French Word Names
- Solaire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"solar"Description:
An intriguing French word and surname, Solaire has a hint of aristocratic ruggedness and plenty of flair. Translating to "solar", it is unlikely to be used within France itself, however, it has seen usage with the Francophone Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the US where it was given to 12 boys and 5 girls in 2023. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.
- Dimanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Sunday"Description:
Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
- Fleurette
Description:
Fleurette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, derived from 'fleur' meaning 'flower,' with the diminutive suffix '-ette' adding a sense of daintiness—essentially meaning 'little flower.' This charming name evokes images of springtime blossoms and carries a distinctly romantic, vintage French aesthetic. While never achieving widespread popularity, Fleurette has maintained a consistent presence as a rare and elegant choice. The name reached modest recognition in the early 20th century, particularly in French-speaking regions and among Francophiles. Fleurette offers a more elaborate and sophisticated alternative to the simpler Flora or Fleur. With its unmistakably French character and botanical associations, Fleurette remains a graceful option for parents drawn to names with European flair and natural beauty.
- Océane
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
Wildly popular name in France that could easily cross the Atlantic.
- Garance
Origin:
French color and botanical nameDescription:
This botanical name, referring to the vivid deep red color and to the madder plant from which it derives, is almost unknown to English speakers. But it's been trending in France recently, reaching the Top 100.
- Terre
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"earth"Description:
An intriguing but challenging choice, because of possible confusion with all the Terry-type names.
- Boheme
Origin:
French word nameDescription:
"Girls Gone Child" blogger Rebecca Woolf made Boheme a first name when she gave it to one of her twin daughters (the other one's name is Reverie). La Boheme -- "The Bohemian" -- is a Puccini opera that was transmogrified into the modern play Rent. Boheme means a literary or artistic person who lives outside conventional society.
- Mardi
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Tuesday"Description:
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.
- Brune
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"brown"
- Solitaire
Origin:
French, EnglishMeaning:
"solitary, alone; a single jewel in a piece of jewelry"Description:
Derived from the French word for "alone", Solitaire could have potential as a bold word name, thanks to its use on a character in the James Bond franchise and its similarity to the names Sol, Blair, and Adair. While some may be put off by the potential loneliness in the meaning, others might associate it with independence instead.
- Triolet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"short verse poem"
- Fraise
Description:
Fraise is a delicate feminine name derived from the French word for 'strawberry,' bringing to mind the sweet, vibrant red fruit. This nature-inspired name carries connotations of sweetness, freshness, and natural beauty. Though uncommon as a given name in most countries, Fraise appeals to parents drawn to unique botanical names and French-inspired choices. Its single-syllable pronunciation in French (similar to 'frez') contrasts with the two-syllable English reading ('fray-z'), giving it different rhythmic qualities depending on pronunciation. The name evokes spring and summer seasons, suggesting a bright, cheerful personality. While rare in naming statistics, Fraise follows the trend of food and nature-inspired names gaining appreciation among parents seeking distinctive options with positive, tangible associations.
- Bichette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little doe"Description:
Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
- Prune
Origin:
Fruit nameDescription:
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.
- Armistice
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"truce, ceasefire"Description:
Armistice is an unusual word name with a meaning that's both militaristic and peaceful: It refers to a ceasefire, temporary or permanent, by agreement in wartime. Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War I.
- Solitaire
Origin:
French, EnglishMeaning:
"solitary, alone; a single jewel in a piece of jewelry"Description:
Derived from the French word for "alone", Solitaire could have potential as a bold word name, thanks to its use on a character in the James Bond franchise and its similarity to the names Sol, Solomon, and Salvatore. While some may be put off by the potential loneliness in the meaning, others might associate it with independence instead .
- Mystique
Origin:
French word nameDescription:
Better for a perfume.
- Ambrette
Origin:
French, word nameDescription:
Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.
- Cadeau
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"gift"Description:
Cadeau puts a decidedly French-ified twist on the word name trend, but don't be surprised if you encounter ponies and poodles with the same moniker.
- Merveille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"marvel"Description:
The French word for marvel has a beautiful and elevated sound — pronounced "mair-VAY".