739 French Girl Names (with Meanings & Popularity)
- Vedette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"star, leading actor"Description:
Translating to "star", but used to refer to the leading female artist in a cabaret show, for French speakers, this would be like naming your child "Showgirl".
- Thomasine
Description:
Thomasine is the feminine form of Thomas, a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin." This elegant variation emerged during medieval times when feminizing male names by adding suffixes like "-ine" or "-ina" was common practice. While never achieving widespread popularity, Thomasine saw occasional use in England from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. The name carries a distinctive vintage charm with its classical derivation and melodious three-syllable structure. Thomasine offers a more elaborate alternative to the simpler Thomasa or Tomasa variants. Today, it remains quite rare, appealing to parents drawn to historical names with feminine elegance. The name combines traditional roots with an uncommon status, making it both familiar and distinctive.
- Vere
Description:
Vere is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It primarily derives from a Norman surname meaning 'alder tree' or from Latin 'verus' meaning 'true'. As an Old English word, vere also meant 'companion'. The name has aristocratic associations in England through the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford. As a feminine given name, Vere has an understated elegance and simplicity that appeals to those seeking uncommon names with historical depth. Its brevity gives it a crisp, modern feel despite its ancient roots. While never widely used, the name occasionally appears in upper-class British families and has seen modest revival interest from parents attracted to rare vintage names with simple pronunciation.
- Cinderella
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little ash-girl"Description:
One familiar name never used for real people, for obvious reasons. Read more about Cinderella and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
- Anabelle
Origin:
French variation of AnnabelleDescription:
This version of the name with only one n does not have nearly the popularity of its sister. Unless you have a particular aversion to the fourteenth letter of the alphabet, it may be best to stick with Annabelle.
- Abelle
Description:
Abelle is a feminine name of French origin, serving as a variant of the more common Abelle or Abella. It derives from the Hebrew name Abel, meaning "breath" or "vapor." The feminine suffix "-elle" adds a delicate, graceful quality to this ancient name. Abelle combines historical depth with melodic beauty, featuring soft sounds that flow elegantly. This name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking something traditional yet unique. Its rarity may appeal to parents wanting a name with historical roots but not frequently encountered. Abelle carries a gentle, feminine energy while maintaining connections to its biblical heritage.
- Laure
Description:
Laure is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' - a symbol of victory and honor in ancient times. It functions as both a standalone name and the French form of Laura. Elegant and understated, Laure has maintained consistent usage in France and French-speaking regions while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries an air of sophisticated simplicity with its single-syllable pronunciation and subtle ending. Historically associated with the poet Petrarch's muse Laura, the name conveys literary and artistic connections. Laure appeals to parents seeking a name with French elegance, historical depth, and international recognition without excessive popularity.
- Lucida
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lucid, clear"Description:
Pretty, delicate and crystal clear, with the readymade nickname of Lucy.
- Prune
Origin:
Fruit nameDescription:
Prune is a fruit name loved by the French, for whom it's a Plum equivalent. In the U.S., Plum works, but Prune is not a name we'd want to inflict on a child. Prunella is slightly more plausible.
- Zénaïde
Description:
Zénaïde is an elegant feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'Zenais,' which relates to Zeus, the supreme deity in Greek mythology. The name suggests divine connection and heavenly qualities, with implications of strength and nobility. The distinctive diacritical marks (the acute accent and the diaeresis) highlight its French adaptation and pronunciation. Popular primarily in France and French-speaking regions, Zénaïde was more common in the 19th century, when it appeared among aristocratic families. While rare today, it maintains an air of classical sophistication and literary elegance. The name became known through historical figures including Princess Zénaïde Bonaparte, Napoleon's niece. Its uncommon status appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and exotic French flair.
- Cécile
Description:
Cécile is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'Caecilia', the feminine form of 'Caecilius', an ancient Roman family name possibly meaning 'blind' or related to the Latin word 'caecus'. The name gained popularity through Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians in the Catholic tradition. Cécile has been used in France since medieval times and maintains steady popularity in French-speaking regions. The accent over the first 'e' creates the soft 'say-SEEL' pronunciation. The name carries an elegant, refined quality typical of French names while maintaining historical depth. Cécile evokes images of sophistication and artistic sensibility, perhaps influenced by its connection to the musically-inclined saint.
- Claudie
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClaudeDescription:
Attractive form still très Parisienne.
- Baye
Description:
Baye is a feminine name with diverse origins. It has roots in Old French, possibly derived from 'baie' meaning 'berry' or as a place name referring to 'bay.' In some West African cultures, particularly in Senegal, Baye appears as a masculine name or honorific title. As a feminine name in Western usage, Baye has a contemporary feel with its short, distinctive sound. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a unique quality for those seeking something different yet accessible. Its simplicity makes it versatile across different cultural contexts, while its uncommon status ensures individuality. Baye has a gentle phonetic quality that balances strength and softness.
- Marjolaine
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"marjoram"Description:
A French botanical word name, Marjolaine translates to "marjoram". A minty herb that can be used in cooking, it has also been considered medicinal and was used as an antiseptic by the Greek physician, Hippocrates. The Romans considered it the herb of happiness and believed in could increase someone's lifespan, while others believe that it is a herb that helps with encountering and dealing with the unknown.
- Maurice
Origin:
English and French from LatinMeaning:
"dark-skinned"Description:
One of those old-mannish names that sounds a lot fresher for a girl.
- Musette
Description:
Musette is a delicate feminine name of French origin with musical associations. Derived from the French word for a small bagpipe-like instrument popular in the 18th century, it also refers to a charming rustic dance. The name gained some recognition through its appearance in the opera 'La Bohème,' where Musetta is a spirited character. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Musette carries a whimsical, artistic quality that appeals to parents drawn to French-inspired names with cultural depth. Its musical roots make it especially appealing to families with artistic inclinations. Despite its rarity, Musette offers a memorable, melodic quality while maintaining an elegant French sophistication that sets it apart from more commonly used French names.
- Flore
Description:
Flore is a delicate French name derived from the Latin "flora," meaning "flower." This elegant, simple name carries connections to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, symbolizing youth, vitality, and natural beauty. As a given name, Flore has been used primarily in French-speaking regions and maintains a classic yet uncommon status. With just one syllable, it offers a rare combination of brevity and femininity. The name experienced modest usage throughout European history but never reached widespread popularity, giving it a distinctive quality. Flore appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with international flair, combining botanical associations with French sophistication.
- Vrai
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"true"Description:
A happy combination of several desirable genres: it's a word name, it has a foreign accent, and it has a highly virtuous meaning. And few other parents will be bold enough to choose it.
- Rosine
Origin:
Diminutive of Rose, LatinMeaning:
"rose, a flower"Description:
Rosine can be thought of as a short form of the classic flower name Rose. It's similar to the Irish Róisín, though that is pronounced roh-sheen.
- Sybille
Description:
Sybille is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing a French and German variation of Sibyl. In ancient Greece, sibyls were women believed to possess prophetic powers and served as oracles. The name carries connotations of wisdom, foresight, and mysterious knowledge. This continental European spelling gives the name an elegant, sophisticated quality compared to the more anglicized Sibyl or Sybil. Popular in French-speaking regions and Germany, Sybille combines ancient mystique with refined European charm. The name experienced modest popularity throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots and international appeal.