Francophile Naming Guide -- French Silent Film Actresses

Berthe

French form of Bertha, German

"bright, glorious"

Berthe 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…

Claude

Latin

"lame; enclosure"

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…

Florelle

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…

Françoise

French variation of Frances

"from France; free man"

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

Marthe

Marthe is a feminine name of Aramaic origin, representing the French form of Martha, which means 'lady' or 'mistress of the house.' This elegant variation has been particularly popular in…

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.

Renée

French from Latin

"reborn"

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