Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names
- Slainie
- Solaine
- Talie
- Thais
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"beloved, bandage"Description:
A paramour of Alexander the Great and the heroine of a Jules Massenet opera based on the life of a fourth century Egyptian saint, this name is nothing if not dramatic. Often spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut -- aka two dots -- over the letter i, Thais is a Top 100 girls' name in France and is also popular in Spain.
- Theresa
Origin:
English form of the Spanish TeresaMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
The popular appeal of the strong, intelligent Saint Teresa of Avila, combined with the selfless compassion of the more recent Mother Teresa, have fused to give this second-tier classic a somewhat noble, religious image. Although the origins of the name are uncertain, it has been prevalent particularly in forms Theresa, Teresa, and Therese throughout Europe for centuries.
- Therese
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of TheresaMeaning:
"to reap, gather, harvest"Description:
A form of Theresa with a touch of European flair along with its saintly connotations, Therese is particularly familiar in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK. While it has declined in use in recent years, it remains a solid choice with nicknames ranging from Reese to Tessie, Thea to Tessan, Terri to Tracey.
- Tiffany
Origin:
English variation of Theophania, GreekMeaning:
"of divine manifestation"Description:
One of the first luxury brand names and the quintessential Booming Eighties status-conscious moniker; used by Donald Trump for his daughter, Tiffany has plummeted far from its high in the Top 25.
- Tracy
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of Thracia"Description:
In the Top 25 in the unisex seventies, these days Tracy would more likely be Gracie.
- Trinette
- Typhaine
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"epiphany"Description:
Typhaine (sometimes spelled Tiphaine) is an extremely rare girls name used occasionally in France, Switzerland and Jersey. The name derives from the Greek root words for epiphany. Typhaine might be considered an alternative to the tired Tiffany.
- Tallis
- Umbrielle
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"one in the shadow"Description:
Pretty French sound, but there might be a lot of "umbrella" cracks.
- Valentine
Origin:
French variation of ValentinaMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.
- Valeria
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Valeria -- the original form of the name, used by early Christians --has been experiencing significant popularity in recent years. While Valeria was nearly always on the charts, the name peaked in 2009 at #72, surpassing the longtime Franco-American version Valerie. Today Valeria and Valerie are at about equal rankings, sitting in the 150s.
- Valerie
Origin:
French variation of ValeriaMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
The name of a martyred medieval saint, Valerie has been on the popularity list since its earliest publication in 1880. Though it peaked in the 1960s, remaining in the Top 100 until 1988, it still doesn't sound terminally dated; the association with the word valor gives it a sense of boldness and makes it one of the special group of girl names that mean strong.
- Vedette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"star, leading actor"Description:
In France, this would be like naming your child Star.
- Verena
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"integrity"Description:
Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call.
- Verene
- Verna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"springtime"Description:
Verna may mean "springtime," but May or Spring is fresher.
- Veronique
Origin:
French form of VeronicaMeaning:
"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.