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French Medieval Names

Campia
By Campia
Updated Thu May 25 2023
  1. Adèle

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Adelaide

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      The French spelling of Adele, and currently very popular in France.
  2. Alix

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "noble type"

    • Description:

      A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex, the French name Alix actually derives from a medieval French form of the name Alice or Adelaide.
  3. Aloys

    • Description:

      Aloys is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a variant of Alois, which itself derives from the Old French Loys, a form of Louis. The name ultimately traces back to the Germanic name Chlodovech (composed of elements meaning 'fame' and 'warrior'). Aloys has been particularly popular in German-speaking countries, especially Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland. It has notable associations with composer Aloys Fleischmann and the Catholic saint Aloysius Gonzaga, whose name variations include Aloys. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its soft ending and historical resonance. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Aloys offers a distinguished European alternative to more common names like Louis or Lewis, maintaining its sophisticated character.
  4. Ambroise

    • Description:

      Ambroise is the French form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which is derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This name carries connotations of longevity and heavenly association. Ambroise was popularized by several saints, most notably Saint Ambrose of Milan, a 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church. In France, this classic name has maintained steady, though modest, usage throughout the centuries. While Ambroise never reached tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains appreciated for its sophisticated sound and rich historical connections. The name evokes a sense of timeless elegance with its mellifluous pronunciation and distinguished heritage.
  5. Anselme

    • Description:

      Anselme is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection,' thus signifying 'divine helmet' or 'protected by God.' It's the French variation of Anselm, a name carried by several notable historical figures, including Saint Anselm of Canterbury, an important medieval philosopher and theologian. Though never extremely common, Anselme has maintained steady usage in French-speaking regions throughout the centuries. The name carries connotations of wisdom, divine protection, and intellectual strength. Its dignified sound and rich historical associations make it appealing for parents seeking a distinguished yet uncommon name with European flair and spiritual undertones.
  6. Archibald

    • Origin:

      Scottish from German

    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"

    • Description:

      The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are one couple who made this breakthrough choice.
  7. Auguste

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Augustus

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      French version of August, for both sexes. And for those who feel the spelling of August is too plain.
  8. Aliénor
    • Arthus
      • Bertille

        • Origin:

          French

        • Meaning:

          "heroine, bright maiden"

        • Description:

          The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.
      • Blanche

        • Origin:

          French

        • Meaning:

          "white"

        • Description:

          Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to fight the stereotype of faded Southern belle, a la Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and Blanche Devereaux in TV's Golden Girls. Now all three of the Golden Girls--Blanche, Rose and Dorothy--could be ready for revival, with Blanche sounding like a stronger, simpler alternative to Bianca.
      • Brunehilde
        • Caspian

          • Origin:

            Place name

          • Meaning:

            "white"

          • Description:

            One of the most romantic of appellations, Caspian is a geographical name referring to the large salty sea between Asia and Europe. It's also the name of the hero of C.S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian.
        • Castel
          • Castille
            • Gaspard

              • Origin:

                French variation of Jasper

              • Meaning:

                "bringer of treasure"

              • Description:

                Jasper is an internationally-popular name that takes many forms, among them Casper, Gaspar, and the French version Gaspard. Virtually unknown in the US, Gaspard is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
            • Gaston

              • Origin:

                French from German

              • Meaning:

                "the foreigner, the guest"

              • Description:

                Depending on your cultural references, you may think of Phantom of the Opera author Gaston Leroux, or the macho villain of Beauty and the Beast. While he's hardly a role model (unless you too use antlers in all of your decorating), his name was likely chosen because it's a classic in France. It's been used there since the middle ages, partly in honor of the Frankish bishop St Gaston. It went out of style in France mid-century, but now it's having a revival, entering the Top 300 in 2017.
            • Gautier

              • Origin:

                French variation of Walter

              • Meaning:

                "ruler of an army"

              • Description:

                Often spelled Gauthier, this could make a distinctive way to honor Grandpa Walter, but first syllable pronounced 'goat' might be a problem.
            • Grégoire

              • Description:

                Grégoire is the French form of Gregory, a name with ancient Greek origins derived from "gregorein," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The name carries a distinguished heritage, with numerous important historical figures including many popes and saints bearing variations of this name. The French spelling with the acute accent gives the name a sophisticated, continental flair. Grégoire is moderately common in French-speaking regions but remains distinctive elsewhere. The name has a refined, intellectual quality with its smooth sound and elegant pronunciation (greh-GWAHR). Parents might choose Grégoire for its cosmopolitan character, cultural richness, and the subtle blend of strength and sophistication it conveys. The name offers versatility across languages while maintaining its distinctly French character.

            • Hermione

              • Origin:

                Greek, feminine version of Hermes, "messenger, earthly"

              • Meaning:

                "messenger, earthly"

              • Description:

                Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own.