Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names
- Chanelle
Description:
Chanelle is a feminine name that emerged in the 1970s, likely as a variation of Chanel, inspired by the famous French fashion house founded by Coco Chanel. The name blends French sophistication with contemporary styling through its double 'l' spelling. Chanelle peaked in popularity during the 1990s in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, appealing to parents drawn to its fashionable associations and melodic sound. The name carries connotations of elegance, style, and modern femininity. While less commonly given today, Chanelle maintains a recognizable quality without being overused. The name's French-inspired character and fashion connection give it a sense of cosmopolitan flair that continues to attract parents seeking something stylish yet established.
- Chantal
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"stone, boulder"Description:
Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little girls in France today: Oceane, Lea, Manon.
- Chantalle
Description:
Chantalle is a feminine name of French origin, a variant spelling of Chantal, which derives from an old Provençal word meaning 'stone' or 'rocky place.' This elegant name gained initial recognition through Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal, a 17th-century French saint who founded the Order of the Visitation. The variant spelling with 'alle' at the end adds a distinctive, elaborate touch to the traditional form. Chantalle exudes a sophisticated, French elegance with its soft 'ch' beginning and flowing sound. While less common than Chantal, this spelling variation has appeared periodically throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly in French-speaking regions and among those drawn to French-inspired names with a slight twist.
- Chantay
Description:
Chantay appears to be a variant spelling of Chante or Chanté, which derives from the French word 'chanter' meaning 'to sing.' The name emerged in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century. This variant spelling maintains the original French pronunciation while adapting to English spelling conventions by using 'ay' to represent the 'é' sound. Similar names include Chantal and Chantel, which share the musical French root. Usage data shows Chantay gaining modest popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, with gradual decline thereafter. The name exemplifies a broader trend of adapting names with French origins by modifying their spelling to suit English pronunciation patterns while retaining their melodic quality and distinctive character.
- Chante
Description:
Chanté is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the French word "chanter" meaning "to sing." The accent mark suggests the French pronunciation, though it's often simplified to Chante in English-speaking countries. The name evokes musicality and artistic expression through its direct connection to singing. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Chanté gained modest recognition in the 1990s, possibly influenced by R&B singer Chanté Moore. The name has a sophisticated, international flair while remaining accessible in pronunciation. Chanté appeals to parents drawn to names with artistic associations and positive meanings. Its musical connection makes it particularly appealing for families who value the arts or wish to inspire creativity in their children.
- Chantelle
Description:
Chantelle is a feminine name of French origin, derived from 'chanter' meaning 'to sing.' This melodic name emerged as an elaboration of Chantal, which refers to a stone or rocky place in Old French. Chantelle gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1970s and 1980s, appreciated for its elegant French flair and musical quality. The name evokes images of sophistication and femininity, often associated with beauty and artistic expression. While its peak popularity has passed, Chantelle maintains a timeless appeal and continues to be chosen by parents drawn to names with French heritage. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it recognizable without being overly common, striking a balance between uniqueness and familiarity.
- Chantilly
Origin:
French place nameMeaning:
"white"Description:
The name of a French city famous for its fine lace. Another association: Chantilly cream – a sweetened whipped cream apparently invented there in the 17th century by a chef at the Château de Chantilly. The town probably takes is name from the Gallo-Roman personal name Cantilius, derived from a word for "white".
- Charlaine
Description:
Charlaine is a feminine name of French derivation, created as an elaboration of Charlotte, which itself is the feminine form of Charles, meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' The addition of the '-aine' suffix gives the name an elegant, sophisticated quality. Charlaine emerged primarily in the 20th century as parents sought more distinctive variations of classic names. The name gained some recognition through author Charlaine Harris, known for the Sookie Stackhouse novels that inspired the TV series 'True Blood.' Despite this connection, Charlaine remains uncommon, appealing to those seeking a name with classic roots but distinctive character. With its French-inspired sound and familiar foundation, Charlaine balances traditional substance with unique style.
- Charlene
Origin:
Variation of Charlotte, feminine form of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlene is a Charlotte variation that, along with similar names like Arlene and Marlene, spiked in popularity in the 1940s and fifties, reaching a high of Number 100 in 1949. Most parents today would prefer one of the note classic versions -- or even nickname Charlie.
- Charlotte
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
- Cherelle
Description:
Cherelle is a feminine given name that appears to be a variant of Cherell or possibly derived from 'Cherie,' a French word meaning 'darling' or 'beloved.' The name has been in use since at least the mid-20th century but gained more visibility in the 1980s, partly due to American R&B singer Cherelle who had several hit songs during this period. Linguistically, the name follows French-influenced naming patterns with the '-elle' suffix, which typically creates a feminine form and has a softening effect on the name's sound. This suffix appears in many French-derived names and words, indicating 'little one' or serving as a feminine marker. Cherelle has a melodious quality with its two-syllable structure and soft consonants. While never extremely common, the name saw periods of increased usage in the United States during the 1970s through 1990s, and continues to be used today, though less frequently than during its peak periods.
- Chloe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young green shoot"Description:
Chloe is a pretty springtime name symbolizing new growth. Though slightly off its peak in the Top 10 in 2010, Chloe still ranks in the Top 20 and is solidly a modern classic.
- Christelle
Description:
Christelle is a feminine name of French origin, developed as a diminutive form of Christine, which itself derives from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' The suffix '-elle' adds a delicate, feminine quality to the name. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Switzerland, and Quebec, Christelle gained notable popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries Christian associations while embodying French elegance and sophistication. Christelle has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound pattern. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has gained appreciation among those seeking names with European flair. Bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to faith traditions while enjoying its distinctively French character and refined aesthetic appeal.
- Christiane
Origin:
German and French feminine form of ChristianDescription:
There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.
- Christine
Origin:
French variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"Christian"Description:
Christine was the dominant feminine variation of Christopher forty or fifty years ago, when French E-endings were preferred over As; it was a Top 20 name for several years, from 1966 to 1974. But though it still hangs in on the popularity list, today most any other version would be considered more stylish, from Kristen to Kirsten to Christina herself.
- Claira
Description:
Claira is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of the classic name Clara, which derives from Latin 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This alternative spelling adds a touch of uniqueness while maintaining the elegant sound of the original. Claira combines the traditional appeal of Clara with a slightly more contemporary appearance, making it appealing to parents who want a name that feels both familiar and distinctive. The name carries connotations of clarity, illumination, and radiance. Though less common than Clara or Claire, Claira has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries since the 2000s. Its melodic quality and soft ending give it a gentle, feminine feel while its classical roots provide substance and historical depth.
- Claire
Origin:
French form of ClaraMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.
- Clareta
Description:
Clareta is a feminine name with Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Clara, which means 'bright' or 'clear.' This elegant variation adds a melodious quality to the classic original with its additional syllable. Particularly used in Spanish and Catalan-speaking regions, Clareta has a delicate, romantic sound while maintaining the luminous meaning of its root name. Though never widely common in English-speaking countries, it represents a distinctive alternative to more familiar forms like Clarissa or Clarette. The name evokes qualities of radiance, purity, and intelligence. Its rhythmic three-syllable pattern gives it a musical quality that balances sophistication with sweetness.
- Clarette
Description:
Clarette is a delicate feminine name derived from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." It can be considered a diminutive form of Clare or Clara, with the French-inspired "-ette" suffix adding a touch of elegance and refinement. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Clarette carries a vintage charm that evokes images of sophistication and grace. The name also bears resemblance to claret, the deep red wine, potentially adding associations with richness and depth. Clarette might appeal to parents seeking a name with classic roots but a distinctive, somewhat rarified quality that sets their daughter apart.
- Clarissa
Origin:
Elaboration of ClaraMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.