International Baby Names · Nature, Place and Word Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
French
"light"
Innovative French word name, suggesting illumination and clarity.
"Tuesday"
Mardi is a foreign word name that sounds like a homegrown nickname. For what? We're not sure, but it's kinda cute, and preferable to Tuesday.
Marée is a feminine name with French origins, meaning 'tide' or 'sea tide.' This elegant, nature-inspired name reflects the rhythmic movement of ocean waters and carries associations with fluidity,…
Margay is an unusual feminine name derived from the margay wild cat (Leopardus wiedii), a small spotted feline native to Central and South America. The word itself likely comes from indigenous South…
"violet-colored"
Mauve is an offbeat color name whose soft and sentimental Victorian spirit is conveyed by the name. One of the newer color names like Blue, Gray and Plum that are increasingly being used as novel…
"marvel"
The French word for marvel has a beautiful and elevated sound — pronounced "mair-VAY".
"crumb"
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…
French word name
"music"
As more English words get turned into names, parents in search of a really. unusual name may look to words from other languages, in this case French. Musique has an undoubtedly, well, musical sound,…
Better for a perfume.
"snow"
Nichée is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the French word 'nichée' meaning 'nestful' or 'brood,' evoking images of nurturing and home. The name has a delicate, graceful quality with…
"ocean"
Popular in France and Quebec, but familiar in Switzerland and Belgium too, Océane is a French nature name that combines elegance with a beachy, summery feel. It recently ranked in the French Top 300,…
"park"
Of course, you can just name him Park. But that's so pedestrian.
"to please"
Please choose another name.
"apple"
Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.
Fruit name
Prune is a fruit name loved by the French, for whom it's a Plum equivalent. In the U.S., Plum works, but Prune is not a name we'd want to inflict on a child. Prunella is slightly more plausible.
"wharf"
A name that looks intriguing and masculine on paper, but is, unfortunately, a homonym for a girl's name.
"fox"
"shore"
Unique, soft, and flowing.
Ruban is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In French, 'ruban' means 'ribbon', giving the name an artistic, elegant quality. It also has roots in Indian traditions, particularly in Tamil,…
