French Names List

French words, and names of French origin.
  1. Alphonsine
    • Amandine
      • Origin:

        French, diminutive of Amanda
      • Meaning:

        "much-loved"
      • Description:

        This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
    • Anais
      • Origin:

        Catalan and Provencal pet form of Hebrew Anna
      • Meaning:

        "grace"
      • Description:

        Anais is an unusual, alluring name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin (born Angela, with Anais as one of her middle names), who became the inspiration for the naming of the daughter of musician Noel Gallagher. Anais is also the name of a popular perfume.
    • Anouk
      • Origin:

        Dutch and French variation of Anna
      • Meaning:

        "grace"
      • Description:

        Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played in her debut film.
    • Anselme
      • Apollinaire
        • Origin:

          French
        • Meaning:

          "of Apollo"
        • Description:

          Unique baby name and poetic Gallic choice. Guillaume Apollinaire was a French poet and novelist active in the early 20th century arts community, who is said to have coined the terms cubism and surrealism. He based his unique surname de plume on his Polish middle name, Apolinary.
      • Armand
        • Origin:

          French variation of Herman, German
        • Meaning:

          "soldier"
        • Description:

          Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country.
      • Bijoux
        • Benoît
          • Cherie
            • Origin:

              French
            • Meaning:

              "darling"
            • Description:

              The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.
          • Corentin
            • Origin:

              French, Breton
            • Meaning:

              "tempest, hurricane"
            • Description:

              Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
          • Cosette
            • Origin:

              French literary nickname
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Châtaigne
            • Citrouille
              • Concombre
                • Dorian
                  • Origin:

                    Greek, name of a tribe
                  • Description:

                    The Dorians were an ancient Greek tribe, one of the three major pre-Spartan tribes. It literally means "of Doris," a Greek district, or "of Doros," referring to the son of Helen of Sparta. Dorian derives from the Greek doron, meaning "gift," along with related names such as Dorothy and Dora.
                • DÉSIRÉE
                  • Esme
                    • Origin:

                      French
                    • Meaning:

                      "beloved"
                    • Description:

                      Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer, meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald".
                  • Gingembre
                    • Inou