Francophile Naming Guide -- Le Monde de Molière

Molière is the French Shakespeare of his time. He used and created such pastoral Greek names. Unfortunately, many of these names remain unknown and rare even in the French-speaking world.
  1. Alain
    • Origin:

      French, variation of Alan
    • Description:

      Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.
  2. Albert
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"
    • Description:

      Albert has acquired a new gloss as one of the top royal baby boy names, a considerable upgrade from its serious, studious image (think Einstein, Schweitzer).
  3. Alphonse
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, ready for battle"
    • Description:

      Rarely used, and for good reason. Alonzo is a preferable choice.
  4. Alvar
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "elf warrior"
    • Description:

      This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more interesting choice.
  5. Andrée
    • Origin:

      French variation of Andrea
    • Description:

      Gilding the lily.
  6. Angélique
    • Origin:

      French variation of Angelica
    • Description:

      Proof that a name can be too feminine.
  7. Anselme
    • Armande
      • Origin:

        French, feminine variation of Armand
      • Description:

        Feminine form of Armand, has an elegant charm.
    • Acaste
      • Aegiale
        • Aglante
          • Agnès
            • Agénor
              • Alcandre
                • Alcantor
                  • Alceste
                    • Alcidas
                      • Alcidor
                        • Alcippe
                          • Alcmène