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Francophile Naming Guide -- French Silent Film Actresses

vintageluvs
By vintageluvs
Updated Mon Mar 06 2023
This list provides a look into the names of the hottest film stars of France over a century ago.
  1. Alice

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "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."
  2. Anna

    • Origin:

      Variation of Hannah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.
  3. Annabella

    • Origin:

      Variation of Annabel or English compound name, Anna + Bella

    • Meaning:

      "loving or grace + beautiful"

    • Description:

      Annabella is one of a constellation of names that include Anabella, Annabelle, Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, and Annabell -- all lovely names that have suffered from their association with the eponymous horror movie. Annabella fell off the US Top 1000 in 2021, and ironically, the only version of the name that hangs on in the Top 1000 is Annabelle, the spelling used in the movie.
  4. Arlette

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "noble, honor"

    • Description:

      Arlette is a French form of the Germanic name Herleva, which was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror. It peaked in France in the mid-1930s, but you might be surprised to learn that in the US, it's only just beginning to catch on now. It entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2018, and has dipped in and out in the years since then.
  5. Berthe

    • Description:

      Berthe is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Bertha, which means 'bright' or 'famous'. It was quite popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, notably carried by Berthe of Burgundy, queen of France in the 10th century. The name saw modest popularity in France and other European countries throughout history but has declined in usage during the 20th century. In the United States, Berthe has never been among the most common names, remaining a distinctive choice with vintage charm. Today, it's considered a classic name with historical roots, occasionally chosen by parents seeking a traditional European name with elegant flair.
  6. Blanche

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to fight the stereotype of faded Southern belle, a la Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and Blanche Devereaux in TV's Golden Girls. Now all three of the Golden Girls--Blanche, Rose and Dorothy--could be ready for revival, with Blanche sounding like a stronger, simpler alternative to Bianca.
  7. Bleuette
    • Bérénice

      • Description:

        Bérénice is a feminine name of ancient Greek origin, derived from 'Berenikē' meaning 'bearer of victory.' This elegant name has historical significance, notably worn by several queens of ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty. The name traveled through Latin (Berenice) before developing its French form with accent marks. Bérénice gained literary fame through Jean Racine's 17th-century tragedy of the same name. While consistently recognized in French-speaking regions, it has never been extremely common. The name conveys a sense of classical refinement, strength, and nobility. Its melodious quality and historical depth make it appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated name with ancient roots yet contemporary elegance.

    • Catherine

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "pure"

      • Description:

        Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
    • Claude

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "lame; enclosure"

      • Description:

        Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy name for girls here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.
    • Colette

      • Origin:

        French, short form of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek

      • Meaning:

        "people of victory"

      • Description:

        Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then.
    • Denise

      • Origin:

        French, feminine variation of Denis

      • Meaning:

        "god of Nysa"

      • Description:

        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 — but it dropped out again the following year.
    • Dolly

      • Origin:

        English, diminutive of Dorothy

      • Meaning:

        "gift of God"

      • Description:

        Hello, Dolly! Okay, we couldn't resist, but be warned: Most people who meet your little Dolly won't be able to either. This nickname-name, rarely heard since whatever decade Dolly Parton was born, is singing a fashionable note again along with sisters Dottie and Dixie; it was chosen for one of their twin girls by Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell.
    • Emmy

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Emily and Emma

      • Meaning:

        "work; universal"

      • Description:

        Long a nickname for all the Em-names, as well as an annual award, Emmy is now being given on its own, as are soundalikes Emme and Emmi. Might be too identified with the TV awards--though that doesn't seem to have hurt Oscar or Tony. We think Emmy is a little too cutesey, and is probably best kept as a nickname for something that ages a little better.
    • Florelle

      • Description:

        Florelle is a delicate feminine name with French and Latin influences, derived from 'flor' meaning 'flower.' This charming diminutive form creates the meaning 'little flower' or 'flowering.' The name has a distinctly romantic, vintage quality with its soft sounds and flowing syllables. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Florelle carries the same nature-inspired elegance found in more familiar floral names like Florence or Flora. The French diminutive ending gives it a particularly graceful, feminine character. Parents might choose Florelle for its combination of natural beauty associations and European sophistication. The name evokes images of springtime, blossoms, and delicate beauty while maintaining a classical linguistic structure that connects to traditional naming patterns.

    • Françoise

      • Origin:

        French variation of Frances

      • Meaning:

        "from France; free man"

      • Description:

        In France it's sometimes bestowed as a patriotic gesture; in English-speaking places it has an air of genteel sophistication.
    • Gabrielle

      • Origin:

        French, feminine variation of Gabriel, Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "God is my Strength"

      • Description:

        The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise.
    • Gaby

      • Description:

        Gaby is a warm, approachable feminine name typically used as a shortened form of Gabrielle or Gabriela, names derived from Hebrew meaning 'God is my strength.' This friendly diminutive has gained popularity as a standalone name, embracing the modern trend toward casual, accessible naming. Gaby carries an international appeal, being recognizable across many European and Latin American cultures. The name conveys a friendly, unpretentious personality while maintaining a connection to its more formal origins. With its soft sounds and easy pronunciation, Gaby balances femininity with a certain casual confidence. It's become a popular choice for parents seeking names that feel both familiar and contemporary.
    • Georgette

      • Origin:

        French, feminine variation of George

      • Description:

        Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
    • Germaine

      • Origin:

        Feminine variation of Germain, French

      • Meaning:

        "from Germany"

      • Description:

        Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of Germain derive from the Latin Germanus, referring to a person from Germany.