Vintage French Girl's Names

Olga

Slavic variation of Helga, Norse

"holy"

This Slavic form of the Norse name Helga is a classic in many Slavic countries, including Russia and Poland, where it currently ranks within the Top 100 girl names. It has historically ranked among…

Aimée

French

"beloved"

Whether you pronounce it like the original Amy or the Frenchified Ay-may, this form adds considerable elan to an old favorite.

Paule

French, feminine variation of Paul

This, the simplest French female version of Paul, was brought into the U. S. mix by novelist Paule Marshall, whose roots are in the West Indies.

Augusta

Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin

"great, magnificent"

Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts and stately homes, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, and the renewed interest in clunky classics like Gwendolyn and…

Céline

French variation of Celeste

"heavenly"

French Canadian singer Dion made us notice this variation, but most parents would prefer the Selene spelling.

Philomène

Philomène is a feminine French name derived from Greek origins, meaning 'lover of strength' or 'loved one.' It combines 'philos' (loving) with 'menos' (strength, courage). This elegant name carries a…

Francine

French diminutive pet form of Francoise

"from France or free man"

With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a…

Clotilde

Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese

"famous in battle"

A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.

Laure

French form of Laura, English from Latin

"from Laurentum or bay laurel"

Laure is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' - a symbol of victory and honor in ancient times. It functions as both a standalone name and the French form of…

Irma

German

"universal, whole, great"

A Top 200 choice in the US from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, Irma has nevertheless fallen out of favor with modern parents, and doesn't look set for the sort of comeback that some of her…

Alexandrine

Variation of Alexandra, Greek

"defending men"

Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual, found mostly in France and Germany. Another, Alexandrina, was the…

Virginie

French variation of Virginia, Latin

"virginal, pure"

Say Virginie they way they do in Paris -- VAIR-zhin-ee -- and it sounds elegant and appealing. But Americans might pronounce it like virgin-y, which is a no-go.

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.

Laurence

Latin

"from Laurentum"

A feminine form in France, this boyish choice could make a fresh alternative to Lauren or Laura -- or be an inventive way to honor Grandpa Larry.

Hortense

Latin

"of the garden"

Hortense is actually the French feminine form of Hortensia, the name of a strong, politically active early Roman woman. Hortense began to be used in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth…