Alouette is a sweet Gallic twist in the stylish bird name genre made familiar via the charming French children's song, Alouette, gentile alouette.

Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers, makes it softer and prettier than the version we're more familiar with. It's also very popular in Denmark and Noway, pronounced closer to the English variant.

Florentine is an unusual member of a group of names destined for great popularity for girls. Its primary members are Flora and Florence, but rarer choices such as Flory and Fleur and Florentine are sure to flower in the years ahead.

A streamlined version of Anneliese, or perhaps a hybrid of Ann and Elise.

Popular in Norway and Denmark, but familiar across Europe, Amalie can be pronounced as a-MAHL-yah, much like sister Amalia. A variation of Amelia, it shares the same Germanic element, amal meaning "vigorous, unceasing, work".

Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle.

More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.

Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.

The German Matilda has some European variations that are popular in their native countries. Matilde ranks in Italy's and Portugal's Top 10 for girls, while the French variation Mathilde ranks among the Top 100 girl names in France, Denmark, and Norway.

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.

A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.

Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.

Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta.

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 two-syllable French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.

Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.

Soft and delicate French name rarely heard here.

Reinette was the childhood nickname of Madame La Pompadour, perhaps a cute short form for Regina or Reina but hardly worthy of the full name on the birth certificate today.

Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.

Novel French twist on Starr or Stella.

Oliviane is a refined feminine name that appears to be an elaborate variation of Olivia, which derives from the Latin word 'oliva' meaning 'olive tree.' The addition of the elegant '-ane' suffix gives the name a French-inspired sophistication. Olive trees have symbolized peace, fertility, and bounty since ancient times, lending the name meaningful associations. Though quite rare in usage statistics, Oliviane offers an uncommon alternative for parents who appreciate the popularity of Olivia but desire something more distinctive. The name has a graceful, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. Oliviane bridges classical roots with a contemporary feel, making it timeless yet unique.