User-created list
Rare and Unique French Baby Names
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Josette
French,pet form of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
One of the group of French 'ette'-ending names that emigrated to this country in the last century, though never as popular as some others, such as Claudette and Paulette--it did have a little…
Josiane
Josiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the male name Joseph, which ultimately comes from Hebrew roots meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Popular primarily in…
Laurette
Laurette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Laura or Lauren. Derived from the Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree' or 'sweet bay tree,' the laurel wreath has…
Louisette
Louisette is a French feminine diminutive of Louis, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned in battle'. This delicate and melodious name carries an air…
Lucette
French diminutive of Lucy
"little light"
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
Lucienne
French feminine variation of Lucian
"light"
Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle. So if you're…
Marcelle
Marcelle is the feminine form of Marcel, a name with Latin origins derived from 'Marcellus,' a diminutive of Marcus meaning 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. Popular in France and other…
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…
Marianne
French combination of Marie and Anne
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
A midcentury Catholic classic that's not chosen by many parents today. Leonard Cohen fans might think of the beautiful song So Long, Marianne , named for his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen. The…
Mariette
French diminutive of Marie
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
A less-popular alternative to Juliette, perhaps – although it feels rather more dated. The meaning of Marie is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam…
Marinette
French
"of the sea"
French diminutive of Marine
Maryse
French diminutive of Marie
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Variant of Marise
Mathilde
French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda
"battle-mighty"
Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers,…
Mauricette
Mauricette is a feminine French name derived from Maurice, which comes from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' The feminine suffix '-ette' adds a delicate, diminutive…
Mireille
French
"to admire"
A pretty name that may pose pronunciation problems for non-French speakers or those who've never encountered it, but it is worth the effort. Pronounced meer-AY (or closer to MEE-RAY in French), it…
Muguette
Muguette is a French feminine name derived from 'muguet' meaning 'lily of the valley.' This delicate floral name carries the charm and fragrance of the beloved spring flower that symbolizes sweetness…
Marcelline
Marie-Therese
Maryvonne
Odile
French variation of German Otthild
"prospers in battle"
Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of…