Vintage French Girl's Names

Adrienne

Latin, feminine variation of Adrian

"man from Adria"

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…

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…

Léa

Hebrew

"weary"

French version of Leah, currently popular with French-speaking parents. In this spelling, it looks pleasingly like the female equivalent of Leo (or Léo), and sounds like Leia.

Geneviève

Geneviève is a feminine name of French origin with deep historical roots. Derived from the Germanic name Genovefa, it combines elements meaning 'tribe' or 'race' and 'woman.' The name is most…

Julienne

French from Latin

"youthful or sky father"

Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.

Albertine

French feminine variation of Albert

"bright, noble"

Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta: a little bit clunky, a little bit regal, just waiting for a celeb to use them to make them cool again. Familiar in…

Simonne

Simonne is a feminine name of French origin, representing the French feminine form of Simon. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning "he has heard" or "God has heard." This…

Amélie

French variation of Amelia

"work"

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…

Victorine

French variation of Victoria, Latin

"victory"

Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.

Valentine

French variation of Valentina

"strength, health"

For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.

Aline

Variation of Adeline or Aileen

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…

Ernestine

Femeninization of Ernest, English from German

"serious, resolute"

One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine.

Clémence

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…

Alphonsine

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…

Reine

French

"queen"

This regal French name is a descendant of the Latin Regina, as is the Spanish Reina. Reine is also a male name in Scandinavia.