French Names from the 1900's & 1910's
- Jeanne
Origin:
French variation of JeanMeaning:
"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.
- Angelique
Origin:
French diminutive of AngelaMeaning:
"angelic"Description:
Angelique was the fastest-rising girl name of 2021, influenced by French-Mexican actress Angelique Boyer, who starred in the telenovela Imperio de mentiras (Empire of Lies).
- Basile
Origin:
French variation of BasilMeaning:
"regal"Description:
Herby and aristocratic Basil remains a tough sell, but we’d like to introduce you to Basile, the delightful French version. It retains all of Basil’s charm, but sheds some of the pesto linkage.
- Cesar
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"head of hair"Description:
Cesar is the sleeker version of Caesar, as in emperor Julius, used in the US most frequently by Hispanic parents who put the emphasis on the second syllable. With ancient Roman names back in vogue, Cesar might become more popular.
- Clotilde
Origin:
Spanish, French, Italian, and PortugueseMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.
- Gustave
Description:
Gustave is a masculine name of Swedish and French origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats people of southern Sweden) and 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The name gained prominence through Swedish royalty, including several kings named Gustav. In French-speaking regions, Gustave has been used since medieval times, made notable by figures like French artist Gustave Doré and writer Gustave Flaubert. While the more anglicized 'Gustav' appears in Scandinavian countries, the form 'Gustave' is distinctly French in character. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name carries an air of classic sophistication and European elegance that appeals to parents seeking a distinguished yet approachable traditional name.
- Norbert
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bright or renowned north"Description:
A medieval German saint's name which remained popular in Germany until the middle of the 20th century. It is still in relatively wide use in other European countries, including Poland and Hungary. With other Bert names – like Robert and Albert and even Gilbert – appealing to lovers of strong, traditional boy names with a slightly clunky charm, Norbert could be one of those so-out-it's-in choices that everyone knows, but almost no one is using.
- Frieda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
- Leontine
Origin:
French female form of Leontios, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Florent
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Eleonore
Description:
Eleonore is a feminine name with Germanic origins, a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, meaning 'other' or 'foreign.' This regal name has been carried by numerous European nobility throughout history, including queens and duchesses. The spelling 'Eleonore' is particularly common in French, German, and Scandinavian countries, giving it a continental sophistication. With its elegant four syllables and flowing sound, Eleonore offers a more elaborate alternative to the more common Eleanor or Ellie. The name exudes classic dignity and timeless grace while still allowing for cute nicknames like Nora, Lena, or Elle. Though not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Eleonore maintains steady appeal for parents seeking a name with historical depth and European charm.
- Augustin
Origin:
Greek variation of AugustDescription:
This form and its German variant Augusten are moving up fast as the preferred long forms of the trendy Gus.
- Arnaud
Origin:
French variation of ArnoldMeaning:
"ruler, strong as an eagle"Description:
French given and surname.
- Agathe
Origin:
French variation of Agatha, GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agathe is a hugely popular name in contemporary France, even if it's English-speaking counterparts have not yet warmed to the usual English version, Agatha. The two-syllable French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.
- Hippolyte
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"releaser of horses"Description:
Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so. It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux.
- Flavie
Origin:
French variation of FlaviaMeaning:
"golden, blond"Description:
That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.
- Gisele
Description:
The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
- Edmond
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wealthy protector"Description:
The sophisticated Edmond and its nearly-identical twin Edmund are coming out of mothballs now that Edward, inspired by Twilight, is once again a hot name. Parents looking for an alternative might gravitate to Edmond, a handsome classic that has both class and style.
- Rachelle
Origin:
French variation of RachelDescription:
Elaboration of Rachel sometimes seen in France, but more rarely here.
Introducing the Nameberry App
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.