3089 Classy French Baby Names For Your Darlings

From the most classic to the trendiest names, leaving you in awe.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

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Edited by Vidya Tadapatri, MSc (Biotechnology) Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 5 years

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Delicious Brie cheese, the magnificent Eiffel Tower, and the sophisticated Chanel fashion house, France is indeed the country of cultural richness. And just like French history, even the French baby names are a fusion of honor, strength, and elegance. The names have an element of European romance, while being relatively uncommon outside the French-speaking nations.

In polite usage, a French person’s name is preceded by Monsieur for male, Madame for females, Mademoiselle for unmarried females, Mondamoiseau for young gentleman, and Maître for both men and women. French people have one or two given names, of which one is used in daily life, and the other is used in official documents. Traditionally, a French baby is given names taken from the Roman Catholic calendar of saints. In regions like Corsica and Brittany, local names are used. And the immigrants are free to use names that represent their culture or religion.

French baby names have a timeless charm and they often express the beauty of the country’s art, literature, and landscapes. These names are also inspired by the names of historical figures. Names like Alicia evokes a sense of nobility and pristine nature. The name Oliver, which often signifies the olive tree, represents the ethereal and sublime landscapes of the country. Oliver has been among the top ten baby names in the US in the year 2022 (1). French baby names are known for their melodious sounds. For example, names like Ellinor and Jacqui have an appealing rhythm and roll off the tongue.

With so many gorgeous French names, it could get tough to find the perfect name for your son or daughter. But this post has it covered for you. Below is our collection of French boy names and French girl names along with their meanings. Why wait? Pick the one which you think will suit your daughter or son best.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Olivia	Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Emma	Girl	Whole; Universal
Charlotte	Girl	Free person; Petite
Oliver	Boy	Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Benjamin	Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Lucas	Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Mateo	Boy	God's gift
Daniel	Boy	God is my judge
Mason	Boy	Stone worker
Ethan	Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong

Emily	Girl	To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival
Samuel	Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Joseph	Boy	He will add; Praise
Grace	Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Emilia	Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Isaac	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Charles	Boy	Free man
Isaiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation; God saves
Claire	Girl	Clear; Bright; Famous
Nathan	Boy	Gift of God; God has given; He gave

Nolan	Boy	Champion; Famous; Loud; Descendant of Nuallán
Alice	Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Aaron	Boy	Exalted; High mountain
Christian	Boy	A Christian; Follower of Jesus Christ
Axel	Boy	Father is peace
Sophie	Girl	She who is wise
Jonathan	Boy	Gift of God
Caroline	Girl	Man; Independent woman
Allison	Girl	Of noble birth; Nobility
Sarah	Girl	Princess; Noblewoman

Beau	Boy	Beautiful; Handsome
Austin	Boy	Grand; Majestic; To grow
Xavier	Boy	New house; Bright
Iris	Girl	Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye
Eloise	Girl	Healthy; Wide; Whole; Sun; Famous warrior
Lyla	Girl	Night; Night beauty; Delicate; Sport; Drama; From the island
Rose	Girl	Rose; Flower; Famous type
Isabelle	Girl	My God is an oath; Devoted to God
Vincent	Boy	Conquering
Alexis	Girl	Defender; Helper

Brielle	Girl	God is my strength
Adalynn	Girl	Noble; Of a noble kind
Eden	Girl	A place of delight; Pleasure; Plain; Wealthy bear
Josie	Girl	God will give; God is gracious
Magnolia	Girl	Name of Flower
Adalyn	Girl	Noble; Of a noble kind
Calvin	Boy	Bald
Isabel	Girl	God is my oath
Arthur	Boy	Bear king; Bear
Faith	Girl	Trust; Belief

Jasmine	Girl	Jasmine flower
Juliette	Girl	Youthful; Jove's child; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
Justin	Boy	Fair; Just
Brandon	Boy	Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom
Kevin	Boy	Handsome by birth; Gentle; Lovable; Fair; Peace
Olive	Girl	Olive tree
Rosalie	Girl	Rose; Beautiful rose; Rose garden
Amy	Girl	Beloved; To love
Nicolas	Boy	Victory of the people
Aubree	Girl	Elf ruler; King of the elves

Sara	Girl	Lady; Princess; Noblewoman
Alan	Boy	Handsome; Little rock
Alaina	Girl	Little rock; Handsome; Torch; Shining light; Moon
Noelle	Girl	Christmas; Birthday
Selena	Girl	Moon, Sky; Heaven
Jasper	Boy	One who brings treasure; Treasurer
Victor	Boy	Winner or conqueror
Grant	Boy	Large; Tall; Big; Great
Patrick	Boy	Nobleman
Richard	Boy	Brave ruler; Mighty king; Firm ruler

Emilio	Boy	Rival; Eager
Oscar	Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Vera	Girl	Faith; Summer; Valor; Foreign
Evangeline	Girl	Good news
Rachel	Girl	Ewe; Female sheep
Adelyn	Girl	Noble
Simon	Boy	Hearing; Listening; Flat-nosed
Louis	Boy	Famous warrior
Cash	Boy	Money; Money box
Vanessa	Girl	Butterfly

Lola	Girl	Sorrows
Alayna	Girl	Handsome; Little rock; Torch
Jane	Girl	God is gracious
Ronan	Boy	Little seal; A pledge; An oath
Lucille	Girl	Light; To shine
Damien	Boy	Master; To tame; Divine power
Camille	Girl	Young ceremonial attendant; Priest's helper
Ember	Girl	Spark; Precious stone
Joanna	Girl	God is gracious
Jocelyn	Girl	Member of a Gauts tribe; Joyful

Juliet	Girl	Young; Youthful; Jove's child; Devoted to Jove; Downy-bearded
Daxton	Boy	Name of a town in France; Leader
Martin	Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Josue	Boy	God is my salvation
Vivienne	Girl	Alive; Life
Madilyn	Girl	Of Magdala; Tower
Manuel	Boy	God is with us
Ophelia	Girl	Help; Benefit
Colson	Boy	Victory of the people; Swarthy; Son of Col
Nina	Girl	Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong

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French baby names are sublime and sweet. From the classic to the modern, this compiled list has names for every parent. French names are rooted in the country’s culture and each name has a story to tell. Blending all the magical components of the country, these names will mesmerize anyone and leave a lasting impression. Each name in this list holds special significance with regard to its roots and meanings. So select a name that catches your fancy and suits your tiny tot well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name "Gabriel" in French?

Gabriel is derived from the Hebrew name Gavriel, meaning God is my strong man. It is the name of an archangel in Hebrew tradition.

2. What are some French baby names starting with the letter M?

Some beautiful French names that begin with M are Madeleine (French version of Magdalene, meaning of Magdala), Magali (Occitan version of Magdalene), Marc (French version of the Latin Marcus, meaning Mars or male), Marie (derived from Mary meaning beloved), and Martin (derived from the Roman Martinus related to Mars meaning male).

3. What are some French baby names that are easy to pronounce?

Baby names like Emma (meaning whole or great), Lucas (a habitational name meaning from Lucania), Chloe (an epithet of the Greek goddess Demeter meaning green shoot), Nathan (derived from the Hebrew name Natan meaning he gave), and Henri (derived from the Germanic name Heimrich meaning home ruler) are easy to pronounce. They consist of only two syllables and most of them are easy to spell as well.

4. What are some French baby names with a historical significance?

French baby names like Louis (inspired after several kings of France), Napoleon (after Napoleon Bonaparte), Jeanne (inspired by Joan of Arc), Marie (inspired by Marie Antoinette), and Charles (named after several kings of France) are of historical significance.

5. What are some gender-neutral French baby names?

Certain French baby names like Remy (meaning oarsman), Camille (meaning religious helper), Sasha (diminutive of Aleksandr or Aleksandra meaning defending men), Alix (derived from a Germanic name meaning noble or nobility), and Marie (derived ultimately from Mary meaning beloved) are unisex names.

6. What are some French baby names suitable for twins?

Twin names like Gabriel-Samuel (God is my strong man-name of God), Léa-Emma (weary-great), Alice-Louise (nobility-famous in battle), and Hugo-Louis (spirit-famous in battle) are good choices. These names complement each other not only phonetically but also in terms of their meaning.

7. What are some French baby names popular among non-French speakers?

Several names like Aaron (exalted), Arthur (bear), Bernadette (firm and bear), Christine (to anoint), Félix (lucky, successful), and Marie (beloved) are popular among non-French speakers. These languages include English, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Dutch, and German.

8. What are some French baby names with a romantic or poetic feel?

French baby names like Amour (love), Aimée (beloved), Esmé (esteemed, loved), Philidore (gift of love), and Lestan (love stone) have romantic and poetic meanings.

Infographic: Elegant French Baby Names With Meanings

French baby names evoke a sense of elegance with their deep-rooted history. These names are often inspired by the country’s traditions, cultures, people, art, and philosophy. These names have significant meanings and intriguing roots. If you are fond of names with depth and grace, then check this infographic, where we have presented some of the most charming French names for babies.

sophisticated french baby names with meanings(infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Top 10 baby names of 2022.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.