A pretty name heard in the Louisiana Cajun community, Abella would fit right in with all the other, more familiar, bella names.

Abella

This <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/317/unique-baby-names">unique baby name</a> is stronger, more distinctive than April or Avril.

Abrial

Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.

Alienor

Sounds like a princess -- or an enticingly evil witch -- in a fairy tale. 

Allura

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

Alouette

Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.

Ambrette

Amy is the English variation of the Old French name Amée—Aimée in modern French. Amée was a translation of the Latin name Amata, which derived from amatus, meaning "beloved." Other spelling variations include Amie and Ami.
 
Amy was second only to Jennifer for the whole decade of the 1970s and, though far less used for babies today, remains a short, sweet Little Women-style classic. When asked which seventies name might make a comeback, several Berries placed their bets on Amy.
 Amy rocketed to popularity in the late nineteenth century along with the other Louisa May Alcott Little Women names (Amy was the artistic one), fell from favor, then burst onto the scene again in the 1960s, when parents were turning back to basic names like Jessie, Maggie and Molly. 
 The many notable Amys on the scene today include actors Amy Adams, Amy Ryan and Amy Poehler, singer Amy Grant, director Amy Heckerling and author Amy Tan.
 Amy was the name of 'Little Dorrit' in the Dickens novel.

If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it.  Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.

Aquitaine

This fabric word name would be a one-of-a-kind. 

Baize

Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine. 

Bechette

This French name meaning goddess is a possible Gallic import in the Celine mode. 

Beline

The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.

Bertille

A spunky nickname name for parents with showbiz aspirations for their daughter. 

Bibi

Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems. 

Bichette

Bijou is a name that lives up to its definition -- a real jewel. Warning: not unheard of on poodles' dog collars. Actress Bijou Phillips is its best known bearer. It can also be spelled Bijoux.

Bijou

Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to fight the stereotype of faded Southern belle, a la Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and Blanche Devereaux in TV's Golden Girls. Now all three of the Golden Girls--Blanche, Rose and Dorothy--could be ready for revival, with Blanche sounding like a stronger, simpler alternative to Bianca.
A saint's name, Blanche was a royal name in France by the twelfth century, then was brought to England by the French wife of Henry I. One possible powerful namesake is Blanche Scott, one of the original daredevil aviatrixes. You might also take its meaning to relate to snow, making it one of the perfect <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/89/winter-baby-names">winter baby names</a>.

Blanche

Place-name and homonym of Bree, less popular than its enlargement, Brielle or Brianna. Brie Larson is a notable bearer. 

Brie

Though it sounds so modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, but it has now spread far beyond that community.
Brielle is also the name of a historic seaport in the western Netherlands.


Brielle

Cachet is one of those word names -- Cliché is the most egregious example -- that sounds lovely but seems slightly ridiculous when taken literally. 

Cachet

Cadeau puts a decidedly French-ified twist on the word name trend, but don't be surprised if you encounter ponies and poodles with the same moniker. 

Cadeau

Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port. 

Calais

Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella. 

Cantrelle

Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium.

To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.

Capucine

Infinitely preferable to the tease-inspiring English version of the word. 

Cerise

Chablis

Another one of those word names, like Cachet, with a pretty sound and a silly meaning: chambray is a fabric. 

Chambray

Chandelle

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

Chanel

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. 

Chantal

The name of a French city famous for its fine lace. Another association: Chantilly cream – a sweetened whipped cream apparently invented there in the 17th century by a chef at the Château de Chantilly. The town probably takes is name from the Gallo-Roman personal name Cantilius, derived from a word for "white".

 Tilly is a sweet and stylish short form – especially in the UK, where it's on the rise as a standalone name, as well as a nickname for Matilda or Ottilie – but Chantilly feels a little too saccharine.

Chantilly

If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome <a href="/list/589/white-cat-names">name for a white cat</a>.

Chardonnay

For years there was only one Cher, and then along came the charming heroine of the movie "Clueless."  The world now officially has enough Chers in it. 

Cher

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

Cherie

As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves. 

Cheryl

This simple yet evocative French word name was chosen for her daughter by model Niki Taylor.  While Ciel may be pronounced in French with two syllables, many will pronounce it as "seal" and there may be confusion with Celia and sister Ceil.

Ciel

One familiar name never used for real people, for obvious reasons. Read more about Cinderella and other <a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/disney-princess-names">Disney Princess Names</a> in our featured blog.

Cinderella

A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.


Citron

Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then. Dylan McDermott used it for his daughter, as did actress Constance Zimmer.
 There is an appealing animated Colette featured in the film Ratatouille.

Colette

Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables. In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some etymologists believe it's a spin on Colette, originally a female short form of Nicolas.


 Despite the popularity of Les Mis the musical, the name was given to only 138 girls in 2015 -- though it's worth noting that this is almost double the number from just a few years ago. Cosette would make for a sweet and quirky French choice.

Cosette

Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.

Crescent

Rarely heard but pleasing feminissima name for a baby girl. 

Damica

Dariela may have a not-quite-authentic provenance, but it's a pretty name and an unusual choice in the girly Isabella-Gabriella group.

Dariela

This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.

Delancey

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.
 "Désirée's Baby" is a short story by Kate Chopin, published in 1893.

Desiree

Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name. 

Dimanche

Dior has joined Chanel and Armani on the fashionista hit parade of names, appealing due to its designer quality, its succinct sound, and contemporary air. 
 
The meaning of Dior is uncertain but it may be "golden", from the French doré

Dior

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

Douce

This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant. 

Eglantine

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.
 Elle Driver is the Darryl Hannah character in Kill Bill, Elle Bishop was Kristen Bell's in Heroes, and Elle Fanning (born Mary, sister of Dakota) is a rising young actress.

Elle

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?

Emeraude

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.

Eponine

Ermine

Maybe it's because she shares that winning -elle sound with Isabel and Bella, but Estelle is no longer seen as a muumuu-wearing canasta player of a certain age (think George Costanza's mother on Seinfeld or Joey Tribbiani's talent agent in Friends). This could be in part thanks to the young Royal Couple of Sweden, who chose it for their firstborn daughter, or the single-named British R&B singer. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2012 after a nearly fifty-year absence.
 Latin version Estella, introduced in Great Expectations, also has energy and charm, while Estrella is another stylish member of this star-related club. Ali Landry has a daughter named Estela. Este and Estee are also in the wind.

Estelle

A variation made famous by Australian Aboriginal tennis champ Evonne Goolagong.

Evonne

Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur Delacour, a French witch and the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter. 
 Fleur is currently in the Top 100 in Belgium and the Netherlands, home of the tulip and other fleurs.

Fleur

This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.

France

Frostine, best known in the U.S. as the name of the Candyland queen, is newly fashionable in France and is certainly a choice that any little girl the world over would love. Fanciful, if over-the-top, but a perfect <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/89/winter-baby-names">name for a winter baby girl</a>.

Frostine

Gaelle

Unlike its somewhat formal Swiss city namesake, this is a lively and appealing place-name that also has a real history as a female name. 
 Geneva was a relatively popular American name at one time: it reached as high as Number 107 in 1919, and remained in the Top 200 until 1942. Geneva was the middle name of First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and is the name of a leading character on The Good Wife.

Geneva

Joining the likes of Coco and Fifi, Gigi has a style but some may feel it lacks substance. Model and TV personality Gigi Hadid (born Jelena) has likely drawn attention to this name, while designer Cynthia Rowley may have inspired parents to use it as a given name by choosing it for her daughter. 
 
A rising star in the UK and a Top 500 choice in the Netherlands, if you find it too cutesy for the birth certificate, you could use it as a nickname for Georgiana, Gabrielle, Ginevra, or Genevieve.

Gigi

A simple name that's rising fast in the US, likely inspired by the popularity of Isla and Ayla. This streamlined form might appeal to those who like Ana, Ivy, and Ada, and it brings a multicultural element to the name.
 
Deriving from a number of different origins, Isla could be a variant of the Scottish Islay and Isla, which also coincide with the Spanish world for "island". Alternatively, it is a Hindi name, derived from Sanskrit, meaning "sacred speech", "earth" or "heavens".
 
Another possibility is that it is a Hungarian short form of Ilona, a variant of Helen, which coincides with the Finnish word for joy. 
 
Ila ranked in the US Top 1000 for the first half of the 20th century, but fell out of favor in the 50s. After an absence of nearly 70 years, it reappeared in the charts in 2020 and a recent year saw it given to 478 babies.

Feels more modern than the Y version but also less authentic. 

Ivette

Ivonne

But what happens when Jeune grows vieille. 

Jeune

Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls’ name</a>, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name. 
 Although it is French, Jolie is rarely if ever used as a name in France. In the US, it appeared briefly on the Top 1000 list in the seventies, then returned in 2000, following Ms. Jolie's 1999 Oscar win for Girl, Interrupted.
 The name Joely, as in actresses Joely Richardson and Joely Fisher, is unrelated and pronounced differently. A nice association is the iconic Picasso painting, Ma Jolie.

Jolie

Juillet

Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.

Laverne

Liana is a pretty, graceful and simple name that doesn't fall flat. The name of a flowering tropical vine that grows in forests, it's an international gem that works well in multiple languages.
 
As a nature name, Liana derives from the French liane meaning "liana, clematis", however, it can also be considered a short form of Juliana, Liliana, Eliana, and similar, or, as a spelling variation of the compound name, Leanna. 
 
A Top 100 choice in Switzerland and Slovenia, it also ranks in the Top 500 in the US, the UK, France, and the Netherlands but it would be familiar in Italy, Slovakia, Latvia, Brazil, and Armenia too.

Liana

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

Linnet

The lovely sound and image of the French river and lush valley would make this a most distinctive and captivating choice. Pronunciation: low-ahr.

Loire

Sweet Lorraine might just be old enough to be ripe for reconsideration. This French place name has moved in and out of fashion in the few hundred years it's been used as a girls' first name, somewhat influenced by the alternative name of Joan of Arc--Saint Joan of Lorraine. It was quite popular from the 1920s to the fifties, but has pretty much been in limbo since then. 
 Some memorable Lorraines are A Raisin in the Sun playwright Hansberry, actress Bracco and original SNL cast member Laraine Newman--the alternate spelling Laraine was popularized by forties star Laraine Day. Lorraine is also the name of Jack Nicholson's now grown daughter.
 In the movie Uptown Girls, Dakota Fanning's Lorraine character was nicknamed Ray--more modern sounding than Lorrie.

Lorraine

LeeLee Sobieski, who knows a thing or two about <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/317/unique-baby-names">unique names</a>, chose this spelling twist for her daughter. Does the extra n make it more of a name and less of a place, or more of an invention and so less authentically appealing? Your call.

Louisianna

Lousiana

Intriguing spin on Margaret or Maggie, for admirers of French surrealist Rene Magritte. 

Magritte

Early 1980s sitcom (Family Ties) name that has been well used ever since, with an upbeat three-syllable sound and a slightly tomboyish edge.

Mallory

Manet is the accessible, attractive name of an Impressionist great; it could be the next Monet. 

Manet

Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to the Latin Marcellus and Marcus, which come from Mars, the name of the God of War, and is often spelled Marceline. Jolie's mother's birth name was Marcia Lynne.


Marcheline

Mardi is a foreign word name that sounds like a homegrown nickname.  For what?  We're not sure, but it's kinda cute, and preferable to Tuesday.

Mardi

Martine

New twist to the Maur- names, a bit cosmetic sounding. 

Maurelle

Mauve is an offbeat color name whose soft and sentimental Victorian spirit is conveyed by the name. One of the newer color names like Blue, Gray and Plum that are increasingly being used as novel <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/673/middle-names">middle names</a>.

Mauve

Mavis, another word for the song thrush, is also a relative of the Welsh word for strawberries, mefus. Mavis has something of a British World War II feel, a friend of Beryl and Doris, but it was quite popular in the U.S. a couple of decades earlier, peaking in the Roaring Twenties.
 With the renewed interest in names ending in 's' — and in bird names and vintage names — Mavis could make a return, especially with the new interest in Maeve. In fact, the cosy Mavis re-entered the US Top 1000 after a 50-year absence in 2016 and has since risen to the Top 600.
 
Some noted bearers of the name are R&B singer Mavis Staples, a member of the Staple Singers, Canadian writer Mavis Gallant and the feminist activist Mavis Leno. Mavis Gary was the name of the Charlize Theron character in the film Young Adult. And — trivia tidbit — in her short-running eponymous sitcom, Whoopi Goldberg's character was named Mavis.
 
A younger generation may well associate it with animated character Mavis Dracula from Hotel Transylvania.

Mavis

Charming French endearment, first used as a name by Goethe, that now makes an appealing choice -- though the proper feminine form is Mignonne. Note, though, that this is not actually used as a name in France, where Manon would be the closest choice. 
 Mignon is the leading character, a young Italian dancer, in Goethe's novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, upon which an eponymous opera was based. Mignon Eberhart was a popular American mystery writer. 
 The name is also associated with the flower name Mignonette.

Mignon

Frenchified name rarely used in France. And perhaps even more rarely used in the US -- there were NO baby girls given the name on the official records of 2021.

Minette

If you're looking for a fresher belle name than Isabelle, Mirabelle is lovely, and we also like the extra flourish of Mirabella. And if you want a nature tie, Mirabelle is also the name of a delicate French plum.
 Steve Martin chose the name for the heroine of his novel Shopgirl, Mirabelle Buttersfield. And the Mirabel spelling was used for the likeable heroine of the Disney animation Encanto.

Mirabelle

Pretty name that may pose pronunciation problems -- it's meer-AY -- but is well worth the effort. 

Mireille

One of the few French words/names not attractive to the American ear.  It's pronounced moo-gay, not a winner on either syllable.  Alternatives: Liliane, Lily, Lilou, Manon. 

Muguet

Mystique

Noelle is the feminine variation of Noël, a masculine given name derived from the French word for "Christmas." As a word, Noël originated as a variant of nael, which evolved from the Latin natalis, meaning "birth." Noelle and Noel have traditionally been given to children born around Christmastime, particularly in the Middle ages.
 
Feminissima, with a French gloss. Noelle and her usually-male counterpart Noel can make perfect <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/577/names-for-december-babies">names for December babies</a> and of course are also traditional <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/412/christmas-baby-names">names for Christmas babies</a>. For extra French flair, add the diaeresis over the first E to get Noëlle.

Noelle

If Joely (as in actress Richardson) is a name, why not Noely? As nickname-names become both more acceptable and more fashionable, Noely may be a fresh spin on one traditional <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/412/christmas-baby-names">name for Christmas babies</a>.

Noely

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.
 This group of names all relate to the ancient Greek Oceanus, god of the open sea and the oldest Titan, son of Uranos and Gaia. If you're looking for uncommon <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/641/names-that-mean-ocean">names that mean ocean</a>, this is one to consider.

Oceane

As with the more popular variant Odalys, this is a name which should be avoided due to its connection to Ottoman Empire harems and concubines. May we suggest Odette, Odelie, Odessa or Lyssa as better alternatives?

Odalis

Oriana's not-quite-as-pretty French cousin. 

Orane

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

Piaf

A rarely heard--even in France--name, most prominent as the third name of Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and granddaughter of Grace Kelly.

Pomeline

Pomme

One of the most picturesque and enchanting areas of France could become a distinctive baby name. 

Provence

Sounds too much like the name of a minivan. 

Questa

Attracted attention as the stepmother of Princess Diana. 

Raine

This regal French name is a descendant of the Latin Regina, as is the Spanish Reina. Reine is also a male name in Scandinavia.

Reine

vivi52302's list "French Girl Names by ViVi" of 125 great name ideas: Abella - Étoile!

French Girl Names by ViVi

These are names specifically for girls. No male or unisex names on this list. These are names of 100% French origin, meaning they don't derive from Latin, Greek, etc...