Feminine French Names

Iliana

Greek, Spanish variation of Helen

"from Ilium or Troy; shining light"

Iliana is one of the vaguely but usually undefinably international names that have a wide range of spellings and pronunciations. Ilium was the poetic name of the city of Troy, and variations of this…

Violette

French

"purple"

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…

Simone

French feminine variation of Simon, Hebrew

"listening, hearkening"

Simone, the elegant French feminization of Simon, strikes that all-important balance between unusual and familiar, and it's oozing with Gallic sophistication. A dated choice in its native France,…

Margaux

French spelling variation of Margo

Yes, it's pronounced with a long o sound at the end, just like Margo and Margot. This spelling was popularized by supermodel, actress, and tragic Hemingway granddaughter Margaux, whose name spelling…

Sabine

French, German, and Dutch form of Sabina, Latin

"Sabine"

A concise choice with a hint of chic, Sabine is the French, Dutch, and German form of the Latin Sabina. While it has never charted in the US, Sabine saw a slight increase in use in recent data, with…

Seraphine

French from Hebrew

"burning ones"

Seraphine is the Gallic version of the angelic name Seraphina. But while Seraphina has been rising rapidly since Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck chose it for their second daughter, Seraphine has been…

Emmanuelle

French, feminine variation of Emanuel

"God is with us"

The female version of Emanuel could become more prominent, though for some it still carries a steamy image dating back to a then sensationally erotic French film. Singer and Shameless star Emmy…

Annaelle

Annaelle is a feminine name that combines elements of Anna and the French suffix 'elle.' Anna has Hebrew origins meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' while the suffix adds a delicate, feminine quality.…

Victoire

French

"victory"

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

Oriane

Latin via French

"sunrise; gold"

A particularly beautiful member of the Oriana and Orane clan,Oriane is the first name of a major character in Proust's In Search Of Lost Time , the Duchesse de Guermantes. Also borne by climber…

Raphaelle

French feminine variation of Raphael, Hebrew

"God has healed"

American baby girls are usually given an a-ending version of this name -- Rafaela, Raffaella, Raphaella and so forth. But the sleek, sophisticated Raphaelle? Not a single baby girl received that name…

Axelle

French feminine form of Axel

"father of peace"

Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.

Sidonie

Latin

"from Sidon "

Sidonie is an appealing and chic French favorite that is starting to attract some American fans as a fresher alternative to Sydney. Also spelled Sidony, Sidonie was the birth name of the French…

Amarante

Amarante is a feminine name derived from the amaranth flower, whose name comes from Greek 'amarantos,' meaning 'unfading' or 'everlasting.' In various European traditions, particularly Portuguese,…

Aurelle

Aurelle is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin "aureus" meaning "golden." It's a variation of names like Aurelia or Aurelie, carrying similar connotations of radiance, precious…

Capucine

French

"nasturtium"

Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in…