739 French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

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.

This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.

Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to the Latin Marcellus and Marcus, which come from Mars, the name of the God of War, and is often spelled Marceline. Jolie's mother's birth name was Marcia Lynne.

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

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

An appealing surname-name that sounds perfectly feminine, unless you consider the association to Vice President Dick.

A sophisticated girls' name for those attracted to Leona, Leonie and Leonore.

Rare French option for girls, but feels familiar thanks to the popularity of Sebastian.

This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.

Rarely heard but pleasing feminissima name for a baby girl.

This Frenchified variation softens and prettifies the harsh original.

There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.