French Word Names

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.

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.

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.

A word name in several languages, Bluette is an arty sounding and colorful name. In French, it comes from beluette, translating to "little spark". It can then refer to a brief flash, a trace of something, an unimportant thing, or a short, straight forward novel. In Italian, it is a shade of blue, somewhere between electric and sky blue, while in English, it is occasionally used to refer to a book, a play, or a piece of music that is short, but witty and brilliant.

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.

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.

An intriguing but challenging choice, because of possible confusion with all the Terry-type names.

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 .

The French word for "twin," often used to refer to items found in pairs. Its plural form, jumelles, is the word for binoculars.

Flambeau is an extremely unusual masculine name derived from the French word meaning 'torch' or 'flaming brand.' As a given name, it's exceedingly rare, with almost no recorded usage in mainstream naming statistics. The word has historical significance in various contexts—from ceremonial torches in processions to decorative candlesticks and even as a technique in French cuisine. The name evokes qualities of illumination, passion, and dramatic flair. While virtually unknown as a first name, Flambeau might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with French linguistic roots and vivid imagery. In literature, a character named Flambeau appears in G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown detective stories, which represents one of the few notable uses of this word as a name.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Samedi is a masculine name with Haitian Creole origins, famously associated with Baron Samedi, a loa (spirit) in Haitian Vodou who presides over death and resurrection. The name literally means 'Saturday' in French. It's an uncommon given name with strong cultural and mythological connections. In Haitian folklore, Baron Samedi is depicted as a formal figure dressed in funeral attire, often portrayed with a distinctive top hat, black tailcoat, and skull-like face. As a personal name, Samedi carries mystical connotations and a connection to Haitian cultural heritage. It remains rare outside Haiti and diaspora communities with connections to Haitian culture.

Unique, soft, and flowing.