French Names that Start With M

Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to the Latin Marcellus and Marcus, which come from Mars, the name of the God of War, and is often spelled Marceline. Jolie's mother's birth name was Marcia Lynne.

Better for a perfume.

Mardi is a foreign word name that sounds like a homegrown nickname. For what? We're not sure, but it's kinda cute, and preferable to Tuesday.

Romantique French name invoking Debussy's haunting score for the opera Pelléas and Mélisande.

Manette might be a fresh way to spin Mary or Marie, but popular French Manon has more grace and heft. Manet takes Manette in an artistic direction.

One of those old-mannish names that sounds a lot fresher for a girl.

One of the few French words/names not attractive to the American ear. It's pronounced moo-gay, not a winner on either syllable. Alternatives: Liliane, Lily, Lilou, Manon.

New twist to the Maur- names, a bit cosmetic sounding.

This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.

Intriguing spin on Margaret or Maggie, for admirers of French surrealist Rene Magritte.

One of those quintessentiallyFrench names still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.

Mailer is one of the more unusual of the on-trend occupational surnames. Recommended for fans of the macho writer Norman Mailer.