French Names that Start With T

  1. Théodore
    • Description:

      Théodore is the French form of Theodore, a name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'gift of God,' derived from the elements 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift). The addition of the accent mark gives the name its distinctive French pronunciation and character. Popular in French-speaking regions like France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland, Théodore maintains the dignified, classical appeal of Theodore while adding a touch of European sophistication. The name has a rich history, having been borne by numerous saints, scholars, and leaders throughout history. Though less common than the English Theodore in international contexts, Théodore appeals to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and elegant sound.
  2. Travis
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "tollgate-keeper"
    • Description:

      Has a laid-back rural feel some would associate with country singer Travis Tritt; Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon chose it for their son. Travis Scott, born Jacques Webster Jr., a popular rap artist, is another famous Travis.
  3. Talon
    • Origin:

      French word name
    • Meaning:

      "large claw of a bird of prey"
    • Description:

      Rough and rugged, Talon is often associated with birds of prey, though more generally, it refers to any large claw, whether that's physical, metaphorical, or fantastical. The name has appeared in the video games League of Legends and The Legend of Zelda, in DC Comics' Teen Titans, in the Star Wars franchise (twice), and in the movies Transformers and Ratatouille.
  4. Thayer
    • Origin:

      French variation of Taylor
    • Meaning:

      "tailor"
    • Description:

      Thayer is an affable, less-common alternative to Taylor, with a much more indirect connection to its occupational source. Actor Thayer David (born David Thayer: Thayer was his father's first name) was known for his roles in Rocky and Dark Shadows.
  5. Toulouse
    • Origin:

      French place-name and surname
    • Description:

      Creative choice, evoking the high-kicking can-can girls and other colorful figures in the works of Toulouse-Lautrec.
  6. Thierry
    • Origin:

      French variation of Theodoric
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the people"
    • Description:

      Thierry, which is very popular in France, would make an interesting import; it's somewhat familiar through designer Thierry Mugler and international soccer star Thierry Henry. It almost sounds like Terry, but not quite.
  7. Terrence
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Terence
    • Description:

      In the US, this variation is more popular than the original. Terrence has been in the US Top 1000 since 1920, but Terence has been left behind. Alternate spelling Terrance is the most popular iteration of the name.
  8. Tali
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "dew"
    • Description:

      Friendly and relaxed choice used by singer Annie Lennox for her daughter; Tal is a unisex Hebrew version.
  9. Tanguy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "warrior"
    • Description:

      his engaging French saint's name, pronounced like tangy, with a hard 'g,' also has a creative connection to French surrealist painter Yves Tanguy.
  10. Timon
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "reward, honor"
    • Description:

      Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground problems.
  11. Tracy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of Thracia"
    • Description:

      In the Top 25 in the unisex seventies, these days Tracy would more likely be Gracie.
  12. Typhaine
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "epiphany"
    • Description:

      Typhaine (sometimes spelled Tiphaine) is an extremely rare girls name used occasionally in France, Switzerland and Jersey. The name derives from the Greek root words for epiphany. Typhaine might be considered an alternative to the tired Tiffany.
  13. Terrance
    • Description:

      Variation of Terence.
  14. Thibault
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "courageous people"
    • Description:

      Pronounced TEE-bow, this version, which is also a very common surname in France, has a lot more charm than the name it derives from — Theobald. A variant spelling is Thibaut.
  15. Thérèse
    • Origin:

      French variation of Theresa
    • Description:

      Last popular in this country from the 1920s to the 1950s, it now seems more modern than the English Theresa.
  16. Thoreau
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "strength of a bull"
    • Description:

      A dashing French surname name most famously borne by Henry David Thoreau, an American naturalist, writer and philosopher who influenced such notable figures as Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. The most common modern American pronunciation is "thor-OH", with emphasis on the final syllable, although Thoreau himself pronounced it "THOR-oh".
  17. Tarot
    • Origin:

      French, fortune-telling cards
    • Description:

      A psychic mystique clings to this name of cards used in fortune-telling.
  18. Tracy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of Thracia"
    • Description:

      Almost always a girl's name now.
  19. Timothée
    • Description:

      Timothée is the French form of Timothy, a masculine name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'honoring God' or 'honored by God.' This elegant variation gained international recognition through French-American actor Timothée Chalamet. The accent on the final 'e' (acute accent) indicates the French pronunciation ending with an 'ay' sound rather than a silent 'e.' While common in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec, Switzerland, and France, it remains distinctive elsewhere. The name carries associations with sophistication, artistic sensibility, and cosmopolitan flair. Timothée offers parents a refined European alternative to the more common Timothy, blending biblical heritage with French cultural elegance.
  20. Tarot
    • Origin:

      French, fortune-telling cards
    • Description:

      A unique New Age possibility with a pleasing sound.