French girl names
Updated: April 10th, 2024
The French culture is one of the oldest and most elegant in the world. Of particular note is their flair for names, both for boys and girls. French baby-naming customs have a certain charm that is distinct from other countries, with names that often carry meaningful etymologies, beautiful sounds, and exotic pronunciations. In addition to being beautiful and unique, many French girls names are steeped in history and have been used for centuries, passed down from generation to generation.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZAlice
From the German Adalhaidis, meaning "noble," this literary classic gained modern charm thanks to Alice in Wonderland and widespread use across Europe.
Charlotte
The French feminine form of Charles, meaning "free man," it’s a royal favorite and a global top pick with nicknames like Lottie.
Eleanor
With debated roots, possibly from alia Aenor or Germanic elements, Eleanor means “shining light” and came to England via Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Rose
Latin for the flower, Rose has bloomed for centuries and remains a favorite for its grace and simplicity.
Vincent
Conquering, One Who Overcomes, Prevailing, Victor
Florence
This Latin name means “prosperous” and recalls both a romantic city.
Louise
The French feminine form of Louis, this vintage name meaning “renowned warrior” is stylish again in Europe.
Caroline
From the French meaning "free man," Caroline has royal and presidential links and remains a timeless classic.
Genevieve
From medieval German roots meaning “tribe woman,” Genevieve combines saintly strength with French elegance.
Elaine
Elaine is a French-Scottish form of Helen that means “bright light.” It has strong Arthurian associations, but could also fit mid-century style.
Claire
This French form of Clara means “bright” or “clear” and has a clean, classic sound.
Warren
Of English and French origin, Warren means “park-keeper” and once honored a Revolutionary War hero.
Valerie
The Strong, Valor, Inspired By An Ancient Roman Sex, Valiant
Marie
French for Mary, Marie has long history as both a first and middle name, tied to figures like Marie Curie and Marie Antoinette.
Natalie
To be Born-from Natalia, Form of Natalie, Born on Christmas, Christ's Birthday
Jacqueline
Yahweh May Protect, Supplanter, One who Supplants, Holder of the Heel
Rosalie
Rose, Flower Name
Nicole
Female Version of Nicholas
Sophie
Skill, Wisdom
Lucille
Light, The Bright, Born at Daybreak
Alexandra
Feminine of Alexander, To Defend, Protect and Man, Manly
Estelle
Star
Michelle
Who is Like God
Lottie
Vigorous, Strong, Man, Husband
Jean
Scottish Form of Joan Gracious Gift from God, John
Adeline
Brightness, Sweet, Honorable, Nobility
Danielle
Judged Only by God, Feminine of Daniel
Elise
God is My Oath, Form of Elizabeth
Jasmine
A Plant in the Olive Family, Fragrant Flower, Gift from God, Shrub with Yellow Flowers
Forrest
Of the Woods, Woodsman, Forest, Lives in Wood
Christine
Christian Faith, Follower of Christ, The Anointed One
Lorraine
Made Famous in Battle, Saint Joan of Arc, From Lorraine, Laurel
Camille
Attendant for a Temple, Swiftness of Foot, Honorable Births, Acolyte
Judith
Woman from Judea, Jewish, Admired, Praised
Marion
Wished-for Child, Sea of Bitterness, Star, Bitter
Fletcher
Arrow Maker, Arror Featherer
Julie
Descended from Jupiter (Jove), Youth, Soft Bearded, Jove's Child
Parker
Keeper of the Forest
Colette
Variant of Nicolette, Nike Which Means Victory, Victorious, Necklace
Maude
Strong in War, Fight, Powerful Warrior, Might
Annette
Mercy, Gracious, Graceful, Favour
Margot
The Pearl, Variant of Margaret
Mavis
Mavis, A Small Bird, Song Thrush, Songbird
Eve
Living, To Live, Life, Good News
Paige
Sweet, Server, The Page, Young Servant
Bernadette
Bear, Hardy, Brave
Denise
Solitary, Nun, Follower of Dionysos, Alone
Marguerite
The Pearl
Ines
The Chaste, Partner
Annabelle
Easy to Love, Bella, Graceful or Beatiful, Beautiful
Simone
God has Heard, She who Hear, Which is Exalted, Listening Intently
Delphine
From Delphi, Flower, Place Name, A Thirteenth-century French Saint
Teddy
Form of Theodore, Courageous People, Wealthy Protector, Wealth and Keep
Juliette
Soft-haired, Youthful, Downy, Downy-bearded
Margo
One with Big Eyes
Lou
Renowned Warrior, Fame and War, Fight, Light
Roxanne
Queen, Bright, Dawn, Star
Madeleine
Village In Galilee Where Lived Mary Magdalene, Woman from Magdala, Tower
Jocelyn
Supplanter, Son of God, Cheerful, Happy
Blanche
The White, Blanc Meaning White Bright Beautiful
Allison
Noble and Fight, Son of the Highborn, Alice
Dixie
Southern Us, American South, Tenth, Dick's Son
Taylor
One who Cuts Cloth, To Cut, Tailor, Schneider
Clementine
The Merciful, Gentleness, Mercy, Gentle
Sandra
Protect and Man, Man's Defender, Protector, Form of Alexander
Delaney
From the Alder Grove
Gabrielle
Hero of God, God's Strength
Marianne
Sea of Bitterness, Bitter, Grace, Maria
Courtney
Snub Nosed, Court-dweller, Court Meaning Short, Courtly
Millicent
Of a Thousand Saints, Work Strength, English Cognate of Melisande, Industrious
Astrid
Divinity and Fidelity, Ase, Divinely Beautiful, Deity
Myles
Merciful, Servant, Inventor of the Corn Mill, Soldier
Desiree
The Longed-For, Much Desired, Longed for, Longing
Helene
Bright One, The Torch, Sun Ray, Light
Pauline
Female Version of Paul, The Small, Humble, Weak
Scarlett
Bright Red, Army, The Scarlet, Free Man
Ariel
Lion of God
Sydney
French in origin and meaning “Saint Denis,” it’s long linked to both place and character names in pop culture.
Cheryl
Vigorous, Strong, Charity, Cherie
Francine
Free, Little Frenchman, Franke
Mallory
Unfortunate, Army Counsellor, My Glory, Unhappy
Percy
Pierces, Pierce the Vale
Magnolia
Magnolia, Ornamental Tree with White Flowers, Fragrant
Justine
Fair Just, Righteous, Reasonable, True
Claudette
The Limping, Disabled, Preserving, Lame
Elliot
God is My Salvation, Old Welshman, Form of Elijah, Elliot
Fay
Confidence, Fee, Faith, Belief
Suzanne
Lily, Form of Susan
Emile
Imitating, Rival, Rivaling
Jeanne
God is Gracious, Variant of Jane
Odette
Wealth
Elinor
the Other, Variant of Helen, Shining Light, Wealth and Honor
Therese
Form of Theresa, Harvester, Summer, The Hunteress
Alaina
Dear Child, Precious, Rock, Tribe near the Black Sea
Giselle
Pledge, Arrow, Hostage
Liana
Inspired By the Same Vine, Julia, Emulum
Burke
From the Fortified Hill Or Castle
Orville
Golden Town
Sabine
The Sabines were Tribe Living in Central Italy, Sabine
Claudine
Limping, Disabled, Lame
Neville
New Town
Allie
High, Little Rock, Defender of Man, Noble and Shining
Toni
Who Eats Flower
Fawn
Fawn, Baby Deer
Ray
Beam of Light, Grace, Regal, Protection
Monique
Unique, Warn, Hermit, Recluse
Destiny
Certain Fortune, The Mythological Greek God of Fate, Destiny
Rochelle
Rohon Which Means to Roar Battle Cry, Little Rock, Short Tunic, Rest
Evelina
Life-giving, Hazelnut, Light, Form of Evelyn
Jewel
Joy, Jayanta, The Jewel, Play Thing
Fanny
Little Frenchwoman, Crowning, Free, Favourable Speech
Joelle
Lord is God
Gigi
Famous, Gi, Virginie, G
Sherry
Dear, Darling, Flat Pasture, A Plain
Norbert
Famous Northman, North and Brilliant, Illustrious, Renowned Northerner
Maud
Strong in War, Composition Of: 'Power', 'Struggle', Might
Angeline
Messenger of God, Angel
Dominique
Offered to the Lord, Belonging to the Lord
Elliott
The Lord is My God, Form of Elijah
Cherie
Favorite, Darling, Dear One
Salome
A Hebrew name meaning “peace,” it has deep biblical roots.
Lisette
My God is Abundance
Suzette
Lily
Lucienne
Light, Born At Daybreak, Daylight Babies, The Bright
Nicolette
Victory of the People
Bellamy
Handsome Friend, Good-looking Companion
Lucie
Shining, The Bright, Born At Daybreak, Illumination
Josette
God Adds, He (God) Will Add
Sinclair
A Scottish name meaning “from St. Clair."
Jules
Illustrious Roman Family, Dedicated to Jupiter
Aline
Lovely, Honorable, Noble, Variant of Helen
Leonie
Lioness, The Lion, Leo
Hortense
Of the Garden, She who Tends Gardens, Orchard, Gardener
Blanca
The White, White, Beautiful
Chantal
Inspired By the Holy, The Word Chant Which Means Song, Patronym of Baron Chantal
Solange
Ceremony, Religious, An Angel of the Sun, Festive
Pansy
English
Angelique
Angel, Messenger of God
Marceline
Little Hammer, God of War Mars Ordained
Tracy
The Hunteress, Brave, Summer, Place of Thracius
Landry
Power, Rich, Country and Powerful, Ruler
Lacy
Derived from Lacey which is a French Nobleman's Surname Brought to British Isles After Norman Conquest, Form of Larissa, Cheerful One, Lassy
Darcie
Dark, From Arcy
Margery
The Pearl, Pearl
Denver
From Anvers, Valley Ferry, Variant of the Surname Danvers, Dane Crossing
Marin
Of the Sea
Trista
Bold, Riot, Sad, Sorrowful
Violette
Violet Flower, Viola, Small Purple Flowers, Violets
Mathilde
Strength and Shield, Fight, Might
Coralie
Girl of the Sea, Nature Name, Maiden, Coral
Lyle
From the Island
Jeanette
God is Gracious, Female Version of John, Little Jean
Nanette
Variant of Anne, Graceful, Mercy, Favour
Alix
Noble, Protector, Honorable
Arlette
Army, Vigorous, Strong, Adler
Fae
Trust, Fay, Fairy, Belief
Ivette
Yew, Young Archer
Chase
Hunter, Huntsman
Noel
Christmas, God is with Us
Clotilde
Loud, Fight, Heroine, Famous Warrior
Archer
A Bowman Or Archer, An English Surname, Noteworthy and Valorous
Fabiola
Bean, Artisan
Laney
Path, Torch, Bright Light, Roadway
Burl
Butler, Forest, Knot in a Tree, Cup Bearer
Chandler
Candle Maker, Candle-maker
Roselyn
Lime-Wood Shield, Fame, Lime, Linden
Babette
God is Fullness, Strangers, The Foreign
Renae
Water Lily, Edge of a Knife, Tough, Lotus
Scarlet
Bright Red, Army, Scarlet Cloth, Free Man
Mason
Stoneworker, Stone Worker, To Make
Marcelle
Consecrated to the God Mars, Dedicated to Mars (The Roman God of War)
Emeline
Industrious, Home and Sweet, Brave, Hardworking
Macie
Domain Belonging to Maccius, Mattea, Derived from Medieval Male Form of Matthew, Weapon
Germaine
From the Same Blood, The Teuton
Collette
Necklace, Victorious, Nike Which Means Victory, Variant of Nicolette
Florine
Flower, Blossom, Flowering
Francis
Free, French Man, The Element Francesco Which Means Frenchman, Little Frenchwoman
Rene
Counsel Power, Born Again, Form of Reginald, Reborn
Marine
Of the Sea Which Belong, Underwater