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French Names from the 1900's & 1910's

  1. Marthe

    • Description:

      Marthe is a feminine name of Aramaic origin, representing the French form of Martha, which means 'lady' or 'mistress of the house.' This elegant variation has been particularly popular in French-speaking regions and has historical significance in Christian tradition, as Martha was a biblical figure known for her hospitality. While less common in English-speaking countries, Marthe has maintained steady usage in France and Quebec. The name carries an air of classic sophistication and timeless grace. Its pronunciation (typically 'mart' with a silent 'h') gives it a soft, refined quality that distinguishes it from the more widely used Martha. Marthe projects an image of dependability, nurturing, and quiet strength.

  2. Octave

    • Origin:

      French form of Octavius, Latin, or English word name

    • Meaning:

      "eighth; musical and poetry term"

    • Description:

      Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave. This, however, might not be considered a bad thing, or even an accident. Cadence, Lyric, Poem, and Anthem had seen increased interest, so why not this musical word?

      The name appeared in the US stats in 2024 for the first time since the late 60s, when it was given to 6 boys.
  3. Josephe

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Josephe is much less well-known in the English-speaking world than Josephine or Joanna. English speakers might have trouble with its similarity to the male Joseph.
  4. Elvire

    • Description:

      Elvire is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'elf' or 'magical being' and 'true' or 'faithful.' It's the French form of Elvira, which has been used throughout Europe since medieval times. The name carries an elegant, somewhat mysterious quality with its connection to mythological beings and Old World charm. Elvire has been particularly used in French-speaking regions and has literary connections, appearing in works by Victor Hugo and Alphonse de Lamartine. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name maintains a sophisticated European flair that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically grounded. The name's rich vowel sounds give it a melodic quality that feels both classic and distinctive.
  5. Firmin

    • Description:

      Firmin is a masculine name with deep historical roots in French and Latin cultures. Derived from the Latin "firminus," a diminutive of "firmus" meaning "strong" or "steadfast," it was borne by several early Christian saints, including St. Firmin of Amiens. The name has been consistently used in France since medieval times, though it has never achieved widespread popularity. In English-speaking countries, Firmin remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive continental flair. The name carries connotations of strength, stability, and resilience. Its unusual sound pattern in English makes it stand out, while its historical depth gives it substance and character beyond merely trendy choices.

  6. Simonne

    • Description:

      Simonne is a feminine name of French origin, representing the French feminine form of Simon. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning "he has heard" or "God has heard." This elegant variation features the characteristic French double consonants and final 'e' that create its distinctively refined pronunciation. Simonne enjoyed modest popularity in France throughout the 20th century and has maintained a presence in French-speaking regions worldwide. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while remaining recognizable and pronounceable to English speakers. Simonne offers parents an option with classical roots and French cultural associations, appealing to those seeking names with both historical depth and international style. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Simonne represents a graceful alternative to the more familiar Simone spelling.
  7. Antonine

    • Origin:

      Feminine diminutive of Antoine, French form of Anthony

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Edgard

    • Description:

      Edgard is a masculine name that represents a variation of Edgar, which has Anglo-Saxon origins meaning 'wealthy spear' or 'prosperous spearman.' The addition of the 'g' at the end gives the name a continental European flair, particularly common in French-speaking regions and Latin America. The name carries an air of sophistication and old-world charm. Notable namesakes include French composer Edgard Varèse, known for pioneering electronic music. While Edgar has maintained steady popularity in English-speaking countries, Edgard remains less common, offering a distinctive alternative. The name suggests strength and refinement, appealing to parents seeking a traditional name with a slight twist that works across multiple cultures and languages.

  9. Maximilien

    • Origin:

      French, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "greatest"

    • Description:

      Like Maximilian, but with an attractive French twist.
  10. Philomene

    • Description:

      Philomene is a feminine name of Greek origin derived from 'philomenes,' meaning 'loved' or 'sweet-singing.' It's connected to Greek mythology through Philomela, who was transformed into a nightingale, giving the name associations with music and beautiful sounds. Philomene is more common in French-speaking regions and parts of Europe, though it remains relatively rare globally. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become less common. It carries an elegant, classical quality that appeals to parents seeking sophisticated traditional names with literary connections. Variations include Philomena, Filomena, and Philomèna.
  11. Rachelle

    • Origin:

      French variation of Rachel

    • Description:

      Elaboration of Rachel sometimes seen in France, but more rarely here.
  12. Honorine

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      The pure, simple HONOR--as chosen by Jessica Alba, is perfect as it is. It does have some literary cred though--Henry James created a character called Honorine for his novel The Tragic Muse.
  13. Ange

    • Description:

      Ange is a feminine name of French origin meaning 'angel,' though it can occasionally be used for boys in France as well. Simple yet evocative, this name directly references celestial beings and carries strong spiritual associations across many cultures. The name's brevity gives it a distinctive quality compared to longer forms like Angela or Angelica. Ange has maintained consistent usage in French-speaking regions but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, where it offers a subtle, sophisticated alternative to more common angelic names. The name conveys qualities of purity, goodness, and spiritual beauty within its compact, elegant form.
  14. Albanie

    • Description:

      Albanie is a feminine name of French origin, representing a lyrical feminine form of Albany or a variant spelling of Albanie, the French word for Albania. The name carries an elegant, romantic quality with its soft sounds and French aesthetic. As a place name, it connects to the historic Scottish title 'Duke of Albany' and the capital of New York State. Albanie remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice that still feels accessible and pronounceable. With its three melodic syllables and feminine ending, Albanie offers parents a beautiful alternative to more common names like Melanie or Stephanie while maintaining a similar rhythmic flow.

  15. Paule

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Paul

    • Description:

      This, the simplest French female version of Paul, was brought into the U. S. mix by novelist Paule Marshall, whose roots are in the West Indies.
  16. Alphonsine

    • Description:

      Alphonsine is a feminine name derived from the masculine Alfonso or Alphonse, which originated from the Old Germanic elements "adal" (noble) and "funs" (ready) - meaning "ready for battle" or "noble and ready." The feminine form emerged in French-speaking regions, particularly in France, Belgium, and Quebec. Alphonsine enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. The name carries an elegant, vintage quality with its flowing sound and connection to European nobility. Saint Alphonsine, a 19th-century Vietnamese nun who became the first Vietnamese woman to join a religious institute, has provided some religious significance to the name.

  17. Berthe

    • Description:

      Berthe is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Bertha, which means 'bright' or 'famous'. It was quite popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, notably carried by Berthe of Burgundy, queen of France in the 10th century. The name saw modest popularity in France and other European countries throughout history but has declined in usage during the 20th century. In the United States, Berthe has never been among the most common names, remaining a distinctive choice with vintage charm. Today, it's considered a classic name with historical roots, occasionally chosen by parents seeking a traditional European name with elegant flair.
  18. Renée
    • Augustine
      • Hélène