French Names that Start With V

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.

Charming Gallic name uncommon in France, and unknown in this country, with literary credibility as the title of a Charlotte Brontë novel.

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.

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

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

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

Vere is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It primarily derives from a Norman surname meaning 'alder tree' or from Latin 'verus' meaning 'true'. As an Old English word, vere also meant 'companion'. The name has aristocratic associations in England through the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford. As a feminine given name, Vere has an understated elegance and simplicity that appeals to those seeking uncommon names with historical depth. Its brevity gives it a crisp, modern feel despite its ancient roots. While never widely used, the name occasionally appears in upper-class British families and has seen modest revival interest from parents attracted to rare vintage names with simple pronunciation.

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.

No-no appelation of a child saint and martyr whose name is a term for the nervous condition known as Saint Vitus' Dance. Its one recommending feature is that it's among the elite group Boy names that mean life.

Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.

Translating to "star", but used to refer to the leading female artist in a cabaret show, for French speakers, this would be like naming your child "Showgirl".

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

Vinciane is a feminine name with French and Latin roots, derived from the masculine Vincent, ultimately from the Latin 'vincens' meaning 'conquering.' Popular primarily in French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium and parts of France, Vinciane remains uncommon internationally. The name combines classical origins with a delicate, feminine sound through its distinctive ending. Vinciane carries associations with victory and strength from its etymological roots while maintaining an elegant quality. The name reached modest popularity in Belgium during the mid-20th century but remains a distinctive choice. For parents seeking a French-inspired name with historical depth yet contemporary appeal, Vinciane offers a sophisticated option that's recognizable but not overused.