French Word 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.
- Miel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"honey"Description:
A sweet way—literally—to honor a Melissa or a Pamela.
- 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.
- 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.
- Jeune
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"young"Description:
But what happens when Jeune grows vieille.
- Terre
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"earth"Description:
An intriguing but challenging choice, because of possible confusion with all the Terry-type names.
- Ambrette
Origin:
French, word nameDescription:
Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.
- Chaton
Description:
Chaton is an uncommon masculine name with French linguistic roots, where 'chaton' literally means 'kitten.' As a given name, it has been adopted for its gentle sound and endearing association. While rare in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in French-speaking regions and among francophile parents elsewhere. The name carries connotations of gentleness, playfulness, and affection. Its unique nature makes it stand out while still being relatively simple to pronounce. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Chaton appeals to parents seeking a soft-sounding yet distinctive name with European flair.
- 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 .
- Deja
Description:
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.
- Luciole
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"firefly"Description:
The French word for firefly has a lot of potential as a baby name, with its similarity to Lucille, the cute nickname Lucy, and the adorable animal meaning. A French bearer of this name is the singer Luciole, born Lucile Gérard.
- Aérien
Description:
Aérien is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'aérien' meaning 'aerial' or 'of the air.' This ethereal name evokes qualities of lightness, freedom, and celestial beauty. The addition of the accent mark gives it an authentic French flair while creating a graceful appearance in written form. While uncommon even in French-speaking regions, Aérien appeals to parents seeking a name with poetic qualities and unusual elegance. Its connection to air and sky suggests someone with a free spirit, imagination, and perhaps artistic inclinations. The name's rarity makes it a distinctive choice that stands out while maintaining a soft, feminine quality. Its pronunciation (ah-ay-ree-EN) adds to its melodic charm.
- 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.
- Brune
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"brown"
- Janvier
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"January"Description:
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.
- Alizé
Description:
Alizé is a feminine name of French origin, inspired by the natural world. It refers to the trade winds, specifically the 'alizés' - warm tropical breezes that blow steadily from east to west. The name evokes images of gentle movement, freedom, and natural beauty. Alizé gained international recognition through the French singer Alizée Jacotey, who rose to fame in the early 2000s. The name has a distinctly modern, sophisticated feel with its French pronunciation and accent mark. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions, Alizé appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds elegant and unique while maintaining a connection to nature. The name's association with wind suggests qualities of gentleness combined with constant movement and change.
- Bichette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little doe"Description:
Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
- Illuminée
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"illuminated"Description:
Illumination with a French accent.
- Maison
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"house"Description:
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.
- Jumelle
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"twin or binoculars"Description:
The French word for "twin," often used to refer to items found in pairs. Its plural form, jumelles, is the word for binoculars.
