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French Names

mckaylalove
By mckaylalove
Updated Tue May 23 2023
A list of my favourite French names, male and female.
  1. Adele

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Adelaide

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Credit the award-winning single-named British singer for taking the girls’ name Adele from a quiet semi-retirement back into currency. Adele reentered the US Top 1000 popular baby names in 2011 and has remained there ever since.
  2. Adrien

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Adrian

    • Description:

      This spelling variation of the much more popular Adrian entered reentered the Social Security list after an over 100 year absence in 1999. The -en ending makes it sound like the feminine Adrienne. We suggest sticking with the all A Adrian for your little boy.
  3. Anaise

    • Origin:

      Variation of Anais

    • Description:

      Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
  4. Aurelie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Aurelia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"

    • Description:

      Aurelie is the delicate French variation of Aurelia, one of the most improbable popular names of recent years. Both versions of the name are lovely, but it might be difficult to insist that Americans pronounce Aurelie the attractive French way rather than like plain old orally.
  5. Bastien

    • Origin:

      French and Spanish, diminutive of Sebastien

    • Meaning:

      "person from ancient city of Sebastia"

    • Description:

      In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.
  6. Bellamy

    • Origin:

      English and Irish from French

    • Meaning:

      "fine friend"

    • Description:

      Bellamy is a surname name with an admirable meaning and upbeat rhythm, similar to jovial choices like Rafferty, Barnaby and Willoughby.
  7. Camille

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "young ceremonial attendant"

    • Description:

      At one time just the sound of the name Camille could start people coughing, recalling the tragic Lady of the Camellias, the heroine played by Greta Garbo in the vintage film based on a Dumas story, but that image has faded, replaced by a sleek, chic, highly attractive one.
  8. Celia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "heavenly"

    • Description:

      Celia, splendidly sleek and feminine, is a name that was scattered throughout Shakespeare and other Elizabethan literature, but still manages to feel totally modern.
  9. Claudien

    • Description:

      Claudien is a masculine name derived from the Roman family name Claudius, which comes from Latin 'claudus' meaning 'lame' or 'crippled.' It can be considered a French variant of Claude or an elaboration of the Latin name Claudianus. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Claudien has some usage in French-speaking regions and countries with French influence. The name carries an air of classical sophistication and historical significance, reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Claudien projects dignity and intellectualism, qualities associated with its ancient Roman roots. The name has remained relatively rare, allowing bearers to enjoy a distinctive identity without being too obscure.
  10. Clemence

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Clement

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
  11. Clement

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather."
  12. Coco

    • Origin:

      Spanish and French pet name

    • Description:

      Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.
  13. Césaire

    • Description:

      Césaire is a distinguished masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Caesar, which means 'head of hair' or possibly 'to cut.' The name carries an air of nobility and intellectual gravitas, partly due to its association with notable figures like Aimé Césaire, the renowned Martinican poet and politician. Predominantly used in French-speaking regions and countries with French colonial history, Césaire maintains a certain elegance and cultural richness. The name's sophisticated pronunciation (say-ZAIR) and accent mark give it a distinguished quality in international contexts. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth, literary connections, and a distinctively French character.

  14. Dominique

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Dominic, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "belonging to a lord"

    • Description:

      Had a surge of popularity in the Dynasty days, now has subsided in the wake of fresher French choices like Destry and Delphine, though it retains its sense of sophistication. It's one of the most truly gender-neutral baby names right now.
  15. Elle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "she"

    • Description:

      Combine the charming heroine of the movie Legally Blonde with supermodel Elle Macpherson and the trend toward all names beginning with "el"—Ellie, Ella, Eleanor—and you have one hit name.
  16. Elodie

    • Origin:

      French, variation of Alodia, German

    • Meaning:

      "foreign riches"

    • Description:

      The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. It's a uncommon member of the trending El- family of names, which includes Ella, Eloise, and Eleanor.
  17. Etienne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Stephen

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many French names for boysunfamiliar to most English speakers, except maybe fashionistas who associate it with designer Etienne Aigner. A new way to honor Grandpa Steve?
  18. François

    • Origin:

      French variation of Francis

    • Description:

      Francois is the ultimate sophisticated French name.
  19. Guillaume

    • Origin:

      French variation of William

    • Description:

      An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
  20. Indre

    • Origin:

      French or Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "cave; possessing drops of rain"

    • Description:

      The Indre is a river in France. Spelled Indra, it's the name of a powerful deity worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains — roughly the South Asian equivalent of the Greek Zeus or Norse Odin. But either Indra or Indre might make a simple, captivating, attractive name for a modern little girl.