French Word Names

The middle name of the Travoltas' Ella is used twice as often -- 36 to 18 babies in the US last year -- for boys as for girls, leaning even more to the male side than the traditional Blue.

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.

"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.

Bonté is a feminine name of French origin meaning 'goodness' or 'kindness.' This virtue name directly embodies positive moral qualities, making it meaningful and aspirational. The accent mark gives the name a distinctive French flair and helps guide proper pronunciation. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Bonté carries an elegant, sophisticated quality that transcends language barriers. The name's direct connection to the concept of goodness makes it a powerful choice for parents wanting to instill positive values through naming. While uncommon globally, Bonté appeals to those seeking names with both beautiful sound patterns and substantive meaning, representing the virtues of compassion and generosity that transcend cultural boundaries.

Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.

Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.

Savarin is a sophisticated masculine name that likely derives from the famous French dessert 'Savarin cake,' named after Brillat-Savarin, an 18th-century French gastronome and writer. The name carries connotations of refinement, culinary heritage, and French cultural sophistication. Its sound combines the popular 'Sav-' beginning (as in Savion or Savannah) with a distinguished ending that gives it elegance. Relatively rare as a first name, Savarin offers parents a distinctive choice with cultural depth and historical connections. The name has a cosmopolitan quality that travels well across languages while maintaining its French character. For families with appreciation for French culture or culinary arts, Savarin provides a subtle reference with a pleasing phonetic flow.

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

Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

The French word for marvel has a beautiful and elevated sound — pronounced "mair-VAY".

Used in France as a male name, this would make an appealing and unusual choice, as would two other Gallic month names, Avril and Mai.

Better for a perfume.

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 in celebrated on the November 11th to commemorate the end of World War I.