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Beautiful, Chic French Names for Baby Girls

  1. Joanne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Joanna, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      A Top 100 name from the 1930s all the way through the 1950s, it's now firmly in Mom -- or Grandma -- land and supplanted for babies by Joanna.....or even great-grandmother Josephine. In its heyday, it had a host of variations, including JoAnn and Jo-Anne.
  2. Rene

    • Origin:

      Variation of Renee

    • Meaning:

      "reborn"

    • Description:

      This name is hanging on as Renee, thanks to Ms. Zellweger, and in newer forms Renae and Renny.
  3. Sherry

    • Origin:

      Phonetic variation of French Cheri; also a Spanish fortified wine

    • Description:

      Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.
  4. Antoinette

    • Origin:

      French feminine diminutive form of Antoine

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.
  5. Cherie

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "darling"

    • Description:

      The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.
  6. Desiree

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "desired, wished"

    • Description:

      One of the original French names chosen by midcentury parents for their sophistication and je ne sais quoi, Desiree has since become completely assimilated in the US. It ranked in the Top 1000 from 1954-2017, but has since dropped back out.
  7. Sigourney

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "daring king"

    • Description:

      Actress Sigourney -- born Susan -- Weaver made this unusual name (which she found in The Great Gatsby) famous, if not popular.
  8. Georgette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of George

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Etienette is a delicate feminine French name, functioning as the female form of Etienne (the French equivalent of Stephen). It ultimately derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' symbolizing honor and victory. This elegant, uncommon name carries a distinctly French sophistication with its soft ending and refined sound. Though rare even in French-speaking regions, Etienette offers a charming alternative to more common feminine forms like Stephanie. The name combines classic origins with a melodic quality that feels both traditional and distinctive. Its elaborate construction gives it an aristocratic flair while maintaining a gentle, feminine character suitable for contemporary use.
  10. Roux

    • Origin:

      French From Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Marcelle

    • Description:

      Marcelle is the feminine form of Marcel, a name with Latin origins derived from 'Marcellus,' a diminutive of Marcus meaning 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. Popular in France and other French-speaking regions, Marcelle carries an elegant, classic quality. The name has historical significance, having been borne by several saints and notable figures throughout European history. While more common in previous generations, Marcelle has the timeless sophistication that could appeal to parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth. The name balances femininity with strength, and its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible despite being relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Marcelle offers the appeal of vintage names while maintaining a distinctive international character.

  12. Violette

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "purple"

    • Description:

      Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.
  13. Linnet

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "flaxen haired"

    • Description:

      Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
  14. Marietta

    • Origin:

      Italian diminutive of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "stone, boulder"

    • Description:

      Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little girls in France today: Oceane, Lea, Manon.
  16. Monique

    • Origin:

      French variation of Monica

    • Meaning:

      "advisor"

    • Description:

      The sort of oh-so-French name that's falling out of favor now.
  17. Harriette

    • Description:

      Harriette is a feminine name of Germanic origin, a diminutive form of Harriet, which itself is a feminine version of Harry or Henry. The name means 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,' suggesting strength and leadership. Harriette gained some popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among the British aristocracy, but has become less common in modern times, giving it a vintage charm. The extra 'te' ending adds a touch of elegance and distinction to the classic Harriet. While not among the most popular names today, Harriette occasionally experiences small revivals as parents seek out sophisticated traditional names with historical depth. The name carries associations with notable figures like the 19th-century writer Harriette Wilson.

  18. Oriane

    • Origin:

      Latin via French

    • Meaning:

      "sunrise; gold"

    • Description:

      A particularly beautiful member of the Oriana and Orane clan,Oriane is the first name of a major character in Proust's In Search Of Lost Time, the Duchesse de Guermantes. Also borne by climber Oriane Bertone, the name may derive from the Latin aurum meaning "gold" or from oriens meaning "rising, sunrise". It was give to just 8 girls in a recent year in the US, but was a popular choice in France in the 2000s.
  19. Mystique

    • Origin:

      French word name

    • Description:

      Better for a perfume.
  20. Chanel

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the canal"

    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.