Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names

  1. Ila
    • Origin:

      Scottish, Hindi, Hungarian, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "from the island; earth, sacred speech; shining light; joy"
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Ines
    • Origin:

      Italian, Portuguese, Slovene and Croatian variation of Agnes
    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"
    • Description:

      This form of Agnes, Ines has always been popular since the true story of the thwarted lovers Queen Ines of Castro and King Peter of Portugal. This has to be one of the most heartbreaking and bloody true romances in history!
  3. Iolande
    • Description:

      Iolande is a feminine name with medieval European heritage, representing a variant of Yolanda or Iolanthe. Derived from the Greek elements 'ion' (violet flower) and 'anthos' (flower), it literally means 'violet flower.' This elegant name was popularized in the medieval period, particularly in France and other parts of Europe. With its romantic, flowing sound and noble history, Iolande evokes images of courtly elegance and natural beauty. Though less common than its variants in modern usage, it maintains an air of sophisticated distinction. The name has occasional appearances in literature and historical contexts, adding to its cultured appeal. Iolande offers parents a name with classic European roots and a delicate, floral meaning.
  4. Iolanthe
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "violet flower"
    • Description:

      Iolanthe is known primarily through the 1882 Gilbert & Sullivan operetta of that name, in which the title character is a fairy. Iolanthe is a softer version of Yolanda, and is the kind of multi-syllabic classical name once considered too weighty for a modern baby girl, but now within the realm of possibility--this one as a dramatic twist on Violet. The biggest drawback is its variety of legitimate pronunciations in English.
  5. Isabeau
    • Origin:

      French variation of Isabel
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      With Isabel getting so popular, parents are searching for new varieties of the name, and Isabeau is one that makes a lovely French twist.
  6. Isabella
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Isabella has been a Top 10 name for girls in the US for two decades now. The Latinate form of Isabel, a variation of Elizabeth which originally derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, Isabella reigned as Number 1 in 2009 and 2010.
  7. Isabelle
    • Origin:

      French variation of Isabel
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Isabelle is the French variation of Isabel, which emerged in the Middle ages as an Occitan form of Elizabeth. Medieval queens Isabella of Angoulême and Isabella of France helped popularize the name in the United Kingdom. Isobel is the Scottish version, Isabella the Italian, and Izabel is used in Brazil.
  8. Isaline
    • Origin:

      French variation of Isabelle
    • Description:

      A trendy name in France, sometimes also spelled Ysaline, that's related to both Isabelle and Iseult. To the American ear, it freshens up Isabelle without really improving on it.
  9. Ismay
    • Origin:

      Possible variation of Esme
    • Meaning:

      "esteemed, beloved"
    • Description:

      The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel.
  10. Iva
    • Origin:

      Bulgarian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Slovak, Czech, English
    • Meaning:

      "willow tree; God is gracious; yew tree; bow warrior"
    • Description:

      Short, sweet, and sharp, this multicultural choice is currently popular in Croatia, Czechia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While not in the charts elsewhere, it is familiar in English speaking countries, and in the Netherlands.
  11. Idelette
    • Inesse
      • Islette
        • Jacinthe
          • Description:

            Jacinthe is a delicate feminine name of French origin, derived from the Greek 'hyakinthos,' which refers to the hyacinth flower. This floral name carries an air of refined elegance and natural beauty. In French culture, Jacinthe has been appreciated for its soft, melodic quality and distinctive character. While well-established in French-speaking regions, the name remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic appeal. The botanical connection associates the name with spring, renewal, and blossoming beauty. With its graceful sound pattern and natural imagery, Jacinthe appeals to parents seeking a name that is both classically romantic and uncommonly beautiful.

        • Jacqueline
          • Origin:

            French, feminine diminutive of Jacques
          • Meaning:

            "supplanter"
          • Description:

            Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.
        • Jacquelyn
          • Description:

            Jacquelyn is a feminine name of French origin, a variant spelling of Jacqueline, which is the feminine form of Jacques (the French equivalent of James). Ultimately, these names derive from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter.' Jacquelyn gained significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, influenced by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The name offers a blend of classic elegance and femininity with its flowing sound and distinctive 'yn' ending, which differentiates it from the more common Jacqueline. While its usage has declined since its peak, Jacquelyn maintains appeal as a sophisticated name with vintage charm. Common nicknames include Jackie, Jack, Jacqui, and Lynn.
        • Jade
          • Origin:

            Spanish
          • Meaning:

            "stone of the side"
          • Description:

            As a precious stone, Jade is known for its cool green hues, its importance in Chinese art, and its ability to transmit wisdom, confidence, and clarity. As a name however, Jade is a 90’s throwback in the UK, a Number 1 choice in France, and a returning gem in the US right now.
        • Janelle
          • Origin:

            American, modern elaboration of Jane
          • Description:

            It's far cooler to drop the first syllable and go for Elle.
        • Janette
          • Description:

            Janette is a feminine name derived from Jane, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." This French diminutive form adds refinement and elegance to the simpler Jane. Janette enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s-1960s, often as an alternative to the more common Janet. The name combines classic origins with a softly feminine sound. While less commonly given to babies today, it retains a timeless quality that avoids feeling dated. Janette offers the perfect balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, recognizable without being overused, and carries the graceful, meaningful heritage of its root name.

        • Janine
          • Origin:

            French variation of Jane
          • Description:

            Has lost all trace of its French accent.