1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Sounds classy...but isn't.

Saint Germain, the intellectual center of Paris, lends the name a creative aura. But most Americans would say jer-mayn. The Latin Germanus may mean sprout or bud, or brother.

This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.

Saint-Nazaire is a harbor town in France; the name relates to Nazareth, where Jesus lived as a child. Two possible variations: Nazarius, an Italian martyr, and Nazario.

Has been used in the past by parents wishing to invoke the blessing and protection of all the saints, also given to boys born on November 1, All Saints' Day.

This French version of Viridiana and Viridis lacks the charm of similar and more familiar French names like Vivienne and Adrienne.

A Jackson brother name also associated with the similar-sounding Jemaine, of Flight of the Conchords fame. It has slowly lost its appeal since its peak years in the 1970s.

Intriguing spin on Margaret or Maggie, for admirers of French surrealist Rene Magritte.

The onetime star of "Northern Exposure" named his daughter Tu Morrow. Think about it.

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.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

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

Much less successful than other variations.

New twist to the Maur- names, a bit cosmetic sounding.