1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

There was an ancient Saint Fort, and this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place.

Madelynn is the fourth most popular variation of this durably popular name, with Madelyn ranking first in the Top 100, Madeline dropping to the Number 2 spot, the French Madeleine taking third place, and Madelynn coming in fourth but still ranking in the Top 500.

Wildly popular name in France that could easily cross the Atlantic.

Jeter, which of course is used as a first name only because of Yankee star Derek, rhymes with Peter and may be derived from the French surname Jette, which was often bestowed on foundlings because it means "thrown out," or the German Jetter, an occupational name meaning "weeder." If your husband insists on Jeter, counter with Percival.

Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.

A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel. 

The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.

Héloïse is a chic French name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.

The name of a French city famous for its fine lace. Another association: Chantilly cream – a sweetened whipped cream apparently invented there in the 17th century by a chef at the Château de Chantilly. The town probably takes is name from the Gallo-Roman personal name Cantilius, derived from a word for "white".

Highly unlikely philosophical choice.

The least usable of the Three Musketeers names.

Strictly for the girls.

A historic name seeing some modern use among French-speaking parents.

Pretty, delicate and crystal clear, with the readymade nickname of Lucy.

This glamorous name of a hot young French singer is catching on. Tessa and Barron Hilton used it as a middle name for their daughter Milou.

Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella.