1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Almost always a girl's name now.

Depending on your cultural references, you may think of Phantom of the Opera author Gaston Leroux, or the macho villain of Beauty and the Beast. While he's hardly a role model (unless you too use antlers in all of your decorating), his name was likely chosen because it's a classic in France. It's been used there since the middle ages, partly in honor of the Frankish bishop St Gaston. It went out of style in France mid-century, but now it's having a revival, entering the Top 300 in 2017.

This fabric word name would be a one-of-a-kind.

Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.

French form of Callistus or Callixtus, borne by several popes and saints.

Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground problems.

The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.

Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.

Mason with a French accent. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012, and it will likely hang on for as long as its brother-in-spelling-variations, Mayson.

One of the group of French 'ette'-ending names that emigrated to this country in the last century, though never as popular as some others, such as Claudette and Paulette--it did have a little six-year flurry here between 1967 and 1973. Josette may be feminine and flirty, but, given the choice, most parents today would prefer Josephine.

Charming French endearment, first used as a name by Goethe, that now makes an appealing choice -- though the proper feminine form is Mignonne. Note, though, that this is not actually used as a name in France, where Manon would be the closest choice.

This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.

Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.

In the Top 25 in the unisex seventies, these days Tracy would more likely be Gracie.

This highly unusual name has been kicked up a notch, thanks to cooking guru Emeril Lagasse.

The middle name of the Travoltas' Ella, this French color alternative hasn't caught on with many other parents.

Innovative French word name, suggesting illumination and clarity.

Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.

Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta.