French Names

Florentine is an unusual member of a group of names destined for great popularity for girls. Its primary members are Flora and Florence, but rarer choices such as Flory and Fleur and Florentine are sure to flower in the years ahead.

If Flora and Florence have returned full force, Florian, with its trendy Latinate ending, could also have a chance. Popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and France, St Florian was the venerated patron saint of those in danger from water and the patron saint of firefighters.

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.

With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a dated midcentury Mad Men feel. But its choice for their daughter by modern glamour couple Casey Neistat and Candice Pool, respectively a video star and a jewelry designer, has made Francine chic again.

The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise.

The S may confuse English speakers, but it's a French classic.

Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.

Georgine is a feminine variant of George, which derives from the Greek name 'Georgios' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' This elegant name carries the strength of its masculine counterpart while adding a distinctly feminine touch. Popular primarily in the early 20th century, Georgine has decreased in usage but maintains a classic, sophisticated appeal. The name has variations across multiple cultures, including Georgina (more common in English-speaking countries) and Georgette (French influence). Georgine offers a formal yet approachable quality and provides the cute nickname options of Gina or Georgie. Though considered vintage today, it belongs to the category of traditional names that occasionally experience renewed interest in modern naming trends.

Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough.

Joining the likes of Coco and Fifi, Gigi has a style but some may feel it lacks substance. Model and TV personality Gigi Hadid (born Jelena) has likely drawn attention to this name, while designer Cynthia Rowley may have inspired parents to use it as a given name by choosing it for her daughter.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.

The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.

Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.

Hercule is a masculine name directly derived from Greek mythology, serving as the French variant of Hercules, the legendary hero known for his extraordinary strength and twelve labors. Made particularly recognizable through Agatha Christie's fictional detective Hercule Poirot, the name carries connotations of intellectual prowess alongside physical might. Despite its powerful mythological associations, Hercule remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it has maintained steady usage in French-speaking regions. The name projects authority, determination, and exceptional ability. Its distinctive classical heritage makes it appealing to parents drawn to mythological names with substantial cultural significance. Pronounced typically as 'air-KOOL' in French tradition, the name has a sophisticated European flair.

The pure, simple HONOR--as chosen by Jessica Alba, is perfect as it is. It does have some literary cred though--Henry James created a character called Honorine for his novel The Tragic Muse.

Hortense is actually the French feminine form of Hortensia, the name of a strong, politically active early Roman woman. Hortense began to be used in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. Napoleon had a stepdaughter named Hortense, it was the name of one of the main characters in the film Secrets and Lies and is also associated with novelist Hortense Calisher. As unappealing as it might be to most American parents, Hortense is now Number 155 in France (as of 2021).