Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.

The name of a martyred medieval saint, Valerie has been on the popularity list since its earliest publication in 1880. Though it peaked in the 1960s, remaining in the Top 100 until 1988, it still doesn't sound terminally dated; the association with the word valor gives it a sense of boldness and makes it one of the special group of girl names that mean strong.

Romantic name used throughout Europe, though sure to lead to pronunciation problems here. Though it's never been too widely used in the US, it's quite popular in Switzerland, France, Austria, and Romania.

As a surname, Viel is a French and English variation of Vial, ultimately from the Latin word for "life". The German variation is derived from the word vil, meaning "swamp" or "bog".

For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.

Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.

Véra is a feminine name with Slavic and Russian origins, though it also appears in French and other European languages. It derives from the Latin 'vera' meaning 'truth' or 'faith.' The name gained popularity in Russia following the introduction of Christianity, as it embodied the virtue of faith. The accent mark in the French version (Véra) distinguishes its pronunciation slightly from the Russian variant. Throughout the 20th century, the name maintained modest popularity across Eastern Europe and France. Véra has a timeless, elegant quality with its two clear syllables and meaningful etymology. The name projects strength and integrity while maintaining a feminine, classic sound.

While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.

A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."

Embroidered lace hankie of a name, used in a Thomas Hardy novel. That literary cred lends some gravitas.

Creative surname choice, associated with the great French postimpressionist Edouard Villard.

Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.

Victrice is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from 'victrix' meaning 'female victor' or 'conqueror.' It's the feminine form of Victor and shares its etymology with Victoria, all stemming from the Latin word 'vincere' meaning 'to conquer' or 'to win.' This rare name carries strong connotations of triumph and success. Historically uncommon in English-speaking countries, Victrice has occasionally appeared in French-speaking regions. The name conveys qualities of strength, determination, and achievement. Despite its powerful meaning and elegant sound, Victrice remains an exceptional choice, making it perfect for parents seeking a distinctive name with classical roots and an empowering significance.

Valérie is the French form of Valerie, a feminine name derived from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'to be strong' or 'health, strength.' The addition of the accent mark (é) maintains the authentic French pronunciation and adds a touch of elegance. Popular throughout French-speaking regions including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Valérie reached peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s but remains a classic choice. The name carries associations with both strength and grace, balancing traditional origins with a timeless quality. Its international recognition makes it work well across cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctly French character.

Borne by a number of early saints, it comes from the Latin word for life.

This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.

Victoir is a distinguished masculine name with French origins, functioning as a variant of Victor. Derived from the Latin word 'victor' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner,' it carries powerful connotations of triumph and success. This elegant variation adds a touch of French sophistication to the traditional form. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Victoir has maintained a quiet presence in Francophone regions and among families with French heritage. The distinctive spelling with the added 'i' creates a unique identity while preserving the name's strong, victorious essence. For parents seeking a name with both classical roots and a touch of distinctive flair, Victoir offers a compelling option with its inherent sense of achievement.

The sleek French version of Veronica has considerable class and chic.

Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.

A zippy, lively name that has never been popular, but has never completely disappeared. It is best known for writer and wit Gore Vidal, and hairdresser Vidal Sassoon and his many products.