User-created list
The 100 most common names in France
Across 5 pages
of 5
Manon
French, diminutive of Marie
"bitter"
Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon…
Denise
French, feminine variation of Denis
"god of Nysa"
Denise was a French favorite of the fifties and sixties but is less chic now. In 2020 it broke back into the Top 1000 after a five-year hiatus, catapulted into style by reality TV star Denisse Novoa…
Cécile
Cécile is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'Caecilia', the feminine form of 'Caecilius', an ancient Roman family name possibly meaning 'blind' or related to the Latin word 'caecus'. The…
Laetitia
Latin
"gladness, happiness"
Laetitia adds a layer of ancient patina to the more prosaic LETITIA.
Claudine
French feminine variation of Claude
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.
Yvette
French, feminine of Yves
"yew tree"
This French name has the elegance of other '-ette' names like Colette and Odette, and is a botanical name without being too obvious about it. Related to the sleek French name Yves, it was popular in…
Jean
French variation of John
"God is gracious"
One of the most enduring French names, this form of John has been borne by philosophers (Rousseau and Sartre), artists (Millet, Arp) and fashion designers (Gaultier) alike. Often used in a double…
Michel
French form and German short form of Michael, Hebrew
"who is like God"
While the (male) French form is pronounced in English like the girls' name Michelle and the German form had a hard k-like sound in the middle, this variation of Michael is distinguished by being used…
Philippe
French variation of Philip
"lover of horses"
Philippe, pronounced fill-EEP, is Philip with Gallic flair.
Pierre
French variation of Peter
"rock, stone"
One of the most familiar — if not stereotypical — Gallic names. Pierre was a Top 5 name in France from the 19th century through 1940 and is now on a steady decline in its native land. In the US,…
Alain
French, variation of Alan
Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.
Christophe
Christophe is the French variation of Christopher, a masculine name with Greek origins meaning 'bearer of Christ.' This elegant form maintains the name's connection to Saint Christopher, the…
Bernard
German
"strong, brave as a bear"
Bernard is obviously a saint's name, but how did it get to the big, benevolent dog? The eleventh century monk, patron saint of mountain climbers, who lived in the Alps, was famed for setting up safe…
Frédéric
French, from German
"peaceful ruler"
The chic French form of Frederick, Frédéric was popular in France in the middle of the 20th century. This is famously the French name of composer Frédéric Chopin (born Fryderyk Chopin).
Jacques
French variation of James and Jacob
"supplanter"
Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to…
Laurent
French variation of Lawrence
"of Laurentium or bay laurel"
A French accent makes almost everything sound better, especially when attached to a Twilight vampire. Laurent also has a high-style feel via designer Yves St-Laurent. Laurent de Brunhoff is the…
Stéphane
Stéphane is a French masculine form of Stephen, derived from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland' – traditionally symbolizing honor and victory. Pronounced 'stay-FAN,' it carries a…
Sébastien
Gérard
Gérard is a masculine French name derived from the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy." This name has been popular throughout France and French-speaking…