French Names that Start With V
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Vivienne
Origin:
French variation of VivianMeaning:
"life"Description:
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.
- Valerie
Origin:
French variation of ValeriaMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
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.
- Valentin
Origin:
French, German, Russian, Czech, Scandinavian variation of ValentineMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
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.
- Vallis
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Wales"Description:
Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.
- Valentine
Origin:
French variation of ValentinaMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.
- Vianne
Origin:
French, blend of Vivian and AnneDescription:
A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."
- Valérie
Description:
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.
- Violette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"purple"Description:
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.
- Vrai
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"true"Description:
A happy combination of several desirable genres: it's a word name, it has a foreign accent, and it has a highly virtuous meaning. And few other parents will be bold enough to choose it.
- Virgile
Description:
Virgile is a masculine name of Latin origin, the French form of the Roman name Virgil or Vergilius. It is most notably associated with the classical Roman poet Virgil, author of the 'Aeneid,' giving the name strong literary and cultural resonance. The name derives from the Latin 'virga,' meaning 'staff' or 'wand,' possibly referencing protection or authority. While traditional in French-speaking regions, Virgile remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, offering a refined European alternative for parents seeking a name with classical roots. The name carries connotations of intellect, creativity, and classical education. Its soft sounds combined with the strong 'l' ending create a balanced name that is both gentle and dignified, embodying a timeless quality that transcends trends.
- Viviette
Origin:
French variation of VivianMeaning:
"life"Description:
Embroidered lace hankie of a name, used in a Thomas Hardy novel. That literary cred lends some gravitas.
- Veronique
Origin:
French form of VeronicaMeaning:
"true image"Description:
Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.
- Vanille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"vanilla"Description:
While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.
- Victoire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"victory"Description:
Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.
- Vitus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"life"Description:
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.
- Vrai
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"true"Description:
A happy combination of several desirable genres: it's a word name, it has a foreign accent, and it has a highly virtuous meaning. And few other parents will be bold enough to choose it.
- Vidal
Origin:
Spanish and Catalan from LatinMeaning:
"life, vital"Description:
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.
- Vitalis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of life, vital"Description:
Borne by a number of early saints, it comes from the Latin word for life.
- Vachel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"one who raises cows"Description:
This is a French occupational namename brought to the fore by poet Vachel Lindsay, born Nicholas Vachel (Vachel being his father's first name), considered the founder of modern poetry intended to be sung or chanted. and also author of the first book of film criticism in 1915.
- Villette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"small town"Description:
Charming Gallic name uncommon in France, and unknown in this country, with literary credibility as the title of a Charlotte Brontë novel.