French Word Names

This regal French name is a descendant of the Latin Regina, as is the Spanish Reina. Reine is also a male name in Scandinavia.

Cross-cultural winner.

Bijou is a name that lives up to its definition -- a real jewel. Warning: not unheard of on poodles' dog collars. Actress Bijou Phillips is its best known bearer. It can also be spelled Bijoux.

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.

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

A name that looks intriguing and masculine on paper, but is, unfortunately, a homonym for a girl's name.

Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.

Herby and aristocratic Basil remains a tough sell, but we’d like to introduce you to Basile, the delightful French version. It retains all of Basil’s charm, but sheds some of the pesto linkage.

The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.

This French word for star sounds like even more of a celebrity-worthy choice than Star or Esther or Estella or Stella. But count on English speakers who never took high school French to stumble over the pronunciation.

A sweet way—literally—to honor a Melissa or a Pamela.

Innovative French word name, suggesting illumination and clarity.

Originally used as a diminutive of Marguerite, this French term of endearment is super-rare as a given name in France, but could make for a sweet alternative to Mia in English-speaking countries. A variation is Mietta.

Deja is a feminine name that gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s. The name is connected to the French phrase 'déjà vu,' meaning 'already seen' or suggesting something familiar or previously experienced. This gives the name an intriguing, somewhat mystical quality. Deja has a melodic, flowing sound with its two syllables and soft ending. The name peaked in usage during the late 1990s and early 2000s, partly influenced by R&B singer Deja Trimble (known professionally as Deja) and the growing appreciation for names with multicultural resonance. Deja appeals to parents seeking a name that's distinctive yet easily pronounced, with a touch of exotic flair while remaining accessible to English speakers.

Aurore is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning 'dawn.' It's the French form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The name evokes images of daybreak, new beginnings, and golden light. In French-speaking countries, particularly France and Canada, Aurore has maintained steady popularity over the centuries. The name carries an air of classic elegance and natural beauty. Its literary connections include the protagonist of George Sand's novel 'Histoire de ma vie.' While less common in English-speaking regions, Aurore offers an alternative to the more widely used Aurora. The name's soft sounds and romantic associations give it a timeless quality. Parents might choose Aurore for its subtle French sophistication or meaningful connection to light and renewal.

Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.

Mason with a French accent. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012, and it will likely hang on for as long as its brother-in-spelling-variations, Mayson.

In the US Amber is stuck in the '80s, while Ambre is a fresh choice in France.