1200+ French Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Desired and chosen by many, despite (or because of) its blatantly sensual image.

Although a variant of the operatic Zerlina, Zerline has her own theatrical tale. She is the star character of the opera Fra Diavolo by Daniel Auber. Zerline, daughter of the innkeeper of Terracina, is in love with an impoverished soldier, Lorenzo, but her father wants her to marry the rich old Francesco. Various tragedies and events occur. In the end, Zerline is free to marry her beloved Lorenzo.

One of the least appealing of the ella-ending names, especially if you check pernicious in the dictionary.

Heard in Scotland, not in Schenectady.

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.

Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.

So tied to being Jacqueline Kennedy's maiden name that it's best saved for a girl.

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.