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Awesome French Names

  1. Camille

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "young ceremonial attendant"

    • Description:

      At one time just the sound of the name Camille could start people coughing, recalling the tragic Lady of the Camellias, the heroine played by Greta Garbo in the vintage film based on a Dumas story, but that image has faded, replaced by a sleek, chic, highly attractive one.
  2. Capucine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "nasturtium"

    • Description:

      Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium. To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.
  3. Carine

    • Description:

      Carine is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a variation of Karina or as a feminine form of Carus, a Latin name meaning "dear" or "beloved." In French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium and France, Carine has enjoyed moderate popularity. The name possesses an elegant, sophisticated quality while remaining approachable and easy to pronounce across multiple languages. Carine saw modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its international appeal extends to various European countries and French-influenced regions. With its soft sound pattern and meaningful etymology suggesting someone cherished or valued, Carine offers a graceful yet straightforward naming option with continental flair.
  4. Caroline

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
  5. Catherine

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
  6. Charline

    • Description:

      Charline is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Charlotte or a feminine version of Charles. Both root names derive from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong one.' Charline gained modest popularity in France and French-speaking areas of Canada during the mid-20th century. In the United States, it saw brief periods of usage in the 1920s and again in the 1950s but has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a delicate, refined quality with its soft 'ch' sound and elegant ending. Charline strikes a balance between classic and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Charlotte while maintaining its sophisticated French heritage and graceful sound.
  7. Charlotte

    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
  8. Chloé

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Christelle

    • Description:

      Christelle is a feminine name of French origin, developed as a diminutive form of Christine, which itself derives from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' The suffix '-elle' adds a delicate, feminine quality to the name. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Switzerland, and Quebec, Christelle gained notable popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries Christian associations while embodying French elegance and sophistication. Christelle has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound pattern. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has gained appreciation among those seeking names with European flair. Bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to faith traditions while enjoying its distinctively French character and refined aesthetic appeal.
  10. Christian

    • Origin:

      Greek or English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "anointed one or follower of Christ"

    • Description:

      The name Christian has fallen a bit from its 90's and 00's heights, but it's still quite popular. Once considered overly pious, Christian is now seen as making a bold statement of faith by some, while also having secular appeal for others. Christian's enduring popularity may be influenced by such celebrities as Christian Slater and Christian Bale, not to mention the fashion world's Dior, Lacroix, Louboutin and Audigier.
  11. Christiane

    • Origin:

      German and French feminine form of Christian

    • Description:

      There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.
  12. Christine

    • Origin:

      French variation of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "Christian"

    • Description:

      Christine was the dominant feminine variation of Christopher forty or fifty years ago, when French E-endings were preferred over As; it was a Top 20 name for several years, from 1966 to 1974. But though it still hangs in on the popularity list, today most any other version would be considered more stylish, from Kristen to Kirsten to Christina herself.
  13. Claire

    • Origin:

      French form of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.
  14. Clarisse

    • Description:

      Clarisse is a feminine name of French origin derived from the Latin name 'Clara,' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' It's the French variation of Clarice, carrying the same elegant and refined qualities. Throughout history, the name has maintained a classic appeal while never becoming overly common. In literature, the name gained some recognition from Ray Bradbury's novel 'Fahrenheit 451,' where Clarisse McClellan is a free-thinking, insightful character. The name has a delicate, sophisticated sound that combines traditional charm with a touch of uniqueness. While not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Clarisse continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its graceful, timeless quality and French flair.

  15. Claudette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Claude

    • Meaning:

      "lame; enclosure"

    • Description:

      Once seen as a dated French Claudette-Colbert feminization, along with Annette and Paulette, we can see Claudette moving into a more plausible Colette-Cosette arena. While some may be put off by the common "lame" meaning, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.
  16. Claudine

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Claude

    • Description:

      There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.
  17. Clementine

    • Origin:

      French feminine version of Clement, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
  18. Clémence

    • Description:

      Clémence is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'clementia' meaning 'mercy', 'mildness', or 'gentleness'. This elegant name carries connotations of compassion, forgiveness, and kind-heartedness. Popular in France and French-speaking regions, Clémence offers a sophisticated alternative to the English variant Clemency. The name has historical significance through several medieval noble figures, including Clémence of Hungary, Queen consort of France in the 12th century. The accent mark gives the name its distinctive French pronunciation (kleh-MAHNS), adding a touch of continental refinement. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Clémence appeals to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections and positive virtuous associations. Its gentle sound balances beautifully with its strong meaning.

  19. Colette

    • Origin:

      French, short form of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then.
  20. Coline

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Colin

    • Description:

      Wishy-washy, and too similar to Colleen.