Vespertine's French Favorites
By Vespertine
Updated Fri May 12 2023
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- Antonine
Origin:
Feminine diminutive of Antoine, French form of AnthonyMeaning:
"priceless one"Description:
The roles of vintage French girl names are filled with now-rare feminizations, such as Antonine. More usual forms today are Antonia or even Antoinette.
- Augustine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Augustine is more substantial (and saintly) than August, less pretentious than Augustus, and, along with its nickname Gus, is definitely a viable choice.
- Aurelie
Origin:
French variation of Aurelia, LatinMeaning:
"the golden one"Description:
Aurelie is the delicate French variation of Aurelia, one of the most improbable popular names of recent years. Both versions of the name are lovely, but it might be difficult to insist that Americans pronounce Aurelie the attractive French way rather than like plain old orally.
- Aurelien
Description:
Aurelien is a sophisticated masculine name with French origins, derived from the ancient Roman name Aurelius, which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' This elegant name carries an air of distinction and nobility, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and saints. In modern France, Aurelien remains a consistently popular choice for boys, while internationally it offers a distinctive yet accessible option. The name conveys qualities of brilliance and warmth, often associated with creative, intellectual personalities. Aurelien provides a perfect balance between classical heritage and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly appreciated in English-speaking countries for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth.
- Bellamy
Origin:
English and Irish from FrenchMeaning:
"fine friend"Description:
Bellamy is a surname name with an admirable meaning and upbeat rhythm, similar to jovial choices like Rafferty, Barnaby and Willoughby.
- Belle
Origin:
Short form of Isabelle or FrenchMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of the most familiar and usable names that mean beautiful. Though it has been overshadowed by the Twilight-influenced Bella and longer forms like Isabella and Annabella, Belle has its own Southern charm and would make a pretty choice as a first or middle name.
- Carmine
Origin:
Latin, English, ItalianMeaning:
"vivid red; garden, song"Description:
This Italian name could have a whole new life when viewed as a color name, however, it is traditionally a masculine form of Carmen, pronounced with three lilting syllables. Both provide an arty, distinctive feel, though in different ways.
- Carmine
Description:
Carmine as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it's traditionally more common as a masculine name in Italian culture. Derived from the Latin 'carminium' referring to a vivid red dye or the color crimson, Carmine carries rich visual associations. While predominantly used for boys in Italian communities, its melodic quality and color association have made it occasionally appear as a feminine option. The name's connection to the vibrant red hue gives it a passionate, dramatic quality. As a feminine choice, Carmine remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a bold, distinctive name with artistic and colorful connotations. Its cross-cultural history and dual-gender usage add layers of interest to this colorful, expressive name.
- Celeste
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Celeste is a softly pretty and somewhat quaint name with heavenly overtones, which kids might associate with Queen Celeste of Babar's elephant kingdom. She's a light and lovely choice that's finally getting noticed.
- Celestine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.
- Chimene
Description:
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.
- Ciel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"sky"Description:
Heavenly French word name used for both sexes.
- Claudien
Description:
Claudien is a masculine name derived from the Roman family name Claudius, which comes from Latin 'claudus' meaning 'lame' or 'crippled.' It can be considered a French variant of Claude or an elaboration of the Latin name Claudianus. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Claudien has some usage in French-speaking regions and countries with French influence. The name carries an air of classical sophistication and historical significance, reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Claudien projects dignity and intellectualism, qualities associated with its ancient Roman roots. The name has remained relatively rare, allowing bearers to enjoy a distinctive identity without being too obscure.
- Constantine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"steadfast"Description:
This Roman Emperor's name has long been considered too grand for an American boy. But in this era of children named Augustine and Atticus, it just may be prime for an unlikely comeback.
- Coralie
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Cosette
Origin:
French literary nicknameMeaning:
"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.
- Delphine
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"of Delphi; womb"Description:
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".
- Etoile
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"star"Description:
This French word for star sounds like even more of a celebrity-worthy choice than Star or Esther or Estella or Stella. But count on English speakers who never took high school French to stumble over the pronunciation.
- Eugenie
Origin:
French form of Eugenia, GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who spent much of her life in England. It was also borne by Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, after whom Prince Andrew's younger daughter was named.
- Eulalie
Origin:
French form of Eulalia, GreekMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia.