Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names

A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.

Vienne came to Western consciousness as the name of the French heroine of the popular 1990s book and then movie Chocolat. Vienne is a variation of Vienna, the name of the Austrian capital that has been used as a first name for centuries. Vienne may also be a short form or variation of Vivienne.

Charming Gallic name uncommon in France, and unknown in this country, with literary credibility as the title of a Charlotte Brontë novel.

Violaine is a French feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'viola' meaning 'violet flower.' This elegant name carries a delicate, romantic quality and has been used in France since medieval times. Though relatively uncommon internationally, it maintains modest popularity in French-speaking regions where its musical qualities and floral associations are appreciated. Violaine combines traditional charm with a touch of distinctiveness, making it appealing for parents seeking a name that is both classical and uncommon. The name shares etymological roots with names like Viola and Violet, but offers a more elaborate and sophisticated alternative with its distinctive French ending.

Violet is soft and sweet, yet with a vivacious edge. Today, Violet is the top flower name for girls, outranking Lily and Iris in the Top 100, and the second most popular color name for girls after Scarlett.

Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.

This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.

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.

Vivian, once an elderly lady name, is on the rise, along with all forms of girl names that mean life — from Zoe to Eva to those who share the vivid Viv syllable. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2023, vaulting into the Top 100.

Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.

Xaverie is a feminine name derived from Xavier, which itself comes from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house.' Most famously associated with St. Francis Xavier, the 16th-century missionary, the name carries religious significance for many Catholic families.

Xavierre is a feminine name of Basque and Spanish origin, functioning as the female form of Xavier (or Javier). The name traces back to St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary whose surname referred to his birthplace in Navarre. Xavierre combines exotic appeal through its distinctive 'X' beginning with the elegant French-influenced ending. While uncommon worldwide, it has some limited usage in Spanish-speaking regions and among families with Basque heritage. The name conveys sophistication and cultural richness, offering a more elaborate alternative to the simpler feminine form 'Xaviera.' Xavierre's distinctive spelling and pronunciation make it stand out while still connecting to a recognizable naming tradition.

The name of a Christian saint and a city in Ohio, Xenia is one of the more accessible and intriguing x names. It is the name of one of the Bond Girls--played by Famke Janssen in the film "GoldenEye."

Ynes is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Inés or Inez, which are Spanish and Portuguese forms of Agnes. The name ultimately derives from the Greek word 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' This alternative spelling with the initial 'Y' gives the classic name a distinctive flair while maintaining its romantic Mediterranean essence. Throughout history, Ynes has been less common than its variants, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. The name carries the same dignified history as Agnes, which was popularized by early Christian saints. Ynes combines a timeless quality with a slightly exotic feel, appealing to those who appreciate traditional names with unique orthographic twists.

Y is a very rare initial, and this feisty mini-name packs a double punch with its spiky final Z. Inez or Inez are the more familiar spellings of this chic name, which is related to Agnes and could be an interesting way to honor a relative with that name.

Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.