739 French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.

The Indre is a river in France. Spelled Indra, it's the name of a powerful deity worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains — roughly the South Asian equivalent of the Greek Zeus or Norse Odin. But either Indra or Indre might make a simple, captivating, attractive name for a modern little girl.

This name is hanging on as Renee, thanks to Ms. Zellweger, and in newer forms Renae and Renny.

This more succinct form of the elegant Arabella might appeal to those who are looking for a less popular spin on Annabel or those who like the sounds of Arabella but want something with fewer frills. Given to 120 girls in 2023, it is around ten times less popular than its longer counterpart.

In France it's sometimes bestowed as a patriotic gesture; in English-speaking places it has an air of genteel sophistication.

Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.

Has joined Chanel and Armani on the fashionista hit parade of names. The meaning of Dior is uncertain but it may be "gold".

Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.

Charming French endearment, first used as a name by Goethe, that now makes an appealing choice -- though the proper feminine form is Mignonne. Note, though, that this is not actually used as a name in France, where Manon would be the closest choice.

If Joely (as in actress Richardson) is a name, why not Noely? As nickname-names become both more acceptable and more fashionable, Noely may be a fresh spin on one traditional name for Christmas babies.

Oh, the many spellings of Rafaella. Those with Fs and double-Ls denote Italian origins, while an F and a single L is Spanish and Portuguese. The original Hebrew form is Raphaela.

The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.

Ermentrude was the name of two medieval queens of France. Despite these distinguished beginnings, this antique name is unlikely to catch on with contemporary parents, perhaps because the first syllable may sound unattractive to the modern ear and the last two syllables are the equivalent of intrude. Then there's that rude final syllable. English variant Ermintrude is equally unlikely to find favor.

A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era.

Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.

Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.

The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.