Vintage French Girl's Names
- Adeline
Origin:
French, diminutive of AdeleMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations — with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular — that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
- Adrienne
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of AdrianMeaning:
"man from Adria"Description:
A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a-ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would probably choose Adriana.
- Adélaïde
Description:
Adélaïde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "adal" meaning "noble" and "heid" meaning "type, sort," together conveying "noble kind" or "of noble nature." This elegant French variation of Adelaide carries a distinctly sophisticated European flair, particularly with its diacritical marks. Popular in France and French-speaking regions, Adélaïde combines classical dignity with romantic charm. The name has historical significance through figures like Princess Adélaïde of Orleans and various royal women across European history. While less common internationally than the anglicized Adelaide, Adélaïde appeals to parents drawn to authentic French naming traditions. The name's refined pronunciation (ah-day-la-EED) and noble meaning make it a graceful choice that conveys cultural sophistication and timeless elegance.
- 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 French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.
- Aimée
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Whether you pronounce it like the original Amy or the Frenchified Ay-may, this form adds considerable elan to an old favorite.
- Albertine
Origin:
French feminine variation of AlbertDescription:
Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.
- Alexandrine
Origin:
French and German variation of AlexandraMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.
- Alice
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the Western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
- Alida
Origin:
Diminutive of AdelaideDescription:
Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.
- Aline
Origin:
Variation of Adeline or AileenDescription:
Aline may have originated as a short form of Adeline in the Middle Ages, but it may also be a variation of the Irish Aileen or Scottish Eileen. Aline dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1950s. Fewer than 40 baby girls were named Aline in the US last year.
- Alix
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"noble type"Description:
A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex, the French name Alix actually derives from a medieval French form of the name Alice or Adelaide.
- Alphonsine
Description:
Alphonsine is a feminine name derived from the masculine Alfonso or Alphonse, which originated from the Old Germanic elements "adal" (noble) and "funs" (ready) - meaning "ready for battle" or "noble and ready." The feminine form emerged in French-speaking regions, particularly in France, Belgium, and Quebec. Alphonsine enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. The name carries an elegant, vintage quality with its flowing sound and connection to European nobility. Saint Alphonsine, a 19th-century Vietnamese nun who became the first Vietnamese woman to join a religious institute, has provided some religious significance to the name.
- Amélie
Origin:
French variation of AmeliaMeaning:
"work"Description:
French favorite gaining notice here thanks to the charming film of that name. Although to the English-speaking ear it sounds more like Emily than Amelia, it derives from the latter which has a different origin and meaning.
- Anais
Origin:
Catalan and Provencal pet form of Hebrew AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anais is an unusual, alluring name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin (born Angela, with Anais as one of her middle names), who became the inspiration for the naming of the daughter of musician Noel Gallagher. Anais is also the name of a popular perfume.
- Anastasie
Description:
Anastasie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection.' It's the French form of Anastasia, a name with deep historical and religious significance in Orthodox Christianity. The name was popularized by Saint Anastasia, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Anastasie carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French styling and historical depth. While more common in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Anastasia. The name evokes images of European refinement and classical beauty, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical resonance and a touch of international flair.
- Andrea
Origin:
Feminine variation of Andrew, GreekMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andrea — a feminine form of Andrew (and a male name in several European cultures) — comes with a good selection of pronunciations — ANN-dree-a, AHN-dree-a, or ahn-DRAY-a — each with a slightly different image: girl next door/slightly affected/downright mysterious
- Andrée
Origin:
French variation of AndreaDescription:
Gilding the lily.
- Angelina
Origin:
Greek, Italian, Spanish, Russian diminutive of AngelaMeaning:
"angel"Description:
The gorgeous Angelina Jolie has promoted the star power of her name and changed Angelina's image from delicate to intense, from older Italian mama to stylish multi-cultural child. Kids might relate to the dancing mouse in the series of charming children's books, Angelina Ballerina, or to the Harry Potter character, Angelina Johnson Weasley, a member of Dumbledore's army.
- Angeline
Origin:
French variation of AngelaMeaning:
"angel"Description:
With Angelina becoming so popular thanks to Ms. Jolie, this could be a new twist—but everyone will always misunderstand it as Angelina. While it currently ranks at Number 951 in the US, it's Number 352 in France.
- Angélique
Origin:
French variation of AngelicaDescription:
Proof that a name can be too feminine.