Vintage French Girl's Names

Raymonde is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'mund' (protection). It represents the female counterpart to Raymond. Particularly popular in French-speaking regions, Raymonde enjoyed its height of popularity in France during the early to mid-20th century. The name carries connotations of wisdom and guardianship, suggesting someone who offers both intelligent advice and protective care. While less common in English-speaking countries, Raymonde maintains an air of sophisticated French elegance that appeals to parents seeking a name with European flair. Its distinctive ending gives the traditionally masculine Raymond a gentle, feminine quality while preserving the strength of its meaning.

A classic name with regal elegance--Queen Victoria, like other queens, had Regina appended to her name. She was a Top 100 name in the 1960s.

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

Chic in the fifties, now kept in the public eye mainly by actress Zellweger; today's parents seek more moderne Gallic choices.

As sweet-smelling as Rose but with an international flavour, Rosa is one of the most classic Portuguese, Spanish and Italian names, which is also favored by upper-class Brits, having an ample measure of vintage charm. Rosa has been on the popularity charts for every year that's been counted, especially popular from the 1880s through the beginning of the twentieth century.

Rosalie hit its apex in 1938 and then slid straight downhill until it fell off the U.S. Top 1000 completely in the 1980s, only to spring back to life in 2009 as the name of a character in the Twilight series. The beautiful vampire Rosalie Hale has breathed fresh life back into this mid-century name, and the fact that the character is both sympathetic and relatively minor means Rosalie has the chance to thrive again as a baby name without feeling unduly tied to Twilight.

Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.

Rosine can be thought of as a short form of the classic flower name Rose. It's similar to the Irish Róisín, though that is pronounced roh-sheen.

Sidonie is an appealing and chic French favorite that is starting to attract some American fans as a fresher alternative to Sydney. Also spelled Sidony, Sidonie was the birth name of the French novelist Colette.

Simone, the elegant French feminization of Simon, strikes that all-important balance between unusual and familiar, and it's oozing with Gallic sophistication. A dated choice in its native France, gymnast Simone Biles brings new bounce and spark to name.

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 elegant variation features the characteristic French double consonants and final 'e' that create its distinctively refined pronunciation. Simonne enjoyed modest popularity in France throughout the 20th century and has maintained a presence in French-speaking regions worldwide. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while remaining recognizable and pronounceable to English speakers. Simonne offers parents an option with classical roots and French cultural associations, appealing to those seeking names with both historical depth and international style. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Simonne represents a graceful alternative to the more familiar Simone spelling.

This is a soft, soignée French girls' namethat has become familiar here via singer Solange Knowles, younger sister of Beyonce.

Sophie is the French form of the Greek Sophia, for which it is also commonly used as a nickname. Given Sophia's long standing among the Top 10 girl names in the US, Sophie may feel more popular than it actually is.

Suzanne became popular along with Susan but has just dropped out of the Top 1,000. Wait a generation (or two) in the US, though in France Suzanne is once again tres chic.

Although Sylvia seems to be having somewhat of a revival among trendsetting baby namers, we'd still opt for the even gentler and more unusual Sylvie. Despite being dated in its native France (where it was popular during the 1950s and 60s), in English-speaking regions it still feels fresh and international without being unfamiliar and has a cosmopolitan, international air. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016.

Last popular in this country from the 1920s to the 1950s, it now seems more modern than the English Theresa.

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

Valérie is the French form of Valerie, a feminine name derived from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'to be strong' or 'health, strength.' The addition of the accent mark (é) maintains the authentic French pronunciation and adds a touch of elegance. Popular throughout French-speaking regions including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Valérie reached peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s but remains a classic choice. The name carries associations with both strength and grace, balancing traditional origins with a timeless quality. Its international recognition makes it work well across cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctly French character.

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.