French Names that Start With R

Chic in the fifties, now kept in the public eye mainly by actress Zellweger; today's parents seek more moderne Gallic choices.

Most contemporary parents would probably opt for the more streamlined Elle.

Romany is a melodious name referring to the Roma or Romani community and their culture, which makes it a potentially controversial choice for a baby not of that heritage. Romany Malco is an actor who appeared on the television show "Weeds." Other similar ideas: Roman, Romano, or Romeo.

The feminine version of the newly-stylish Roman -- and the longer form of the also-newly-stylish Romy -- would make a girls' choice that achieves that near-impossible balance of being both original and fashionable. This variation is far superior to Romaine, which is too lettuce-y.

Venerable old saint's name now associated solely with talk show host Philbin, who is constantly seeking namesakes. It comes from the word rex meaning "king".

Here, it's strictly for girls, though Celine Dion's boy Rene-Charles reminded us of its masculine origins.

This spelling makes a dated name slighly more modern.

Reinette was the childhood nickname of Madame La Pompadour, perhaps a cute short form for Regina or Reina but hardly worthy of the full name on the birth certificate today.

In this country, likely to conjure up visions of leafy lettuce.

Straightforward but very unusual choice, deriving from a place name in Italy.

Elaboration of Rachel sometimes seen in France, but more rarely here.

Dashing unisex saint's name sometimes associated with the Cajun cadences of New Orleans.

Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.

Heard in Scotland, not in Schenectady.

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.

Unique, soft, and flowing.