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Both Unique and Classic French Girl Names

  1. Clarisse

    • Description:

      Clarisse is a feminine name of French origin derived from the Latin name 'Clara,' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' It's the French variation of Clarice, carrying the same elegant and refined qualities. Throughout history, the name has maintained a classic appeal while never becoming overly common. In literature, the name gained some recognition from Ray Bradbury's novel 'Fahrenheit 451,' where Clarisse McClellan is a free-thinking, insightful character. The name has a delicate, sophisticated sound that combines traditional charm with a touch of uniqueness. While not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Clarisse continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its graceful, timeless quality and French flair.

  2. Claudette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Claude

    • Meaning:

      "lame; enclosure"

    • Description:

      Once seen as a dated French Claudette-Colbert feminization, along with Annette and Paulette, we can see Claudette moving into a more plausible Colette-Cosette arena. While some may be put off by the common "lame" meaning, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.
  3. Claudie

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Claude

    • Description:

      Attractive form still très Parisienne.
  4. Claudine

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Claude

    • Description:

      There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.
  5. Clemence

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Clement

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
  6. Clementine

    • Origin:

      French feminine version of Clement, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
  7. Colette

    • Origin:

      French, short form of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then.
  8. Constance

    • Origin:

      English version of Latin Constantia

    • Meaning:

      "steadfastness"

    • Description:

      Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
  9. Coralie

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "coral"

    • Description:

      Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline. Other literary appearances: Coralie is the stage name of an actress in Balzac's Lost Illusions, and a French girl in an 1850 Thackeray novel.

      Coralie is currently very popular in French-speaking Quebec, and there is a contemporary French singer named Coralie Clement.

  10. Cordelie

    • Description:

      Cordelie is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Cordelia, which has literary and Celtic origins. The name derives from Latin 'cordis' meaning 'heart' or possibly from Welsh 'Creirddylad,' a figure in Arthurian legend. Cordelie gained literary significance through Shakespeare's tragic character in 'King Lear,' representing honesty and loyalty. This spelling variation maintains the elegant, classical feel of Cordelia while offering a slightly more distinctive French-influenced appearance. Relatively uncommon in any spelling, Cordelie appeals to parents drawn to names with literary connections, vintage charm, and romantic qualities. The name suggests warmth, sincerity, and emotional depth.
  11. Coretta

    • Origin:

      English, elaborated form of Cora

    • Description:

      Famous as the name of the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  12. Corinne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Greek Korinna

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Corinne is one of the names that, it might surprise you to learn, ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names until 2020, when it fell off the charts after 140 years. Its most popular year was 1926, when it ranked Number 249. Corinna is another pretty ancient form of the name, technically a diminutive.
  13. Corisande

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "chorus-singer"

    • Description:

      Corisande is a very unusual, haunting choice, with the aura of medieval romance--it is found in early Spanish romantic tales, arriving in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century.
  14. Cosette

    • Origin:

      French literary nickname

    • Meaning:

      "little thing"

    • Description:

      Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables. In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some etymologists believe it's a spin on Colette, originally a female short form of Nicolas.
  15. 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.
  16. Carenne
    • Cezanne
      • Coralise
        • Damiana

          • Origin:

            Greek

          • Meaning:

            "tame, domesticated"

          • Description:

            This feminine form of Damian projects a positive and lilting image, a distinct contrast to its male counterpart.
        • Damica

          • Origin:

            French

          • Meaning:

            "open-spirited, friendly"

          • Description:

            Rarely heard but pleasing feminissima name for a baby girl.