Unique French Girl Names
- Veronique
Origin:
French form of VeronicaMeaning:
"true image"Description:
Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.
- Eponine
Origin:
French literary nameDescription:
Eponine is attracting new notice via the movie of Les Miserables, based on the book by Victor Hugo. Eponine is the spoiled daughter of Cosette's foster parents whose name, according to the story, was lifted by her mother from a romance novel. As in a romance, Eponine redeems herself by becoming a martyr to love.
- Emeraude
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Emerald"Description:
Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?
- Lucette
Origin:
French diminutive of LucyMeaning:
"little light"Description:
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
- Lunette
Description:
Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.
- Faustine
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of FaustMeaning:
"fortunate one"Description:
Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year.
- Oceane
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.
- 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.
- Noemie
Description:
Noemie is the French variation of Naomi, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'pleasantness' or 'delightfulness.' In the Bible, Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth and a figure of loyalty and perseverance. The French spelling adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to this ancient name. Noemie typically uses the accent mark (Noémie) in French, though it's often simplified in English usage. The name has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation (no-ay-mee), the name combines biblical heritage with French refinement, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and graceful.
- Agathe
Origin:
French variation of Agatha, GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agathe is a hugely popular name in contemporary France, even if it's English-speaking counterparts have not yet warmed to the usual English version, Agatha. The French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.
- Sandrine
Origin:
French variation of AlexandraDescription:
Sophisticated French choice. Or toxic petrochemical.
- Romane
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"a Roman"Description:
The feminine version of the newly-stylish Roman -- and the longer form of the also-newly-stylish Romy -- would make a girls' choice that achieves that near-impossible balance of being both original and fashionable. This variation is far superior to Romaine, which is too lettuce-y.
- Aglaé
Origin:
French form of Aglaia, GreekMeaning:
"splendour, beauty"Description:
An international form of the Greek Aglaia, Aglaé is associated with the Three Graces in Greek mythology. With a hint of clunkiness but plenty of splendour too, Aglaé was moderately popular in France in the early 20th century though it has been out of the charts since 1917.
- Yvelise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"yew wood + pledged to God"Description:
This chic French name is either a feminization of the classic Yves or a combination of Yves and Élise. Seen as the titular character of the 1923 novel Yvelise by Guido da Verona, it reached its peak popularity in France in 1952 at number 159. Still, with its refined sound and cute nicknames Evie (Yvie) and Lizzie, Yvelise would be a lovely vintage name on a modern baby.
- Citron
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lemon"Description:
A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.
- Roux
Origin:
French From LatinMeaning:
"russet"Description:
Roux, a color name meaning russet or reddish brown, is a possible middle name for your little auburn-haired babe, though a post-Hunger Games child would more likely be called Rue. Roux is also a culinary term for a mixture of fat and flour used in French cooking to make sauces.
- Verenice
Description:
Verenice is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Berenice or Bernice, which comes from the Greek 'Berenike' meaning 'bringing victory.' The name has ancient roots, notably belonging to a historical Egyptian queen, Berenice II. The variation with 'V' instead of 'B' gives the name a slightly different phonetic quality while maintaining its classical heritage. Verenice has a flowing, melodic sound with a romantic, almost poetic quality. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Spanish-speaking communities. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, offering an elegant alternative to more common classical names.
- Fabienne
Origin:
French variation of FabiaMeaning:
"bean grower"Description:
Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.
- Piaf
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"sparrow"Description:
Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.
- Ambre
Origin:
French variation of Amber, English word nameDescription:
In the US Amber is stuck in the '80s, while Ambre is a fresh choice in France.