French Names that Start With O

Ottilie is trending in the UK, where the pronounced T helps the name sound pretty and delicate, rather like Amelie and Elodie. Ottilie is less popular in the US, where many Americans pronounce it as a near-homonym for "oddly".

Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly soigne, sophisticated yet upbeat choice, unlike some of the more dated other 'ette'-ending names.

More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.

Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.

Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal.

A particularly beautiful member of the Orane/Oriana clan, Oriane is the first name of a major character in Proust's In Search Of Lost Time, the Duchesse de Guermantes.

Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.

Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.

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

Obéron is a masculine name derived from Auberon, the French form of Alberich, a Germanic name meaning 'elf ruler' or 'king of the elves.' Most famously, Oberon appears in medieval and Renaissance literature as the king of the fairies in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' The addition of the accent in Obéron gives the name a distinctly French flair. This enchanting name carries magical and mystical associations, connecting the bearer to a rich tradition of folklore and literary fantasy. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, Obéron offers a majestic quality with its mythological heritage and regal connotations.

French variation of Ophelia that might make that lovely-and-haunted name feel more viable, yet there will be inevitable pronunciation issues.

Better go to the original Aurelia or Aurelie, if only for its similarity to the ord 'orally.' In pop culture, Oralie is a Pokemon name.

Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient.

As with the more popular variant Odalys, this is a name which should be avoided due to its connection to Ottoman Empire harems and concubines. May we suggest Odette, Odelie, Odessa or Lyssa as better alternatives?

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.

A cute Hebrew name also written as Orli.

A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.

The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.

Odyssée is an uncommon masculine name derived from the ancient Greek epic 'The Odyssey,' written by Homer. The name evokes the legendary journey of Odysseus (Ulysses), symbolizing adventure, perseverance, and the quest for home. While Odysseus and Ulysses are more common as masculine names, Odyssée represents a unique French-influenced variation. The added accent gives it a distinctive French pronunciation and flair. This name carries rich literary and mythological associations, suggesting a person destined for interesting life experiences and resilience through challenges. Despite its meaningful heritage, Odyssée remains quite rare internationally, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and uniqueness.

Wildly popular name in France that could easily cross the Atlantic.