classical origins, and a subtle European sophistication.