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,…

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,…

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.…

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…

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.

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…

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…

Fabienne

French variation of Fabia

"bean grower"

Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.

Faustine

Latin, feminine variation of Faust

"fortunate one"

Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to…

Marcheline

French

"warrior"

Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to…

Maxime

Maxime is a French feminine name, though it can also be used for males in some cultures. Derived from the Latin name Maximus, meaning "greatest" or "largest," it carries connotations of excellence…

Morgane

Morgane is a feminine name of Welsh and Breton origin, a variant of Morgan that's particularly popular in France. It derives from the Welsh elements 'mor' meaning 'sea' and 'gan' meaning 'born,'…