276 Old French Baby Names That Represent Timeless Elegance

Celebrate tradition with timeless, graceful, and captivating names of Gallic origin.

Written by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Fact-checked by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Old French baby names hold echoes from long ago, bringing thoughts of brave knights, magical castles, and storytellers to mind. These names show the beauty of the French language and history, reflecting timeless elegance beyond fads. We feel that the French have a Midas touch. Everything they touch turns to gold or stylish due to their chic influence. Even the classic French names bowl us over. And we are not talking about the trendy French names. Instead, we are referring to the Old French names. Old French was the Gallo-Romance dialect continuum from the 9th to the 14th century. Collectively, it was known as Langues d'oïl (1). The most common names of this time are associated with saints and religious figures. Hyphenated names were and are still very popular with the French. These names are composed of two names from the same gender. And the diminutive suffixes (-et) or (–ot) are added to the boys' names, and (–otte) or (–ette) are added to the girls' names. In France, people usually have one or more first and last names. They use one first name in daily life and the other only for official purposes. Unlike English names, there are no middle names. People don't use initials for their second or other first names. While most Old French names have been simplified with phonetic spellings, original Old French names have an element of originality with a stylish twist. From royal courts to rustic villages, these names have graced individuals from all walks of life. Below is our collection of Old French baby names sorted by gender, meaning, and origin. Browse the list and pick an adorable name that best mirrors your child's personality.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Archer	Boy	Bowman
Russell	Boy	A little red one; Red-haired
Sean	Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Esme	Boy	Esteemed; Love; Supreme
Justice	Boy	Righteous; Just; Fair
Curtis	Boy	Courteous; Polite; Well-bred
Chanel	Girl	Dweller by the canal; Bottle-maker
Avalynn	Girl	Bird; Alive; Desired; Lake; Sound; Voice
Joyce	Girl	Lord; Rejoice
Lyle	Boy	Island; One from the island

Ollie	Boy	Ancestor's descendant; Olive; Olive tree; All guard
Jurnee	Girl	Of the day
Evalyn	Girl	Life; Desired; Bird; Hazelnut; Lake
Warner	Boy	Cautious army; Defender
Barron	Boy	A title of nobility; Son of strength; Servant; Warrior
Sir	Unisex	Lord; Master; Sir
Slater	Boy	Slate maker; Slate hewer; Shard
Courtney	Girl	Short; Short nose
Tyce	Boy	High-spirited; Fire; Firebrand
Branch	Boy	Paw; Extension

Gauge	Boy	Measurer; Pledge
Elanor	Girl	Star sun; Noble one
Shamar	Boy	Ready for battle; Fennel; The pool; Beauty; To watch; To guard
Olivier	Boy	Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; Planter of olive trees; All cautious
Eimy	Girl	Beloved; Well-loved; Eternal beauty
Esmee	Girl	Esteemed; Loved
Usher	Boy	Protector; Doorman
Olyvia	Girl	Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Oberon	Boy	Elf ruler; King of elves; Royal bear
Olliver	Boy	Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious; Elf warrior

Demar	Unisex	Marsh
Fae	Girl	Fairy; Magical; Enchanted
Macon	Boy	Strength; Power; Shield; One who makes things; Mason
Essie	Girl	Star; Evening star
Corwin	Boy	Leather; Residing near the white castle
Richmond	Boy	Rich hill; Strong mountain
Nature	Boy	To be born; Originate; Character; Nature; Disposition
Roux	Girl	Red-haired person; Red
Auburn	Girl	Reddish-brown; Golden; Fair; Blonde
Sayler	Unisex	Sailor; Acrobat; Dancer

Russel	Boy	A little red one
Maycie	Girl	Weapon
Maebry	Girl	Mud hill
Elayne	Girl	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Light; Shining
Hutchinson	Unisex	Son of Huchin or Huchon
Future	Unisex	Going to be; Yet to be; To be; To Grow; To come into being
Lamir	Unisex	The pool
Emmelyn	Girl	Peaceful home; Whole; Great
Cortney	Boy	Short; Short nose; From the court
Rayson	Unisex	Son of Ray; Reason; Intelligence

Esma	Girl	Supreme; Esteemed; Loved
Norris	Boy	From the north; Foster mother; Northerner; Wet nurse
Russ	Boy	A little red one
Cotton	Boy	A cottage or hut; Coat (of mail)
Garner	Boy	Granary; The keeper of grain; Gardener; Guard
Maeson	Boy	Stoneworker; To make
Daevon	Boy	Descendant of Damhan; Divine; Fortune teller
Gardner	Boy	Keeper of the garden; Warrior
Ezme	Girl	Esteemed; Loved
Cort	Boy	Brave counsel; From the court

Lain	Unisex	Son of the servant of St Fillan; Wool; Lane
Journee	Boy	Travel; Day
Eymi	Girl	Beloved
Joya	Girl	Joyful; Rejoicing; Jewel
Abrie	Unisex	To shelter
Devone	Unisex	Calf; Dark; Divine
Bellami	Unisex	Handsome friend; Fine friend; Good friend
Curt	Boy	Brave counsel; Courteous
Talmadge	Boy	Pouch wallet; A beggar's bag; Mask
Arbor	Boy	Lawn; Flower bed; Tree; Herbs

Roe	Boy	Roe; Striped; Spotted; King; Corner; Clearing; Red-haired
Rouse	Unisex	Red-haired
Demaree	Boy	From the marsh
Raynie	Unisex	Queen; Counsel; Advice
Olli	Boy	Ancestor's descendant; Olive; Olive tree; All guard
Staley	Unisex	Staff clearing; Resolute; Reliable; Fish trap
Burrell	Boy	A type of woolen cloth; Brown
Sina	Boy	Mount Sinai; Treasure; God is gracious; Bear; New victory; White-haired
Dragon	Unisex	Huge serpent; Dragon; I see
Durand	Boy	Enduring

Burgess	Boy	City dweller
Craven	Boy	Descendant of Crabhan; Defeated
Mushka	Unisex	Drew out; Nutmeg
Durant	Boy	Enduring
Garnett	Boy	Hinge; Protection; Precious red gemstone
Gaylord	Boy	High-spirited; Joyful; Boisterous
Beryl	Girl	Green stone
Mystic	Unisex	Mysterious; Of secret rites; Secret
Amybeth	Girl	Beloved; God is my oath
DeLorean	Girl	Living among laurels

Merly	Girl	Blackbird; Sea fortress
Chalmers	Boy	A servant; Chamber; Room; Scarf
Cordon	Unisex	Ribbon; A protective barrier to enclose an area
Sinead	Girl	God is gracious; God gratified
Channon	Boy	Wolf's babies; Cleric
Cottrell	Boy	Cottager
Cruse	Unisex	Hollow; Bold; Seller of jugs; Fierce; Curly
Warda	Girl	Rose; Guardian
Devonne	Unisex	Divine; Dark
Farren	Boy	Iron grey

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Old French names have a timeless appeal and charm. They reflect France's rich historical and cultural heritage and treasured traditions. Whether it's their tricky yet stylish pronunciation or rich cultural tapestry, Old French baby names are class apart. From names rooted in religion to those steeped in aristocracy, Old French names offer numerous options to suit different preferences. Our list above compiles baby names with meanings to help you find a name that adds a classic touch to your little one's personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the unique French name?

Examples of unique French baby names include Basile (king, royal), Émilien (the eager, French form of the name Aemilius), Maël (meaning prince or a chief), Pascal (related to Easter and Passover), Valentin (strong and healthy), and Sacha (defender), among others. They are probably unique since they have regal connotations and an old-world charm.

2. What is the meaning of the name "Jacques" in old French?

In Old French, the name Jacques is the French form of Iacobus and bears the meaning ‘God is merciful’ or ‘God will protect.’

3. What are some old French baby names that are gender-neutral?

Some examples of unisex French baby names include Andrea (meaning force or courage), Candide (meaning white), Elalois (meaning desirable), Gene (meaning wellborn), and Lois ( meaning more desirable). They are enchanting and have profound meanings, suitable for boys and girls.

Infographic: Wondrous Old French Baby Names

Step into a world of timeless charm with old French baby names. Each name carries a rich history and a touch of elegance, connecting your child to a legacy of beauty and culture. Go through the infographic below and choose a name for your newborn that resonates with your beliefs and tastes. Lastly, don’t forget to save and share it with others!

Classic French Names For Your Chirpy Little One (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.

Maintenance and Revitalization of Gallo.
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/routledge-handbooks/?context=rho

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.