Unique French Girl Names

That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.

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.

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.

Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.

Also spelled Gwénaëlle and Gwenaelle (outside of France), Gwenaëlle is the feminine form of Gwenaël, made up of the elements gwenn meaning blessed, and hael meaning "generous". While it fell out of style in France back in the 2000s, with the likes of Sylvie and Margot appealing in English speaking countries, Gwenaëlle might make an unexpected choice, an alternative to Noelle or Genevieve, and a way to nicknames Nell and Gwen.

Popular in France in the mid-20th-century, Lysiane is a sweet but sharp compound name blending the French Lys and the classic Anne.

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.

Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.

A sleek, more elaborate alternative to Maxine, Maxeline is a rare name of French origin, derived from the saintly name Maxellende. St. Maxellende is the patron saint of the visually impaired and invoked to cure eye diseases.

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.

So many names sound better with a French accent, and Petronille is one of them -- it feels unusual in an elegant way. But in the US, you'd have to be adventurous to choose it.

Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.

Josiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the male name Joseph, which ultimately comes from Hebrew roots meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland, Josiane emerged as a fashionable name in the mid-20th century. Though its popularity has declined in recent decades, it maintains an air of classic French elegance. The name often carries diminutives like 'Josi' or 'Jo.' Josiane blends traditional religious heritage with a distinctly feminine French character, offering a sophisticated yet accessible choice. The name's rhythmic three syllables and soft sounds contribute to its graceful, melodious quality.

The name of a sixth century Welsh saint who founded abbeys in Brittany, reconstituted for a modern girl.

Also spelled as Ozanne, this is the French form of Hosanna, the exclamation given by those around Jesus when he first entered Jerusalem in the New Testament. Ozana and Osanna are the Romanian and Italian variations.

Clairette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Claire (meaning 'clear' or 'bright' from Latin 'clarus'). The suffix '-ette' adds a touch of delicacy and charm, typical of French feminine diminutives. Beyond its use as a personal name, Clairette is also known as a variety of white wine grape grown primarily in southern France. The name evokes qualities of clarity, brightness, and refinement with its French styling. While never achieving widespread popularity outside of French-speaking regions, Clairette carries an elegant, sophisticated air that appeals to those drawn to names with French flair. The name suggests a personality that is illuminating, pure, and graceful, with the diminutive form adding a note of endearing sweetness.

A sweet French word name possibility, but with unsavory teasing potential.

Also spelled Osanne, Ozanne is a French form of Hosanna, the exclamation given by those around Jesus when he first entered Jerusalem in the New Testament. It was notably born by Ozanne-Anne Achon, one of the first settlers in Nouvelle-France, the area colonized by the French in North America.

A rare feminisation of Mahé, a French form of Matthew originating from the Breton language. The most well-known bearer of this name is the Québécoise actress Mahée Paiement.