Girl Names from French Literature

About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like Elise or -- in Latvian -- Elisa, and so may prove more confusing than it's worth. If you want to name your daughter Alice, name her Alice, and if you want to name her Elise, name her Elise. Choosing Alise in many ways gives you the worst of all worlds.

Anastasie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection.' It's the French form of Anastasia, a name with deep historical and religious significance in Orthodox Christianity. The name was popularized by Saint Anastasia, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Anastasie carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French styling and historical depth. While more common in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Anastasia. The name evokes images of European refinement and classical beauty, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical resonance and a touch of international flair.

In Greek mytholgy, Antigone was the noble and courageous daughter of Oedipus, who acts as his guide after he blinds himself. Antigone is also the eponymous heroine of a play by Jean Anouilh.

Ariane is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing the French form of Ariadne. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos who helped Theseus escape the Labyrinth. The name carries connotations of intelligence and helpfulness, derived from its mythological roots. Ariane has been moderately popular in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, appreciated for its elegant sound and classical heritage. The name has gained additional modern recognition through its connection to European space programs, with the Ariane rockets named after this celestial-sounding moniker. With its combination of mythological depth, melodic pronunciation, and cross-cultural appeal, Ariane offers a sophisticated yet accessible option that balances traditional roots with contemporary style.

Atala is the eponymous heroine of a 19th century novella 'Atala, ou Les Amours de deux sauvages dans le desert' by François-René de Chateaubriand. Given the racist overtones of the novel, probably best to steer of this name.

At one time just the sound of the name Camille could start people coughing, recalling the tragic Lady of the Camellias, the heroine played by Greta Garbo in the vintage film based on a Dumas story, but that image has faded, replaced by a sleek, chic, highly attractive one.

Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born Maria) and Carmen Electra (born Tara), as well as the great jazz singer Carmen McRae. In the celebrity baby name world, this classic Spanish name for girls was used by Hilaria and Alec Baldwin for their oldest daughter.

Cecile is a fairly common French saint's name, scattered throughout classic French literature--in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in Balzac's Cousin Pons, and Zola's Germinal.

Chimene is a feminine name of Spanish and French origin, derived from the Spanish name Jimena. It gained literary recognition through 'El Cid,' the medieval Spanish epic where Jimena/Chimene was the wife of the hero Rodrigo Díaz. The name may have Basque roots, possibly relating to 'semen' meaning 'son' or descendant. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Chimene has occasional usage in France and Spain. Pronounced 'shee-MEN' or 'chee-MAIN,' the name carries an elegant, literary quality with historical associations to nobility and faithfulness. Its rarity makes it distinctive while its historical connections provide cultural depth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delphine is a sleek, chic French name with two nature associations — the dolphin and the delphinium, a bluebell-like flower, a well as a link to the ancient city of Delphi, which the Greeks believed to be the womb of the earth. All of these derive from the Greek word delphus "womb".

Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.