Top 1,000 French Names

France is a country known for its romance, deep artistic history, and outstanding natural beauty. A French name can pay homage to this great nation’s political, linguistic, and cultural history. We have curated lists of common French names and their meanings and a comprehensive list of French baby names for boys and girls.

French Names and Meanings

French names reflect the beautiful historic naming practices that have helped shape French identity. Common French name themes include religion, with the names of saints, Biblical figures, and names indicating religious veneration and devotion being common. These names have an inherent beauty to them because of the French language and give the impression that one is cultured, refined, and romantic. One of the great qualities of French names is their historicity: many names have been used for centuries and passed down through ancestors and godparents. These names are unique because they embody French culture’s history and diversity. In 1993, French laws banning illegal names were relaxed, but if a name is not in a child’s best interest, the government can still reject the name.

French is a Romance language descended from Latin, and this ancient language has significant influence over French names. Germanic languages have also left their mark on French names, along with Biblical languages like Greek and Hebrew and other ancient European languages, emphasizing the connectedness of France with Europe. This page features common French names, along with our curated lists of French baby names organized by theme.

Top 100 French Names

This list comprises common French names and their meanings, which remain popular baby names choices for girls and boys in France. These names have a long-standing tradition and continue to be popular choices among French parents.

Female Names	Male Names
Marie – Bitter, beloved	Pierre – Rock
Jeanne – God is gracious	Jean – God is gracious
Michelle – Who is like God?	Louis – Famous warrior
Catherine – Pure	François – Frenchman, Free man
Françoise – Free, from France	Henri – Ruler of the home
Claire – Clear, bright	Paul – Small, humble
Anne – Grace	Alexandre – Defender of mankind
Marguerite – Pearl	Antoine – Priceless, invaluable
Jacqueline – Supplanter	Nicolas – Victory of the people
Nicole – Victory of the people	Michel – Who is like God?
Suzanne – Lily	Robert – Bright fame, famous
Louise – Famous warrior	André – Man, warrior
Monique – Advisor, counselor	Charles – Free man
Danielle – God is my judge	Marcel – Little Marcus
Brigitte – Exalted, lofty	Julien – Youthful
Christine – Follower of Christ	Georges – Farmer, Earth worker
Chantal – Stony, rocky	Claude – Lame, crippled
Martine – Warlike	Jacques – Supplanter
Isabelle – God is my oath	Alain – Rock
Nathalie – Christmas child	Philippe – Lover of horses
Valérie – Strong, healthy	Bernard – Brave as a bear
Édith – Prosperous in war, riches	René – Reborn, born again
Sylvie – Forest, woods	Christian – Follower of Christ
Sandrine – Defender of mankind	Luc – Light
Sophie – Wisdom	Richard – Brave ruler, powerful leader
Stéphanie – Crown or garland	Olivier – Olive tree
Carole – Free man or man	Éric – Eternal ruler
Céline – Heavenly	Bruno – Brown, shield
Véronique – True image, image of victory	Yves – Yew
Patricia – Noble, patrician	Patrick – Noble
Pascale – Related to Easter	Marc – Warlike
Florence – Blossoming, prosperous	Daniel – God is my judge
Corinne – Maiden, spear	Pascal – Easter child
Élisabeth – God is my oath	Gérard – Spear strength, brave with a spear
Julie – Youthful, downy	Vincent – Conquering
Hélène – Torch, light	David – Beloved
Mireille – Admirable, to admire	Gilles – Youthful
Virginie – Pure, virgin	Laurent – Laurel
Pauline – Small, humble	Jérôme – Sacred name
Béatrice – Bringer of joy	Dominique – Of the Lord
Dominique – Belonging to the Lord	Thierry – Power of the people
Lucie – Light	Didier – Desired
Yvonne – Yew tree	Thomas – Twin
Angélique – Angelic	Christophe – Bearer of Christ
Agnès – Chaste	Guy – Guide, leader
Delphine – Dolphin	Stéphane – Crown, garland
Cécile – Blind	Serge – Servant
Caroline – Free man, woman	Francis – Frenchman, from France
Madeleine – Woman from Magdala	Xavier – Bright, splendid
Élodie – Foreign riches	Frédéric – Peaceful ruler
Amélie – Hardworking, industrious	Emmanuel – God is with us
Amandine – Worthy of love	Roger – Famous spear, renowned warrior
Manon – Bitter, wished-for child	Patrice – Nobleman
Audrey – Noble strength, noble ruler	Hugues – Heart, mind
Anne-Marie – Grace and bitter, beloved	Denis – God of wine
Adeline – Nobility	Lionel – Young lion
Fanny – Frenchman	Benoît – Blessed
Marlène – Wished-for child and from Magdala	Yann – God is gracious
Charlotte – Free man	Mathieu – Gift of God
Estelle – Star	Guillaume – Resolute protector
Magali – From Magdala	Maxime – Greatest
Jessica – God beholds	Loïc – Famous warrior
Mélanie – Black, dark	Sylvain – Forest
Émeline – Industrious, hardworking	Damien – To tame
Roxane – Dawn, bright	Samuel – Name of God, heard by God
Léa – Weary, tired	Tristan – Sad, Melancholy
Clara – Clear, bright	Jules – Youthful
Romane – A Roman	Romain – From Rome
Annette – Grace, favor	Gauthier – Ruler of the army
Noëlle – Christmas, born on Christmas	Alexis – Defender, helper
Josiane – Grace	Thibault – Courageous people
Gaëlle – Generous in Breton	Grégoire – Watchful, vigilant
Emilie – Rival, eager	Ludovic – Famous warrior
Solène – Dignified, solemn	Yannick – God is gracious
Colette – Victory of the people	Bastien – Revered, venerable
Inès – Chaste, pure	Augustin – Great, venerable
Laure – From Laurentum	Gabriel – God is my strength
Élise – Pledged to God	Martin – Of Mars, warlike
Justine – Fair, just	Clément – Merciful
Gisèle – Pledge, hostage	Aurélien – Golden
Camille – Attendant at a religious ceremony	Quentin – Fifth
Anaïs – Grace, favor	Léo – Lion
Aurélie – Golden, dawn	Étienne – Crown, garland
Lucienne – Light, torch	Benjamin – Son of the right hand
Jocelyne – Gaut’s family	Maurice – Dark-skinned
Marianne – Star of the sea, and grace	Arnaud – Eagle ruler
Odile – Wealth, fortune and hild battle	Cédric – Bounty, kindly
Margaux – Pearl	Fabien – Bean grower
Bénédicte – Blessed	Victor – Victorious
Léonie – Lioness	Sébastien – Venerable, revered
Alice – Nobility	Bertrand – Bright raven
Laurence – From Laurentum	Cyril – Lordly, masterful
Geneviève – Tribe woman, woman of the race	Rémi – Oarsman, rower
Denise – Of Dionysos, the Greek god of wine	Anthony – Priceless, invaluable
Clotilde – Famous in battle	Kevin – Gentle
Noémie – Pleasantness, sweetness	Baptiste – Baptizer
Aurore – Dawn	Jérémie – God will uplift
Victoire – Victory	Tony – priceless, highly praiseworthy
Gabrielle – God is my strength	Florent – Flowering, prosperous
Mathilde – Mighty in battle	Mathis – Gift of God

Unique French Names

French names are known for their uniqueness and elegance. This list of hand-picked names contains some of the most interesting French names, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Female Names	Male Names
Allura – Divine, charming	Auguste – Great, venerable
Annabelle – Gracious, beautiful	Augustine – Great, venerable
Antoinette – Priceless, inestimable	Cabot – Wooden shoe
Arielle – Lion of God, lioness	Camille – Attendant at a religious ceremony
Armelle – Princess, soldier	Casimir – Proclaiming peace
Auguste – Revered, exalted	Corbin – Raven
Blanchette – white, little fair one	Devereaux – From the alder grove
Brielle – God is my strength	Dion – Of Zeus, divine
Caprice – Whim, fancy	Eden – Delight, paradise
Carolina – Free man	Elijah – My God is Yahweh
Chiara – Clear, bright	Elliott – Yahweh is God
Claudette – Lame, crippled	Enzo – Prince of home
Coeur – Heart	Ferdinand – Bold voyager, brave traveler
Coraline – Coral	Gabin – From Gabio, God is my strength
Elaina – Shining light, sun ray	Gable – Gift of God
Elaine – Shining light, sun ray	Hayden – Heathen, from the hedged valley
Emmeline – Industrious, striving	Jaden – God has heard
Eugénie – Well-born, noble	Jean-Baptiste – John the Baptist
Évangéline – Good news, bearer of good news	Jean-Philippe – God is gracious and Friend of horses
Farah – Joy, happiness	Jermaine – Brotherly
Fleur – Flower	Jeter – Occupational surname for a jetty, wharf worker
Geneva – Juniper tree	Joël – Yahweh is God
Giselle – Pledge, hostage	Jonas – Dove
Hildegarde – Battle protection, fortress	Joshua – Yahweh is salvation
Joëlle – God is willing, God will add	Josué – Yahweh is salvation, God is my salvation
Jolie – Pretty, beautiful	Justice – Just, fair
Julienne – Youthful, downy	Justin – Just, righteous
Juliette – Youthful	Kenzo – Strong and healthy
Lara – Famous, protection	Killian – War, strife
Leïla – Dark beauty, night	Kylian – Small, slender
Léonne – Lioness	Léandre – Lion man
Lilia – Lily	Léonel – Young lion
Lisette – Pledged to God	Loukas – Man from Lucania
Lourdes – Reference to Lourdes, France	Lukas – Man from Lucania
Madelyn – High tower, woman from Magdala	Maison – House, home
Maïa – Mother, nurse	Marceau – Young warrior
Mallory – Unlucky, unfortunate	Marcus – Mars, the Roman god of war
Margot – Pearl	Marlon – Variant of Merlin, little falcon
Marion – Star of the sea	Martial – Warlike
Maude – Powerful battler, battle-mighty	Matthias – Gift of God
Nadia – Hope, filled with hope	Matthieu – Gift of Yahweh, Gift of God
Nicolette – Victory of the people	Mercer – Occupational surname for a merchant, trader
Noémi – Pleasantness, sweetness	Naël – Thankful, praised
Normandie – Region of Normandy	Nelson – Son of Neil, son of the champion
Odette – Wealthy, rich	Rafael – God has healed
Olive – Olive tree, symbol of peace	Ronan – Little seal
Olympe – From Mount Olympus	Royal – Regal, kingly
Ophélie – Help, aid	Saber – Sword, sharp
Paloma – Dove	Sacha – Defender of mankind
Paris – City of Paris, wallet	Siméon – Hearkening, obedient
Priscilla – Ancient, venerable	Spencer – Occupational surname for a dispenser of provisions
Sabrina – From the river Severn	Sullivan – Dark-eyed, hawk-eyed
Sasha – Defender of mankind	Tao – Way, path
Serena – Serene, calm	Timéo – Honoring God, Honored by God
Simone – God is heard	Toussaint – All Saints’ Day, all saints
Sixtine – Sixth, from the sixth	Travis – At the crossroads, toll collector
Solenne – Solemn, dignified	Ulysse – French form of Ulysses
Soraya – Jewel, gem	Virgile – Wand
Vanessa – Butterfly	Warren – Game park, enclosed pasture
Violaine – Violet	Wesley – Western meadow, western wood

Cute French Names

Whether it’s a diminutive form of a traditional name or a name that sounds sweet, cute French names have a special way of adding charm to a baby name. This list of cute French names embodies the delight of the cutest of French patisseries.

Female Names	Male Names
Aimée – Beloved, loved one	Achille – Pain, lipless
Alba – Dawn, white	Adrien – From Hadria
Annie – Gracious, merciful	Aramis – Character in The Three Musketeers
Aurélia – Golden, dawn	Aubin – White, fair
Belle – Beautiful	Beau – Beautiful, handsome
Bibi – Diminutive of Elizabeth, God is my oath	Beaumont – Beautiful mountain
Bijou – Jewel	Bellamy – Good friend
Billie – Will, determination	Bleu – Blue
Blaise – Stammering, lisp	Claud – Lame, crippled
Blaize – Stammering, lisp	Clovis – Famous warrior
Bleu – Blue	Corentin – From Curentinus, the name of a Breton saint
Capucine – Nasturtium flower	Courtney – Transferred use of an English surname meaning short nose
Cassie – Unheeded prophetess	Croix – Cross
Cerise – Cherry	Cyrille – Lordly, masterful
Chanel – Channel, pipe	Edouard – Rich guard, wealthy guardian
Charlie – Free man, woman	Eli – Ascended, uplifted
Cherie – Dear, beloved	Elias – Yahweh is my God
Chloe – Green shoot	Elio – Variant of Helios, the Greek god of the sun
Christel – Follower of Christ	Elliot – Yahweh is God
Christelle – Follower of Christ	Ezio – Good condition
Clementine – Merciful, gentle	Ezra – Helper, helper of God
Cléo – Famous, glorious	Fabrice – Craftsman, artisan
Coco – Diminutive of Nicole, victory of the people	Faustin – Lucky, auspicious
Collette – Victory of the people	Félix – Lucky, fortunate
Cosette – Victory, victorious people	Freddy – Peaceful ruler, Peaceful king
Courtney – Courtier, court attendant	Gaël – Irish
Darcy – Dark one, fortress	Garnet – Dark red, deep red gemstone
Delancey – From the ancient town of Launceston	Harry – Ruler of the home, Army ruler
Dior – Golden	Harvey – Battle-worthy, eager for battle
Dulcet – Sweet, pleasant	Hervé – Army warrior
Eliana – God has answered	Hugo – Mind, spirit
Elie – God is my help	Isaïah – Yahweh is salvation, God is my salvation
Ella – Beautiful fairy, goddess	Jacob – Supplanter, holder of the heel
Elle – She, her	Jayden – Modern invented name with uncertain meaning
Elsa – Noble, God’s promise	Jean-Christophe – God is gracious and Bearer of Christ
Emmie – Universal, whole	Jean-Claude – God is gracious and Lame, crippled
Eulalie – Sweet-speaking, well-spoken	Jean-Marc – Warlike
Eve – Life, living	Jean-Pierre – God is gracious and Rock, stone
Fifi – Diminutive of Josephine, God will increase	Jean-Yves – God is gracious, yew wood
Flora – Flower	Jessé – Gift, wealth
Gable – Triangular-shaped hill	Kaïs – Variant of Kais, Kayis with uncertain meaning
Gigi – Diminutive of Georgina, farmer	Léon – Lion
Isabeau – God is my oath	Maël – Chief, prince
Jewel – Precious gemstone	Marius – From the Roman clan name Marii
Joie – Joy	Martine – Warrior of Mars, Warlike
Kiki – Nickname for names starting with K	Max – Greatest, Most excellent
Lia – Weary, tired	Maxence – Greatest
Lilly – Lily	Montague – Pointed mountain, sharp mountain
Lily – Lily	Morgan – Sea circle, great brightness
Lucile – Light, torch	Noé – Rest, comfort
Maddie – Diminutive of Madeline, high tower	Noël – Christmas, born on Christmas
Madelynn – Woman from Magdala	Noham – Derived from a Breton word meaning peace
Marietta – Bitter, wished-for child	Percy – Pierce valley, pierced valley
Maxime – Greatest, most excellent	Prosper – Fortunate, successful
Mélodie – Melody	Quincy – Estate of the fifth son, from the place called Quincy
Mimi – Diminutive of Miriam, wished-for child	Rayan – Watered, abundant
Modeste – Modest, humble	Rémy – Oarsman, rower
Morgane – Sea circle, bright sea	Robin – Fame, bright fame
Musette – Small bag, pouch	Rodolphe – Famous wolf
Neïla – Attainer of success, champion	Rolland – Renowned in the land
Ninette – Grace, favor	Romilly – Hill of the robbers
Noëlla – Christmas, born on Christmas	Roux – Red-haired, reddish-brown
Nour – Light, illumination	Sabin – A sabine
Nouvel – New, fresh	Sami – Elevated, high
Page – Attendant, servant	Sasha – Defender of mankind
Raine – Queen, sovereign	Sinclair – Clear, pure
Reine – Queen	Sully – Dark-eyed, Black-eyed
Roux – Red-haired	Sylvester – Of the forest
Sidonie – From Sidon, a city in Lebanon	Tancrède – Thought and counsel
Silvie – From the forest, woods	Téo – Gift of God, God-given
Sorrel – Reddish-brown	Théo – God-given
Sorrell – Reddish-brown	Théodore – God’s gift
Suzie – Diminutive of Susan, lily	Tiago – Supplanter, Holder of the heel
Talya – Dew from heaven, lamb	Timon – Honor, to honor
Violette – Violet	Valentin – Strong, vigorous

Fancy French Names

Fancy French names have an air of elegance, sophistication, and refinement. The names on this list are perfect for the most elegant and bourgeoisie Francophiles and their babies-to-be.

Female Names	Male Names
Adette – Noble, kind	Adélard – Noble and brave
Agathe – Good, honorable	Antonin – Priceless, invaluable
Albertine – Noble and bright	Armand – Army man, soldier
Alouette – Lark (bird)	Arnoux – Eagle ruler, Ruler with an eagle
Amalia – Industrious, hardworking	Basile – Kingly, royal
Amour – Love	Beauchamp – Beautiful field, beautiful countryside
Apolline – From Apollo, the Greek god of music and poetry	Boniface – Good fate, fortunate
Burgundy – Region in France known for its wine	Dartagnan – Fictional character in The Three Musketeers
Celestine – Heavenly	Deveraux – From the alder grove
Chantilly – From Chantilly, a town in France	Diego – Supplanter, holder of the heel
Constance – Steadfastness, constancy	Eliott – Yahweh is God
Coralie – Coral	Fabio – Bean farmer, bean grower
Emmanuelle – God is with us	Flavio – Golden, yellow-haired
Ernestine – Earnest, serious	Florentin – Blooming, flowering
Florent – Flourishing, prosperous	Florin – Flower, blooming
Florette – Small flower	François-Xavier – Frenchman, new house
Ghislaine – Pledge, hostage	Gaston – Guest, stranger
Gwendoline – White circle, fair	Gustave – Staff of the Geats, royal staff
Héloïse – Healthy, wide	Hadrien – From Hadria, dark
Honore – Honor, respect	Idris – Ardent lord, fiery lord
Honorine – Honor, respect	Isaac – He will laugh, laughter
Jeanette – Diminutive of Jeanne, meaning God is gracious	Isidore – Gift of Isis, gift of the goddess Isis
Larue – The street, the road	Jean-François – God is gracious, Frenchman
Léontine – Lioness	Jean-Paul – God is gracious and Small, humble
Léopoldine – Bold leader	Joseph – God will increase, God will add
Lizette – God is my oath	Léandro – Lion man, Lion-like
Lucille – Light	Lorenzo – Laurel, crowned with laurel
Maëlys – Beloved, wished-for child	Lucien – Light, illumination
Magdalen – Woman from Magdala	Luis – Famous warrior, Renowned fighter
Marcelline – Warlike, martial	Manuel – God is with us
Margeaux – Pearl	Mathéo – Gift of God
Margo – Pearl	Mathys – Gift of Yahweh, Gift of God
Marylou – Bitter, beloved and famous warrior	Miguel – Who is like God?
Mélisande – Honey bee, gentle strength	Naïm – Delight, comfort
Melisandre – Honey bee, gentle strength	Napoléon – Lion of Naples, new city
Mignon – Cute, darling	Noah – Rest, comfort
Mirabelle – Wondrous, admirable	Oscar – God’s spear, deer lover
Mirielle – Wondrous, admirable	Paolo – Small, Humble
Noèle – Christmas, born on Christmas	Pascale – Easter, born on Easter
Pierette – Rock, stone	Philémon – Loving, affectionate
Reinette – Queen, little queen	Philippe-Alexandre – Defending men
Roselle – Little rose	Prewitt – Variant of Pruitt with uncertain meaning
Rosemarie – Rose and bitter, beloved	Reynard – Wise, brave
Satine – Silky, satin-like	Roland – Famous land
Séraphine – Seraph, angelic	Salinger – Saddle maker
Suzette – Diminutive of Suzanne, meaning lily	Sandro – Defender of mankind
Thaïs – Bond, union	Séverin – Severe, stern
Turquoise – Precious gemstone	Sohan – Charming, pleasing
Vedette – Star, leading lady	Tanguy – Fire dog
Yseult – Fair, beautiful	Thiago – Supplanter, Holder of the heel
Yves – Yew tree	Tino – Strength, health
Zenaida – Born of Zeus, belonging to Zeus	Ugo – Mind, Intellect,, Spirit
Zéphyrine – West wind, gentle breeze	Vidal – Life, vitality

Pretty French Names

Pretty French names are renowned for their delicate beauty and graceful charm. These pretty French names are for those who want to reflect the beauty of Frances’ flowers and architecture.

Female Names	Male Names
Abélia – Breath, breathing	Abel – Breath, vapor
Abella – Breath, breathing	Adrian – Man of Adria, from Hadria
Amabel – Lovable, loving	Ames – Friend, companion
Amabelle – Lovable, loving	Antonie – Priceless, Highly praiseworthy
Amalie – Hardworking, industrious	Bayard – Chestnut, reddish-brown
Ambre – Amber, jewel	Beauregard – Beautiful gaze, beautiful countenance
Anabelle – Graceful, beautiful	Bonaventure – Good fortune, good luck
Anastasie – Resurrection, rebirth	Boris – Wolf, snow leopard
Anelise – Graced with God’s bounty	Bouvier – Oxherd, cattle herder
Arabelle – Beautiful lion	Caton – Pure, chaste
Arlette – Eagle, strong	Chevalier – Knight, horseman
Assia – Healer, soothing	Clemence – Merciful, gentle
Avril – April, springtime	Constantin – Constant, steadfast
Brie – From the region of Brie in France	Dominic – Belonging to the Lord, of the Lord
Brittany – From Brittany, a region in France	Donatien – Related to giving or gift
Camila – Attendant, servant of the temple	Dorian – Of the sea, from Doris
Chamonix – From Chamonix, a town in the French Alps	Edgar – Wealthy spear, prosperous spear
Chardonnay – Type of white wine grape	Eliot – Yahweh is God
Clarisse – Clear, bright	Éloi – Chosen one, elect
Croix – Cross	Évariste – Well-pleasing
Délia – Delicate, tender	Faron – Handsome, glorious
Délice – Delight, pleasure	Florian – Flower, blooming
Désirée – Desired, longed for	Florimond – Flower and world
Devereaux – From the place with the oaks	François-Pierre – Frenchman and stone
Eléanore – Bright, shining one	Gérald – Brave spear, Bold spear
Élénora – Bright, shining one	Gilbert – Bright pledge, bright hostage
Elinore – Bright, shining one	Hélier – Derived from the name of a Breton saint, Helerius
Ellie – Diminutive of Eleanor, bright, shining one	Herbert – Bright army, illustrious warrior
Emilia – Rival, eager	Horace – Timekeeper, hour
Emilienne – Rival	Hubert – Bright mind, bright heart
Fabienne – Bean grower, grower of beans	Ilyan – Variant of Ilian, Elian with uncertain meaning
Fabiola – Bean grower, grower of beans	Ilyes – Yahweh is God, My God is Yahweh
Frostine – Frozen, frosty	Jean-Charles – God is gracious and Free man
Georgette – Farmer, earth worker	Julian – Youthful, downy-bearded
Henrietta – Ruler of the household	Lamar – Derived from a surname meaning the sea, the lake
Jasmine – Jasmine flower, fragrant flower	Larue – The street, the road
Josette – God will add, God increases	Laurentin – From Laurentum, crowned with laurel
Katia – Pure, unsullied	Léonard – Brave lion, lion-hearted
Lilou – Lily, lily flower	Lou – Famous warrior, Renowned fighter
Louna – Moon, lunar	Lyam – Resolute protector, strong-willed warrior
Maria – Bitter, beloved	Malik – King, sovereign
Maribel – Bitter, beloved and beautiful	Marvin – Sea hill
Mariel – Bitter, beloved and God	Nathanaël – Gift of God, God has given
Maya – Illusion, enchantment	Neville – New town, new village
Mélody – Melody	Noa – Motion, Movement
Minette – Small, delicate	Noam – Pleasantness, charm
Naomi – Pleasantness, sweetness	Norman – Northman, Norseman
Odelia – Praise God, wealthy	Odilon – Rich, prosperous
Ottilie – Wealth, fortune	Orville – Gold town, gold town
Patrice – Noble, patrician	Paulin – Small, humble
Sojourner – Traveler, wanderer	Percival – Hard spear, hard destroyer
Solange – Dignified, solemn	Philibert – Bright
Soleil – Sun, sunlight	Pierre-Emmanuel – Stone and God is with us
Soline – Sun, sunlight	Pierre-Yves – Stone and yew wood
Sophia – Wisdom, wise	Renée – Reborn, Born again
Vivienne – Alive, lively	Ryan – Little king, little ruler
Yasmina – Jasmine flower, fragrant flower	Simon – He has heard, God has heard
Yvette – Yew tree	Soan – Uncertain meaning
Zenia – Hospitable, friendly	Théophane – Manifestation of God
Zoé – Life	Valentine – Strong, healthy
Eleonore – A sun ray	Vitus – Life, alive

Cool French Names

Cool names are known for their edgy and effortlessly stylish vibe. This list of names embraces the spirit of cool French naming trends and will flaunt your artistic and free-thinking side.

Female Names	Male Names
Aramis – Devoted to Mars (Roman god of war)	Axel – Father of peace, divine reward
Astrid – Divine strength, beautiful goddess	Azure – Sky blue, clear blue
Axelle – Peaceful, divine peace	Blaise – Stammerer, lisping
Azure – Sky blue, blue color	Blaize – Stutterer, One who stammers
Calais – From Calais, a city in France	Calvin – Bald, hairless
Cléa – Illustrious, famous	Cavalier – Knight, horseman
Crescent – Moon-shaped, curved	Chance – Fortune, luck
Déja – Already, previously	Dax – Dax, in southwestern France
Ember – Spark, burning coal	Eddy – Wealthy guard
Etienne – Crowned, victorious	Gage – Pledge, security
Harlequin – Multicolored, clown-like	German – Warrior
Jules – Youthful, downy-bearded	Lancelot – Lance, spear
Landry – Ruler, powerful	Logan – Little hollow, small meadow
Laramie – Tearful, weeping	Luka – From Lucania, Light-bringer
Lucette – Light, illuminated	Marin – Of the sea, from the sea
Luna – Moon, lunar	Mars – Derived from the name of the Roman god of war
Marine – From the sea	Marseilles – Derived from the French city name, Marseille
Maxim – Greatest, most excellent	Marshall – Horse servant, caretaker of horses
Monet – From the monastery, monk-like	Maxim – Greatest, most excellent
Morgana – Sea circle, sea fortress	Néo – New, recent
Mystique – Mystery, enigma	Raine – Variant of Rain, Reign with uncertain meaning
Océane – Ocean, sea	Rainier – Counsel of the army, wise warrior
Réba – Fourth-born, fourth child	Ranger – Forest guardian, forest keeper
Régine – Queenly, regal	Roman – Roman, of Rome
Roxanne – Dawn, bright	Salomon – Peaceful, Peaceable
Saber – Sword, saber	Samson – Sun, bright sun
Seychelle – From Seychelles	Talon – Claw, nail
Solstice – Sun, sunlight	Urbain – From the city, urban
Sydney – Wide island, from Saint-Denis	Xavière – New house, Bright
Toulouse – From Toulouse, a city in France	Zachary – God has remembered
Victorine – Victorious, conqueror	Zack – Yahweh remembers, God remembers
Zélie – Zealous, ardent	Zayn – Beauty, grace

Old French Names

Old French names harken back to the French Renaissance and reflect the traditions and influences of the time. These old-fashioned French names were pulled from France’s long and glorious history.

Female Names	Male Names
Angeline – Messenger, angelic	Abraham – Father of many, father of a multitude
Appoline – Strength, beauty	Aïden – Little fire, fiery
Barbara – Foreign, stranger	Alan – Rock, noble
Bernadette – Brave as a bear	Albert – Noble, bright
Blanche – White, fair	Albin – White, fair
Cassandra – Shining upon men, entangled	Alfred – Elf counsel, wise counselor
Cécilia – Blind, dim-sighted	Algernon – Bearded, with a mustache
Céleste – Heavenly, celestial	Aloïs – Variant of Louis, Aloysius with uncertain meaning
Celia – Blind	Anatol – Rising sun, east
Charlène – Strong, womanly	Anatole – Sunrise, eastern
Cheryl – Beloved, darling	Antione – Priceless, Highly praiseworthy
Claude – Lame, limping	Anton – Priceless, invaluable
Claudine – Lame, limping	Arsène – Virile, masculine
Cynthia – Moon, moon goddess	Barthélémy – Son of Talmai (furrow)
Daphné – Laurel tree, laurel wreath	Benard – Brave as a bear, Strong bear
Déborah – Bee, bee-like	Constant – Steadfast, constant
Eléna – Bright, shining one	Cosme – Order, decorum
Eloïse – Healthy, wide	Darcy – From Arcy, dark one
Esme – Loved, esteemed	Davide – Beloved, Friend
Estee – Star	Dennis – Wild, frenzied
Esther – Star, myrtle leaf	Edmond – Wealthy protector, rich defender
Evelyne – Desired, wished for	Emile – Rival, eager
France – From France, free one	Ernest – Serious, resolute
Francine – Free, from France	Eugène – Well-born, noble
Géraldine – Ruler with the spear	Eustache – Fruitful, productive
Gertrude – Spear of strength, spear maiden	Fernand – Brave traveler, Bold voyager
Gilberte – Bright pledge	Firmin – Firm, steadfast
Ginette – Virgin, maiden	Frank – Free, honest
Gladys – Country, nation	Gaétan – From Gaeta
Ida – Hardworking, laborious	Geoffroy – Peaceful territory
Inaya – Concern, care	Géraud – Rule of the spear
Irène – Peace, peaceful	Germaine – German, from Germany
Iris – Rainbow, messenger of the gods	Grégory – Vigilant, watchful
Isadora – Gift of Isis	Harold – Leader of the army
Jean – God is gracious	Honoré – Honored, respected
Joséphine – God will add, God increases	Humbert – Bright warrior, brilliant warrior
Judith – Woman of Judea, woman from Judea	Jean-Noël – God is gracious, and Christmas
Juliet – Youthful, downy-bearded	Jeremy – God will uplift
Kyara – Clear, pure	Jonathan – Yahweh has given, gift of God
Laetitia – Joy, happiness	Kamil – Perfect, complete
Laya – Musical, melodious	Lambert – Land bright, bright land
Léna – Light, shining	Lamont – The mountain, the hill
Linda – Pretty, beautiful	Léonce – Lion, lion-like
Linnet – Small bird, linnet bird	Léopold – Bold people, brave people
Lison – God is my oath, pledged to God	Leroy – The king, the king’s
Livie – Life, lively	Marcelin – Young warrior, little warrior
Lorraine – From Lorraine region	Marcelle – Young warrior, Dedicated to Mars
Louane – Renowned warrior, famous warrior	Matthew – Gift of God, gift of Yahweh
Louisiana – Famous warrior, renowned warrior	Melvin – Chief, leader
Maelle – Chief or princess	Melvyn – Council protector, Handsome friend
Marian – Of the sea, sea of bitterness	Michaël – Who is like God?, who is as God?
Maud – Mighty in battle, strength in battle	Michéle – Who is like God?
Mavis – Songbird, small bird	Mickaël – Who is like God?
Mélina – Honey, honey bee	Narcisse – Numbness, Daffodil
Miya – Temple, sacred house	Norbert – Bright north, famous north
Muriel – Bright sea, sea-bright	Normand – Man of the north, from the north
Nancy – Grace, favor	Norris – From the north, from the north woods
Odetta – Wealth, fortune	Obéron – Legendary king of the fairies
Oralie – Golden, golden-haired	Octave – Eighth, eighth-born
Paméla – Honey, honey bee	Pierre-Antoine – Stone and priceless one
Paulette – Little Paul	Pierre-Louis – Rock and Famous warrior
Pénélope – Weaver, weaver of cunning	Raoul – Wolf counsel, wise wolf
Prudence – Caution, discretion	Raphaël – God has healed
Rachel – Ewe, female sheep	Raymond – Wise protector, wise guardian
Renee – Reborn	Russell – Little red one, red-haired
Rosalie – Rose	Sidney – Wide island, wide meadow
Roseline – Little rose	Silvestre – Of the forest, wild
Sandra – Defender of mankind	Terrance – Smooth, polished
Satin – Smooth, glossy fabric	Terrence – Smooth, Polished
Théodora – Gift of God, God’s gift	Théophile – Lover of God, friend of God
Thérèse – Summer, harvester	Thibaut – Bold people
Véra – Faith, true	Vadim – Ruler, judgment
Yasmine – Jasmine flower, fragrant flower	Yaël – Mountain goat, ibex
Zenna – Hospitable, friendly	Yvon – Yew wood

Rare French Names

Whether it’s a name associated with French aristocracy or a name with a distinctively chic and luxurious vibe, rare French names are sure to make a memorable statement. These rare French names ooze luxury and class.

Female Names	Male Names
Anaise – Grace, charm	Alban – White, from Alba
Ariane – Very holy, silver	Aldric – Old, wise ruler
Augustine – Majestic, venerable	Alphonse – Noble, ready for battle
Aurel – Golden, golden-haired	Amadou – Praised, commendable
Aveline – Hazelnut, hazel tree	Amaury – Work ruler, ruler of work
Bérénice – Bringer of victory, victory bringer	Amour – Love, affection
Bernardine – Brave as a bear, bear strength	Andrée – Man, Warrior
Camélia – Camellia flower, perfect beauty	Aurelian – Golden, gilded
Candice – Pure, glowing	Avriel – God is my father, father of many
Christiane – Follower of Christ, Christian woman	Ciel – Sky, heaven
Citron – Citrus fruit, lemon	Demetre – Variant of Dimitri, follower of Demeter
Clemence – Merciful, gentle	Dieudonné – Given by God, God-given
Églantine – Wild rose, sweetbriar	Émeric – Work ruler, ruler of work
Elvéra – True, sincere	Évrard – Brave, strong boar
Eponine – Good voice, sweet sound	Gaspard – Treasurer
Faustine – Lucky, fortunate	Gervaise – Spear servant, servant with a spear
Fayette – Little fairy, small fairy	Giulian – Youthful, Downy
Fleurette – Little flower, small flower	Jacque – Supplanter, Holder of the heel
Florentine – Flowering, blooming	Jean-Luc – God is gracious and Light
Floriane – Blooming, flourishing	Kaylan – Narrow, Slender
Florine – Flower, blooming	Kilian – Church, Monastery
Georgine – Farmer, earthworker	Kyllian – Church, Monastery
Henriette – Ruler of the home, ruler of the household	Lafayette – Faithful, loyal
Hermine – Universal, whole	Leonello – Lion
Iolanthe – Violet, flower of purple color	Louka – From Lucania, Light-bringer
Jonquille – Jonquil flower, daffodil	Lumière – Light, illumination
Juliane – Youthful, downy-bearded	Lyon – Lion, lion-like
Liana – To climb, to twine	Macon – Stone, mason
Lola – Sorrows, lady of sorrows	Marcellus – Young warrior, little warrior
Lunette – Little moon, moon-shaped	Maximilien – Greatest, most excellent
Marceline – Dedicated to Mars the Roman god of war, warlike	Melchior – King, ruler
Marielle – Bitter, rebellious	Merle – Blackbird, thrush
Mariette – Bitter, rebellious	Nestor – Traveler, returner
Modestine – Modest, humble	Rupert – Bright fame, renowned
Ninon – Grace, charm	Sixte – Sixth, sixth-born
Octavie – Eighth, eighth-born	Tavin – Variant of Tavian meaning beloved, dear
Olivette – Olive, olive tree	Thayer – Brickmaker, potter
Ottoline – Wealthy, fortunate	Thoreau – From the village of Thoreau
Romilly – From the Roman settlement	Timothée – Honoring God, honored by God
Rosette – Little rose, rosebud	Ulisses – Variant of Ulysses meaning wrathful, hateful
Severine – Severe, strict	Valérian – Strong, vigorous
Sigourney – Daring, adventurous	Vianney – Viennese
Tatiana – Fairy queen, princess	Villiers – Town dweller, from the town
Thea – Gift from God	Younes – Variant of Younis, Jonah meaning dove
Valériane – Healthy, strong	Zacharie – God remembers

Names of Famous French Men and Women

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel founded her namesake brand Chanel, an internationally renowned fashion house. She created chic and wearable designs that helped define different style eras, from the catwalk to the sidewalk. The French name Gabrielle is the feminine form of a Hebrew name meaning ‘man of God.’

Napoleon Bonaparte is one of history’s most outstanding military leaders. He proved his military prowess during the French Revolution, was a leader of the early French Republic, and served as Emperor of the French. His tactics are studied to this day. Napoleon is a French name of Italian origin meaning ‘lion of Naples.’

Claude Monet was a renowned painter credited for founding impressionism. As an impressionist artist, his works sought to depict how he perceived the colors and impact of nature. Many of his paintings are of the French countryside. The French name Claude comes from Latin and means ‘strong-willed.’

Brigitte Bardot, born in France in 1934, is a retired model, singer, and actress whose height of fame in the 1950s and 1960s cemented her as one of this century’s most significant sex symbols. She was awarded numerous accolades for her acting. The name Brigitte is the French variation of a Celtic name meaning’ strength.’

Kylian Mbappé Lottin was born in France in 1998 and played soccer for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. He has played in two World Cups, and his skills have earned him many professional awards. The name Kylian is of Irish origin and means ‘war.’

References

Information from The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) which collects, analyses, and publishes information on French baby names was used in the collection of this data. If you are interested in learning more about French names, The New York Times published an article on modern trends of French First names, as well as information regarding illegal French baby names.