French Names that Start With E

This highly unusual name has been kicked up a notch, thanks to cooking guru Emeril Lagasse.

The final e introduces pronunciation questions. Is Eleanor pronounced just like Eleanor, or is it the more elaborate el-LAY-ah-nor? Or something else?

This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.

Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?

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.

Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat highlighted this sophisticated, chignon-wearing choice for literate parents.

A variation made famous by Australian Aboriginal tennis champ Evonne Goolagong.

Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night.