User-created list
French vintage names by a French person
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of 5
Lou
Short form of Louise
"renowned warrior"
Lou is usually a short form of Louise, Louisa, or Lucy in English-speaking countries, when Lou is used for girls at all. But in France and Germany, it's a fashionable choice all on its own, sure to…
Lucie
French, English
"light"
The French spelling of Lucy feels particularly light and shimmery.
Leonie
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…
Marguerite
French variation of Margaret; also a flower name
"pearl; daisy"
Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here. Another reason you might…
Mariane
French combination of Marie and Anne
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
Variant of Marianne
Martine
French
"warlike"
Sleek and sophisticated.
Maurice
English and French from Latin
"dark-skinned"
In the USA, Maurice was in the Top 200 for most of the 20th century; since 1990, however, it has been on a slow and steady decline. This name has the potential for some old-school cute nicknames such…
Melusine
French, folkloric name
Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is…
Olivier
French
"olive tree"
More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
Paulette
French, feminine diminutive of Paul
"small"
It's interesting how names imported to the US from other countries and cultures have fashion cycles based on their culture of origin. Paulette along with cousins Annette and Claudette were the most…
Pauline
French, feminine variation of Paul
"small"
Pauline had its moment of glory a century ago, when movie audiences were thrilling to the silent serial The Perils of Pauline , released in 1914. A Top 50 name in the US between 1908 and 1930, it…
Perrine
Feminine variation of Perry or Peter, English or Greek
"dweller near a pear tree or rock, stone"
Five girls were given the name Perrine last year. Other feminine Perry or Peter alternatives are Perrin, Perry, or even Petra.
Philibert
Philibert is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements 'fili' meaning 'lover' or 'friend' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous,' thus conveying the meaning 'very bright one' or…
Pierre
French variation of Peter
"rock, stone"
One of the most familiar — if not stereotypical — Gallic names. Pierre was a Top 5 name in France from the 19th century through 1940 and is now on a steady decline in its native land. In the US,…
Pierrette
Feminine form of Pierre, French version of Peter
"rock"
Pierrette is the French feminine form of Peter or Pierre, an antiquated if charming feminization in the style of Albertine.
Romain
Romain is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin 'Romanus,' meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This classic name has been used in France for centuries, honoring the historical…
Valerian
Latin
"strength, health"
This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor…
Victoire
French
"victory"
Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.
Victorien
Victorien is a sophisticated masculine French name derived from the Latin 'victor,' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner.' It's essentially the French variant of Victorian, carrying connotations of triumph…