Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names
- Georgine
Description:
Georgine is a feminine variant of George, which derives from the Greek name 'Georgios' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' This elegant name carries the strength of its masculine counterpart while adding a distinctly feminine touch. Popular primarily in the early 20th century, Georgine has decreased in usage but maintains a classic, sophisticated appeal. The name has variations across multiple cultures, including Georgina (more common in English-speaking countries) and Georgette (French influence). Georgine offers a formal yet approachable quality and provides the cute nickname options of Gina or Georgie. Though considered vintage today, it belongs to the category of traditional names that occasionally experience renewed interest in modern naming trends.
- Ghislaine
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"pledge"Description:
Ghislaine still sounds unusual to us, even though in France this name is dated. It can also be spelled Ghislain.
- Ginette
Description:
Ginette is a feminine name of French origin, serving as a diminutive form of Geneviève or Virginia. The name carries an elegant, delicate quality with its French flair and '-ette' suffix that indicates 'little' or 'petite.' Popular primarily in French-speaking regions, Ginette enjoyed its highest popularity in France and Quebec during the mid-20th century. While less common among newer generations, it retains a classic charm that evokes sophistication. In French culture, Ginette often conjures images of a stylish, refined woman. The name has occasionally appeared in literature and entertainment, lending it cultural resonance beyond simply being a personal name.
- Gisella
Description:
Gisella is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' (in ancient times, noble children were sometimes exchanged as political hostages to ensure peace between kingdoms). It's a variant of Giselle, which gained recognition through the romantic ballet of the same name. The name has been used across Europe for centuries, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Hungary, where Saint Gisela was the wife of King Stephen I. Gisella carries an elegant, classical quality with its melodic sound and romantic associations. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to its international appeal and sophisticated sound.
- Giselle
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"pledge, hostage"Description:
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.
- Garance
- Geneve
- Hanae
Description:
Hanae is a feminine name of Japanese origin meaning 'flower' or more specifically 'blossom.' It combines 'hana' (flower) with 'e' (blessing or grace), creating a name that evokes natural beauty and delicacy. In Japanese culture, flowers symbolize the transient nature of life and the appreciation of beauty, making this name rich with cultural significance. Hanae is pronounced with three syllables (ha-na-eh), giving it a gentle, flowing quality. While primarily used in Japan, it has gained some international recognition for its pleasing sound and meaningful etymology. The name carries connotations of femininity, elegance, and connection to nature. Its cultural specificity makes it a thoughtful choice for those with Japanese heritage or an appreciation for Japanese aesthetics.
- Harriet
Origin:
English variation of French HenrietteMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it.
- Helaine
Origin:
French variation of HelenDescription:
Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.
- Helene
Origin:
French variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
- Helia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sun"Description:
The feminine form of Helios or Helio is occasionally heard in Spain and Portugal. In Greek mythology, Helia is one of the Heliades, daughters of the sun god Helios by Clymene the Oceanid.
- Heloise
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"healthy; wide"Description:
Heloise is an ancient name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.
- Henrietta
Origin:
Feminine variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that Henrietta has the same vintage charm.
- Hettie
Origin:
Diminutive of Henrietta, EnglishMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
- Hilaire
Description:
Hilaire is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin 'Hilarius,' meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful.' Though it can be used for any gender, it's more commonly given to girls in contemporary usage. The name carries a sophisticated European flair and has historical connections to Saint Hilary of Poitiers, a 4th-century theologian and Doctor of the Church. As a given name, Hilaire has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a steady presence in Francophone regions. The name's association with happiness and its elegant sound make it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet meaningful. Its relative rarity gives it an air of exclusivity while still being recognizable and pronounceable to most.
- Honore
Description:
Honoré is a French feminine name (though also used for males in French culture) derived from the Latin 'honoratus,' meaning 'honored' or 'respected.' With roots dating back to ancient Rome, the name embodies dignity, integrity, and virtue. It gained prominence through notable bearers like the French novelist Honoré de Balzac, though his was the masculine form. As a feminine name, Honoré carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French pronunciation (oh-no-RAY) adding a touch of cosmopolitan flair. While consistently used in French-speaking regions, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth, clear meaning, and cultural refinement without being overly popular.
- Honorine
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"honor"Description:
The pure, simple HONOR--as chosen by Jessica Alba, is perfect as it is. It does have some literary cred though--Henry James created a character called Honorine for his novel The Tragic Muse.
- Hyacinth
Origin:
Flower name, from GreekMeaning:
"blue larkspur; precious stone"Description:
Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unusual flower name.
- Halette