French Girl Names
- Alix
Description:
Alix is a traditional male name with French origins, though it's increasingly used for both genders in modern times. As a masculine name, it represents a classic French variation of Alex or Alexander, ultimately derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men.' While the spelling Alix appears medieval and sophisticated, it offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Alex. In France, the name has historical significance as a male name dating back centuries, though in English-speaking countries the spelling is sometimes assumed to be feminine. This brief, elegant name carries cultural sophistication while maintaining the strong, classic qualities associated with Alexander.
- Ariane
Description:
Ariane is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing the French form of Ariadne. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos who helped Theseus escape the Labyrinth. The name carries connotations of intelligence and helpfulness, derived from its mythological roots. Ariane has been moderately popular in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, appreciated for its elegant sound and classical heritage. The name has gained additional modern recognition through its connection to European space programs, with the Ariane rockets named after this celestial-sounding moniker. With its combination of mythological depth, melodic pronunciation, and cross-cultural appeal, Ariane offers a sophisticated yet accessible option that balances traditional roots with contemporary style.
- Adèle
- Chloé
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young green shoot"Description:
French form of Chloé. A popular choice with French-speaking parents, though people elsewhere may associate it most with luxury handbags.
- Camille
- Danette
Description:
Danette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Dana or Danielle, which themselves derive from the masculine Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. Popular primarily during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, Danette exemplifies the trend of creating feminine names by adding the French-inspired suffix "-ette" to create a delicate, feminine variation. The name has a vintage charm that evokes mid-century aesthetics. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Danette maintains appeal for those drawn to retro names or seeking to honor relatives from that era. The name carries a gentle sophistication with its French styling while maintaining familiar roots.
- Danielle
- Emilie
- Gabrielle
- Laure
Description:
Laure is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' - a symbol of victory and honor in ancient times. It functions as both a standalone name and the French form of Laura. Elegant and understated, Laure has maintained consistent usage in France and French-speaking regions while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries an air of sophisticated simplicity with its single-syllable pronunciation and subtle ending. Historically associated with the poet Petrarch's muse Laura, the name conveys literary and artistic connections. Laure appeals to parents seeking a name with French elegance, historical depth, and international recognition without excessive popularity.
- Mirabelle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"marvelous"Description:
If you're looking for a fresher belle name than Isabelle, Mirabelle is lovely, and we also like the extra flourish of Mirabella. And if you want a nature tie, Mirabelle is also the name of a delicate French plum.
- Nanine
Description:
Nanine is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived as a diminutive form of Anne or Nina. It essentially means 'grace' or 'favor,' inheriting this meaning from Anne's Hebrew roots. The name has a gentle, refined quality with its soft sounds and elegant construction. Nanine appears in literature, notably in Victor Hugo's works, which has helped maintain its cultural presence despite its rarity. While never achieving widespread popularity, Nanine has maintained a quiet presence in French-speaking regions and occasionally appears in other European countries. Its uncommon status makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something feminine and classic yet not commonly used.
- Nannette
Description:
Nannette is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Anne, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' This charming variation emerged in medieval France, where adding the diminutive suffix '-ette' created a more endearing, youthful version of the original name. Nannette gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. The name has a delicate, vintage quality that evokes images of French countryside and classic femininity. While less common today, Nannette offers the friendly nickname options of 'Nan' or 'Nettie.' The name carries associations with daintiness and refinement, balancing a formal quality with approachable warmth. Its distinctive spelling with doubled letters adds visual interest to this sweet, timeless name.
- Nanon
Origin:
French, diminutive of AnnDescription:
Sweet and endearing, à la Mignon and Manon.
- Nicolette
Origin:
French, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Nicolette is the ultra-feminine name of an enchanting princess in the medieval French romance, Aucassin et Nicolette, a name that got stacks of publicity in the heyday of Desperate Housewives and its star Nicolette Sheridan. It was also the name of Chloe Sevigny's character in Big Love.
- Sevastiane
Description:
Sevastiane is a rare feminine name derived from the Greek name Sebastianos (Σεβαστιανός), meaning 'from Sebastia' or 'revered.' It represents a feminine form of Sebastian, which has roots in ancient Greek and Latin. The name carries associations with dignity, respect, and veneration. While extremely uncommon in most Western countries, Sevastiane maintains connections to Orthodox Christian traditions, particularly in Greek and Russian cultures. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its multiple syllables and elegant ending. Parents might choose Sevastiane for its distinctive sound and classical origins while appreciating its rarity. The name suggests someone who commands respect and possesses an elegant, dignified presence—qualities balanced with the name's inherently musical and feminine sound.
- Sylvette
Description:
Sylvette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Sylvie or Sylvia, which derive from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'wood.' The suffix '-ette' adds a sense of daintiness and charm, typical of French naming patterns. The name gained some recognition through Pablo Picasso's series of artwork titled 'Sylvette,' inspired by a young woman he met in 1954. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Sylvette has maintained modest usage in French-speaking regions. The name evokes images of woodland grace and carries a sophisticated European flair while remaining approachable. Its connection to nature aligns with current naming trends favoring botanical and natural elements.
- Sylvianne
Description:
Sylvianne is an elegant feminine name that represents an elaborate extension of Sylvia, which derives from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The addition of the French-inspired suffix '-anne' creates a more ornate, sophisticated variation that maintains the nature-inspired roots while adding a touch of romantic flair. This melodic four-syllable name carries an air of classical femininity with a European sensibility, particularly French or Belgian influence. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Sylvianne may have more presence in Francophone regions. The name evokes images of woodland grace and natural beauty while its flowing pronunciation offers a lyrical quality. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but distinctive presentation, Sylvianne provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar forms like Sylvia or Sylvie.
- Sylvie
Origin:
French variation of Latin SylviaMeaning:
"from the forest"Description:
Although Sylvia seems to be having somewhat of a revival among trendsetting baby namers, we'd still opt for the even gentler and more unusual Sylvie. Despite being dated in its native France (where it was popular during the 1950s and 60s), in English-speaking regions it still feels fresh and international without being unfamiliar and has a cosmopolitan, international air. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016.
- Sara
- Valentine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to turn around.
- Viviette
Origin:
French variation of VivianMeaning:
"life"Description:
Embroidered lace hankie of a name, used in a Thomas Hardy novel. That literary cred lends some gravitas.
- Valérie
- Violetta