1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Hugh plus.

It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.

Attractive form still très Parisienne.

This spelling makes a dated name slighly more modern.

Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.

Has the two-syllable sound so popular for boys, though adding an apostrophe -- and turning it into D'Anton -- changes the name entirely.

A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.

A Greek form of the rising star Otto, Othon was brought to public consciousness when a Bavarian prince named Otto became the first modern king of Greece in 1832. It was briefly popular in France in the early 20th century and might appeal today, due to its relation to Otto, and its slight similarity to Ethan and Nathan.

Reinette was the childhood nickname of Madame La Pompadour, perhaps a cute short form for Regina or Reina but hardly worthy of the full name on the birth certificate today.

Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough.

Lionel is yet another traditional boy's name entering the girls' column--at least once-- via prizewinning novelist Lionel (born Margaret Ann) Shriver.

A name that is truly honored in France, as the name of several saints, artists like Daumier, and writers like Balzac.

Proof that a name can be too feminine.

Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.