1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Paule
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Paul
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Vere
    • Madelaine
      • Origin:

        French variation of Madeleine
      • Meaning:

        "high tower"
      • Description:

        This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.
    • Narcisse
      • Etienette
        • Claudian
          • Muguet
            • Origin:

              French
            • Meaning:

              "lily"
            • Description:

              One of the few French words/names not attractive to the American ear. It's pronounced moo-gay, not a winner on either syllable. Alternatives: Liliane, Lily, Lilou, Manon.
          • Tu
            • Origin:

              French, intimate form of "you"
            • Meaning:

              "you"
            • Description:

              The onetime star of "Northern Exposure" named his daughter Tu Morrow. Think about it.
          • Sabienne
            • Garson
              • Origin:

                French
              • Meaning:

                "to protect"
              • Description:

                Straightforward surname with potential thanks to the rise of Carson. The actress Greer Garson gives it a splash of Hollywood glamor.
            • Magdala
              • Appoline
                • Manette
                  • Origin:

                    French, diminutive of Marie
                  • Description:

                    Manette might be a fresh way to spin Mary or Marie, but popular French Manon has more grace and heft. Manet takes Manette in an artistic direction.
                • Léandre
                  • Armel
                    • Origin:

                      French
                    • Meaning:

                      "bear prince"
                    • Description:

                      The name of a sixth century Welsh saint who founded abbeys in Brittany, reconstituted for a modern girl.
                  • Maurice
                    • Origin:

                      English and French from Latin
                    • Meaning:

                      "dark-skinned"
                    • Description:

                      One of those old-mannish names that sounds a lot fresher for a girl.
                  • Chandelle
                    • Origin:

                      French
                    • Meaning:

                      "candle"
                    • Description:

                      Sounds classy...but isn't.
                  • Corneille
                    • Chardonnay
                      • Origin:

                        French, a dry white wine
                      • Description:

                        If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome name for a white cat.
                    • Talie