​
​
Advanced Search

Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names

  1. Cyrille

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lordly"

    • Description:

      Cyrille is a unisex French name, and its association with the suddenly suave Cyril has turned from a liability into an advantage.
  2. Gaelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Gaul"
  3. Mariette

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Marie

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      A less-popular alternative to Juliette, perhaps – although it feels rather more dated.
  4. Martine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Sleek and sophisticated.
  5. Rosette

    • Description:

      Rosette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rose. It literally means 'little rose,' referring to the small, rose-shaped decoration or ribbon formation. The name combines botanical beauty with artistic flair, conveying images of elegance and refinement. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Rosette has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its sophisticated French flair. The name carries the rose's symbolic associations with love and beauty while adding a touch of uniqueness compared to the more common Rose or Rosie. Rosette appeals to parents seeking a name that's recognizable yet distinctive, combining floral inspiration with European charm.
  6. Anaelle

    • Origin:

      Breton form of Anna

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.
  7. Leana

    • Description:

      Leana is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Liana, derived from the Latin 'ligare' meaning 'to bind,' or it could be related to Helena or Eileen, ultimately stemming from Greek roots meaning 'shining light' or 'torch.' In some cultures, it's considered a diminutive of names like Angelina or Carolina. Leana has a gentle, flowing quality that has given it modest but consistent usage across different cultures. The name's brevity and melodic sound make it appealing to modern parents looking for something feminine but straightforward. With its soft consonants and open vowel sounds, Leana strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive.
  8. Nieves

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "snows"

    • Description:

      A name bestowed in honor of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Nieves, referring to a miracle she performed with unmelted snow in the August heat of Rome.
  9. 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.

  10. Virginie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Virginia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "virginal, pure"

    • Description:

      Say Virginie they way they do in Paris -- VAIR-zhin-ee -- and it sounds elegant and appealing. But Americans might pronounce it like virgin-y, which is a no-go.
  11. Mignon

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "delicate, dainty"

    • Description:

      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.
  12. Dimanche

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Sunday"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      French, from Latin Ariadne

    • Meaning:

      "very holy one"

    • Description:

      Soft and delicate French name rarely heard here.
  14. Merla

    • Description:

      Merla is a feminine name with varied origins and meanings across cultures. In Spanish, it derives from "merlo" meaning "blackbird," symbolizing beauty and grace. It can also be considered a variation of Merle, which has Germanic roots meaning "famous" or "bright." In some contexts, Merla appears as a shortened form of names like Merlinda or Merilda. The name has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, remaining distinctive and uncommon. Merla peaked in usage in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s but has since become quite rare. The name carries a vintage charm while maintaining a simple, melodic quality that feels both familiar and unique.

  15. Sabrine

    • Origin:

      French form of Sabrina, British river name

    • Description:

      Sabrina is the Latin name for the Severn, Britain's longest river. Drop the final syllable and you get a streamlined, French-esque name that's just as elegant, but without the Teenage Witch association. Sabrine has been used in the USA since 1970, but never for more than 18 girls a year — that makes it a rare gem.
  16. Veronique

    • Origin:

      French form of Veronica

    • Meaning:

      "true image"

    • Description:

      Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.
  17. Laetitia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "gladness, happiness"

    • Description:

      Laetitia adds a layer of ancient patina to the more prosaic LETITIA.
  18. Leanna

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Liana; Combination of Lee and Anna

    • Description:

      A name that gained some currency through its rhyming relationship to Breanna, though it has been on a downward trend since 1989.
  19. Jeannie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Jean, English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      A nickname-y choice with a touch of vintage charm, Jeannie is ultimately a feminine diminutive form of the classic John, via Johanna and Jean. With sounds reminiscent of magical genies and of genius, Jeannie (or sleeker Jeanie) might just have the energy to climb back up the charts, as Joni and Joanie have done.
  20. Prunella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "small plum"

    • Description:

      Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.