Popular in France
- Colin
Origin:
Diminutive of Nicholas or Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"people of victory; pup"Description:
Thanks to its dashing Anglo-Irish image — due partly to Colins Firth and Farrell — and its C-initialed two-syllable sound, Colin and its cousin Collin have enjoyed a long run of popularity, reaching as high as Number 84 in 2004.
- Irina
Origin:
Russian from GreekMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Irina is a Russian ballet-inflected classic, one of the Three Sisters in the Chekhov play. While some Americans will pronounce this like Irene with three syllables, the pronunciation used throughout Europe, where it's widely used, starts with a short i as in it or if and a strong emphasis on the second syllable.
- Clovis
Origin:
Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or LouisDescription:
An aromatic, unconventional name.
- Kingsley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"king's meadow"Description:
Kingsley is a sophisticated Harry Potter name that entered the US Top 1000 in 2013.
- Kenan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"possession"Description:
The biblical character Kenan was a great-grandson of Adam and a direct ancestor of Noah. As in Christianity, Kenan is honored in Islam.
- Dayana
Origin:
Spanish, KazakhMeaning:
"heavenly, faith"Description:
Dayana is an Hispanic variant of Diana, notably belonging to Venezuelan actress, model and producer Dayana Mendoza. It also belongs to a South American orchid whose name derives from the surname of English botanist John Day. Its use can be partly attributed to the popularity of Diana, the Princess of Wales.
- Enora
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"honor"Description:
Unusual Honor or Nora alternative, but we prefer the originals.
- Tao
Origin:
Spiritual word name, ChineseMeaning:
"large wave; the path; harmony of the universe"Description:
Tao is the Chinese word for the underlying harmony of the universe, combining both yin and yang. Extreme kayaker Tao Berman made this one of the spiritual names prime for adoption, and more recently, it has appeared in hit graphic novel and TV series, Heartstopper. Tao rhymes with cow.
- 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.
- Sixtine
Origin:
French feminine variation of SixtusMeaning:
"sixth-born"Description:
While Sixtine is a name with ancient roots that's popular in modern-day France, it's hard to imagine it gaining hold in English-speaking lands, given its similarity to the number sixteen and its even-more-problematic similarity to the word "sexting." You wouldn't do that to your daughter.
- Abdoulaye
Description:
Abdoulaye is a masculine name of West African origin, particularly common in countries like Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and other Francophone African nations. It derives from the Arabic name Abdullah (meaning 'servant of God'), adapted through regional pronunciation patterns. The name carries strong religious significance in Muslim communities, honoring devotion and faith. Abdoulaye has produced many notable figures, including politicians, athletes, and artists from West Africa. While maintaining its strongest presence in Africa, the name has spread globally through diaspora communities. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region (ab-doo-LIE or ab-doo-LAY-eh), but its cultural and religious significance remains consistent, representing a heritage rich in history and tradition.
- Fatoumata
Origin:
West African variation of Fatima, ArabicMeaning:
"captivating, a woman who abstains"Description:
Fatima, a popular Muslim name, was a daughter of Muhammad and one of the four perfect women of the Quran. Fatoumata and its short form Fatou are West African variations.
- Sakina
Origin:
Arabic,, HebrewMeaning:
"peace, tranquility"Description:
Sparky and bright but with a serene meaning, Sakina is a multicultural choice, quietly on the rise in the US. Derived from the Arabic Sakun or the Hebrew shekinah, it means "peace, tranquility" and is associated with the sense of serenity, or the reassuring peace that can settle upon an enlightened person, particularly within Islamic tradition.
- Bertille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Ousmane
Description:
Ousmane is a masculine name with West African origins, particularly common in countries like Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and other French-speaking African nations. It is the West African form of the Arabic name Uthman or Osman, which was the name of the third caliph of Islam and means "baby bustard" (a type of bird) or possibly "chosen one." Ousmane is widely used among Muslim communities in West Africa and has spread to France and other countries through diaspora communities. The name carries significant cultural and religious importance, connecting its bearers to both Islamic heritage and West African traditions. Ousmane has a distinctive, melodic quality while maintaining strong traditional roots.
- Ninon
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Sweet and charming French nickname for Anne, à la Manon for Marie.
- Zayan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"handsome, beautifier"Description:
Traditionally spelled as Zayyan, this concise spelling variant is more popular in the English speaking world. Similar in sound and in meaning to the popular, international-feeling Zayn, it ranks in the Top 300 in the UK and in France.
- Hawa
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Hawa is the Arabic equivalent of Eve in that it is the name used for the wife of first man Adam. More than 100 baby girls were named Hawa in the US last year.
- Line
Description:
Line is a feminine name with multiple origins and pronunciations. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, it's pronounced 'LEE-neh' and often serves as a diminutive of names like Caroline, Karoline, or Oline. In French contexts, Line (pronounced 'LEEN') may be a short form of names ending in '-line' like Adeline or Jacqueline. The name is characterized by its simplicity and minimalist charm. Line has a modern, sleek quality while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Though relatively uncommon internationally, it enjoys moderate popularity in Nordic countries. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer names, offering a refreshing simplicity with cross-cultural appeal.
- Pio
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"pious"Description:
Though the variation Pius is too, well, popeish, Pio might work for an ordinary boy.
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