Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names

Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.

Together with the more common (in France) Jeannine spelling, this feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.

Jeanna is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Jean, Jeanne, or Joanna, all ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This softened variation offers a slightly more contemporary feel while maintaining connections to its traditional roots. Popular during the mid-20th century, Jeanna peaked in usage in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality while still maintaining substance and history. While less common today than some of its variants like Jennifer or Joanna, Jeanna appeals to parents seeking a name that is recognizable but not overused. Its smooth pronunciation and classic heritage make it a subtle choice that works well across different age groups.

Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.

One-time girl next door -- and dream girl -- name has followed mama Jean down the ladder and out of the picture.

This feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.

Jenai is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variation of Janae or Jenae, which blend the popular Jane with a stylish -ae ending. Some sources suggest it has Hebrew roots meaning 'God has answered,' while others connect it to French or Hawaiian origins. The name gained modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet melodic name with a contemporary feel. Jenai typically conveys qualities of creativity, individuality, and grace. While never extremely common, it maintains a consistent presence as a unique alternative to more widespread feminine names.

Jessamine, a charming name occasionally heard in England, is just beginning to be appreciated in the U.S. as a possible successor to all the Jess names of the past. It's also spelled Jessamyn, as in Quaker novelist Jessamyn West, author of Friendly Persuasion--who started life with Jessamyn as her middle name.

But what happens when Jeune grows vieille.

Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.

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.

Joel is one of those boys’ names that's never been super-popular yet has never been UNpopular either -- it's been in the Top 400 in the US since we started keeping statistics in 1880. So it's inevitable that its female form Joelle would gain visibility too, and indeed Joelle was used most widely during Joel's reign in the Top 100, from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.

Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.

Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.

Josephine, with its large measure of class and character and a gently offbeat quality, has been on a gentle uphill climb in the US for over 30 years, now ranking in the Top 100. With an intriguing number of vivacious nicknames, from Jo to Josie to Fifi to Posy, Josephine is a Nameberry favorite.

This variation on the Julia theme has stayed in play due to the popularity of Julianne Moore, though it now sits at the bottom of the US Top 1000.

Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia.

Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.