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French Names from the 1900's & 1910's

  1. Marcelle

    • Description:

      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 French-speaking regions, Marcelle carries an elegant, classic quality. The name has historical significance, having been borne by several saints and notable figures throughout European history. While more common in previous generations, Marcelle has the timeless sophistication that could appeal to parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth. The name balances femininity with strength, and its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible despite being relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Marcelle offers the appeal of vintage names while maintaining a distinctive international character.

  2. Violette

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "purple"

    • Description:

      Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.
  3. Jeanne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Jean

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.
  4. Henri

    • Origin:

      French and Finnish variation of Henry, German

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
  5. Leontine

    • Origin:

      French female form of Leontios, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Leontine is the French form of a name that's more familiar by its spelling variation Leontyne, the name made famous by opera diva Price. An obscure choice, Leontine nevertheless feels right for our lion-name-crazed moment.
  6. Arnaud

    • Origin:

      French variation of Arnold

    • Meaning:

      "ruler, strong as an eagle"

    • Description:

      French given and surname.
  7. 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.
  8. Emilien

    • Origin:

      French form of Emil

    • Meaning:

      "friendly"

    • Description:

      Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.
  9. Leonce

    • Origin:

      French, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      A chic French vintage name on the rise there for both sexes, which would make for an unconventional route to Leo.
  10. Baptiste

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "baptist"

    • Description:

      Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
  11. Rosine

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Rose, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "rose, a flower"

    • Description:

      Rosine can be thought of as a short form of the classic flower name Rose. It's similar to the Irish Róisín, though that is pronounced roh-sheen.
  12. Flavie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Flavia

    • Meaning:

      "golden, blond"

    • Description:

      That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.
  13. Gisele

    • Description:

      The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
  14. Ernestine

    • Origin:

      Femeninization of Ernest, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "serious, resolute"

    • Description:

      One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine.
  15. Florent

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "flowering"

    • Description:

      Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can be floral too.
  16. Victoire

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.
  17. Clemence

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Clement

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
  18. Leone

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lioness"

    • Description:

      With male version Leon taking off all over Europe, the female variations, from Leona to Leonie to Leone, are coming back into style too.
  19. Marceau

    • Origin:

      French variation of Marcel

    • Meaning:

      "little warrior"

    • Description:

      Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.
  20. Henriette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine form of Henri

    • Description:

      Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.