100+ Most Beautiful French Girl Names And Their Meanings

  • Adrien Renault
    Written byAdrien Renault
  • Read time18 mins
  • Comments1
100+ Most Beautiful French Girl Names And Their Meanings

The subtleties and depth of meaning of French names for girls are profound.

Their etymology goes back generations.

Class. Elegance. Sophistication.

The French language carries some beautiful nuances with a rich history, making it a truly unique language.

This is what makes French names for girls so special.

Choosing a French name for a girl can be a challenge, and that’s why I created this post.

Keep reading to see my list of the best French names for girls.

Facts about female names in French

Before I get started with my list, there are a few things to note about popular French names for girls.

First, the etymology of many French girl names has religious origins (Catholicism).

This is due to the tradition of giving children names from the Roman Catholic calendar of saints and laws that remained until recently. After 1966 (when these laws were changed), parents were given more freedom to be flexible with their children’s names.

From 1993 onward, all restrictions were lifted and to this day, French parents can give their children a name of their choice.

Also, keep in mind that French names for girls are also based on adjectives and other descriptive meanings.

The name Claire, for example, has connotations of the word ‘clear’ in English, and there are many other examples of names that are derived from descriptive meanings.

I’ve included these in my list below.

Finally, one interesting, fun fact about some French girl names is that they have been absorbed into the English language and their English forms sometimes have shortened versions.

Jaqueline, for example, can be shortened to ‘Jackie’ in English.

With that, let’s take a look at the top 100+ trendy French names for girls below.

French names for girls listed alphabetically

I’ve listed the French names for girls alphabetically from A to Z below.

There’s a good mix of popular/trending, uncommon, cute and meaningful names here.

I also have provided the etymology/meaning of the name and how it should be pronounced.

French names starting with A

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Annettea-net

This French girl’s name means ‘gracious’ in English. It also means ‘compassionate’ or ‘merciful’. Annette has many variations, such as Anette (with one ‘n’).

Aurelieo-re-li

Aurelie derives from the Latin name ‘Aurelia’. It means ‘golden’ or ‘the golden one’ and has connotations of purity and strength.

Audreyo-dre

Meaning ‘noble strength’, Audrey is an Anglo-Norman name that was very popular in the 2000s.

Auroreo-Roh-re

The etymology of Aurore goes back to the Roman gods but is used frequently in France. It means ‘goddess of the dawn’ and translates to English from the French language as ‘dawn’.

Antoinettean-twa-net

Antoinette means ‘deserving of praise’. It can also mean ‘the priceless one’ and refers to being valuable. It is a name made famous by the French queen, Marie Antoinette.

Alizeal-iz

The French girl’s name Alize means ‘noble’, ‘honourable’ or ‘the noble one’. This is also a variation of the name Alizé and its English equivalent is Alice.

Améliea-me’-li

Amélie means ‘tenacious’ ‘determined’ or ‘hardworking’. The English version of this name is ‘Amelia’.

Amaliea-ma-li

A similar French variation of Amélie, Amalie also means ‘hardworking’. It can mean ‘inquisitive’ or ‘curious’ as well.

Anaëllea-na-el

In a similar way to Annette, this French name also means ‘gracious’ or ‘she who is merciful’.

Angelinean-juh-leen

With connotations of the French word ange, meaning ‘angel’, Angeline means ‘messenger’. ‘Angelina’ is a variation of this name — a name well-recognised due to the famous actress Angelina Jolie.

Annabelleann-uh-bell

This French girl’s name means ‘adorable’ or ‘lovable’. It combines the Hebrew name ‘Anna’ (meaning grace), with the French word belle, which means ‘beautiful’.

Avrilav-rill

There are a few variations of this French girl’s name, including Avriel. It translates to ‘April’ from French and has connotations of spring or new life.

Aelisai-lish

Is Aelis the right name for your baby girl? Meaning ‘noble’, Aelis also has connotations of goodness and graciousness.

Axelleack-selhAxelle is a French girl’s name meaning ‘peace’ or ‘tranquility’.

French names starting with B

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Béatricebe-a-tris

The French girl’s name Beatrice means ‘joyful one’. There is a variation of this name, which is Béatrix.

Brigittebree-zheet

Brigitte is a French girl’s name meaning ‘strength’. It has connotation of power or authority. The name was made famous with the 2001 film Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Blancheblanzch

Blanche translates to English as ‘white’. It connotes purity or virtue.

Bernadetteber-nuh-dEHt

The French girl’s name Bernadette means ‘courageous’. It also means ‘brave’ or ‘valiant, in a similar way to the name Léonie. (See Léonie for more details).

Bellebel

Featured in the name Annabelle the name Belle also means ‘beautiful’ or ‘pretty one’.

French names starting with C

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Chloécuh-low-é

Chloé is a popular French female name. It means ‘blossoming’, or ‘growing’ and has a few alternative spellings such as ‘Cloe’. The fact that it’s the name of a French perfume shows how popular this name is.

Charlottesharl-ot

Charlotte is a French girl’s name that means ‘strong’, or ‘bold’. It is the female version of the name Charles and is popular in Ireland and the United Kingdom too.

Clarissekla-ris

Clarisse is a variation of the French girl’s name Claire. It means ‘shining’ or ‘clear’. The variation Clarissa is also popular.

Celestesuh-lest

The French girl’s name Celeste is derived from the Latin — ‘Caelestis’. It means heavenly and is used as a popular name in France.

Célinesee-leeyn

Similar to the name Celeste, Céline also means ‘from the heavens’ or ‘from the sky’.

Camillecah-mee

Camille is a French female name meaning ‘perfect’, or ‘immaculate’.

Clémenceklé-mans

‘Full of mercy’ is the meaning of this French girl’s name. It is derived from the Latin — ‘Clemens’ and is used as a popular French girl’s name.

Coralineco-ruh-leen

This French girl’s name means ‘pearl’, or ‘coral’ as it’s derived from the Latin word ‘corallium’.

Cezannesay-zan

In a similar way to Fleur, this French name means ‘flower’. It has connotations of femininity, grace, and natural beauty.

Chantalshaun-tal

Chantal is derived from the word chanter. It means ‘to sing’, and can also mean ‘she who sings’.

French names starting with D

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Delphinedel-fin

The etymology of this name stems from the word Delphi which, in Greek mythology, refers to the sanctuary of Apollo. The name Delphine also means ‘dolphin’ in French.

Danielledan-yel

This French girl’s name has a religious meaning. It means ‘God is my judge’. It might remind you of the male name Daniel, but this female name has the stress on the second half of the name.

Dominiquedom-in-ik

Dominique is a French name that also has religious connotations. It means ‘from/of the Lord’.

French names starting with E

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Élodieél-od-iThe French name Élodie means ‘wealth’ or ‘riches’.
Esméees-mé-e

Esmée is a French girl’s name that means ‘loved, or ‘beloved’. It can mean ‘cherished one’ or ‘she who is beloved’, and is derived from the French verb esmer.

Emelinee-mil-in

Is your baby an Emeline? This French name means ‘hardworking’ or ‘determined’.

ÈveèvThe French name Ève means ‘source of life’.
Estelleest-el

The name Estelle has its origins in the Latin word ‘stella’ It was used in Old French and means ‘star’.

Éliseél-iz

Élise is the shortened version of the name Elizabeth. It means ‘God is my pledge’ or ‘God is my promise’.

Elaineel-jan

Meaning ‘shining light’ Elaine is a French girl’s name that is used a lot in English speaking countries. A French variation of this name is Hélène, which is slightly more traditional.

Edwigeed-wizj

The meaning of the French name Edwige is ‘battler’, ‘fighter’ or ‘warrior’. It has connotations of courage and fearlessness.

Éleonoree-lo-nohr

Similar to Elaine, Éléonore means ‘shining light’ or ‘bright light’.

French names starting with F

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Francinefrã-sin

This French girl’s name is particularly French! It means ‘from France’ and is a female equivalent to the male name François.

Fleurfloer

Fleur is a French girl’s name that means ‘flower’ in English. It has connotations of blossoming or blooming and suggests natural beauty.

Fleurinefloer-in

Just like the name Fleur, Fleurine also means ‘flower’ or ‘flourishing’.

Florentineflo-ran-tin

With its origins in the Latin word ‘florens’, Florentine means ‘prosperous’ or ‘blossoming’. This name is also similar to Fleur and Fleurine, as it can mean ‘flower’ — which is what these names also mean.

Felicityfi-lis-i-ti

The word ‘felicitations’ shows what this French girl’s name means. It has connotations of happiness and luck. It can also mean ‘great fortune’.

Françoisefrhan-swaz

Françoise is the female French equivalent to the male name François. It means ‘free’ or ‘from France’.

Faustinefo-stineJust like Felicity, Faustine means ‘fortunate one’.

French names starting with G

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Gabriellegab-ri-jel

Gabrielle, which is the female equivalent of Gabriel means ‘my strength is God’, or ‘man of God’.

Géraldinegé-rhal-dinThe French girl’s name Géraldine means ‘ruler with a spear’.

French names starting with H

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Harrietta-ree-yetHarriett means ‘keeper of the home’ or ‘ruler of the household’.
Hélèneeh-len

Hélène is a French girls name that means ‘light’. It is derived from the ancient Greek, meaning ‘torch’, and is popular in France.

French names starting with I

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Inésin-es

Inés is a French female name with religious connotations meaning ‘pure’ or ‘holy’. It is popular in France and other countries like Spain.

Ingridin-ghrid

This girl’s name used in France means ‘beauty’ or ‘she who is beautiful’.

Imèneim-en

Is Imène the perfect French girl’s name for your baby? This name has religious origins — it means ‘she who has faith’ or ‘believer’.

Isabelleiz-a-bel

Isabelle is a French name that means ‘promised to God’, or ‘loyal to God’.

French names starting with J

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Jacquelineja-ki-lin

The French girl’s name Jacqueline means ‘one who succeeds or supersedes’.

Joséphinejo-ze-fin

Joséphine has an English equivalent with the same spelling (without the accent mark). This French female name has religious connotations and means ‘God will multiply’.

Julietteju-lee-et

Juliette is a name for French girls meaning ‘young’, or ‘full of youth’. It’s the diminutive of the French name Julie.

Janelleja-nel

This name has religious connotations. It is a French girl’s name that means ‘gift of God’. It can mean ‘God is amiable’ or ‘God is kind’ as well.

Jeannejan

Jeanne has several English equivalents such as ‘Jean’ and ‘Jane’. It has a similar meaning to Janelle and means ‘God is gracious’.

Jolenejo-leen

This French girl’s name is often used in its shorter form Jolie. In French, this means ‘beautiful’.

French names starting with L

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Lourdesloord

Lourdes as a name was taken from the French town, also named Lourdes. It was a popular name from the 50s until the year 2000.

Laetitialae-tis-ya

Could this be the name for your beautiful baby girl? Laetitia is a French girl’s name that means ‘happiness’ or ‘joy’.

LéonielE-on-ee

This bold French name, Léonie has its origins in the word lionne. It means ‘lion’ and has connotations of bravery, or courage.

Louiselweez

Louise is a French girl’s name — the female equivalent of the name Louis. It means ‘warrior’ and connotes bravery.

Laureloor

The English equivalent of this French girl’s name is Laura. Laure was derived from the Latin word ‘laurel’, which — in Greek mythology — was considered holy by Apollo.

Lilianeli-lyun

The French name Liliane originates from a flower. The flower it is derived from is the iris flower (the king’s flower), which is considered a royal flower, though some claim the royal flower is a lily.

Luneluun

Lune is a name that translates to ‘moon’ in English from the French la lune. It was taken from the Roman goddess of the moon, who was also named Luna.

Lilouli-lu

The name Lilou was taken from the flower — the lily. It also is a shortened version of the name Liliane.

Lorraineloh-rAIn

The French girl’s name Lorraine was derived from the former French region in the north east of the country, which is now a part of the Grand Est location.

French names starting with M

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Mariannemahri-an

This French name brings together two individual French names — Marie (a variation of the Latin name ‘Mary’) and Anne which means ‘grace’. It was popular in the 18th century and has religious connotations.

Merveillemehr-vey

This French name has its origins in the Old French language dating back to before the 9th century. It means ‘miracles’ in French, but also comes from the Latin word ‘mirabilia’. It connotes something ‘miraculous’, or ‘full of wonder’.

Mélanieme-la-ni

In 2004 this was one of the most popular French names for girls. Its etymology lies in the Greek word ‘melaina’ which means ‘dark’, or ‘black’.

Michellemi-shell

The female equivalent to the French name Michel, Michelle means ‘who follows God’, or ‘who is a gift from God’. It is a popular name due to its religious connotations.

Madeleinemae-duh-lihn

Madeleine is a French female name that is a version of the word ‘Magdalene’. It means ‘from Magdala’, and is drawn from the Biblical character Mary Magdalene. This name was made popular by Ludwig Bemelmans’ children’s books — the renowned Madeline series, which was made into a television series too.

Moniquemo-neek

The name Monique is a French name that means ‘wise’. It is now a very popular name in English countries.

French names starting with N

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Nathaliena-ta-li

This girl’s name has its origins in the French word natalé, which means ‘born’. It also comes from the Latin word ‘natalia’ and means ‘born on Christmas’.

Nicoletteni-ko-let

This diminutive of Nicole is a French girl’s name that means ‘the people’s victory’.

NinonnI-non

The etymology of the French name Ninon is from Hebrew. This name means ‘grace’, or ‘gracious’.

Noémieno-E-mi

There is a variation of this French girl’s name that comes from Hebrew — that variation is Naomi. The name Noémie means ‘pleasant’, ‘she who pleases’ or ‘affable’.

Naëllena’-elle

Naëlle has a religious meaning. The name means ‘God has provided’ and connotes blessings. A variation of this name includes Anaëlle, which means ‘gracious’, or ‘grace’.

Ninetteni-net

Ninette is another name with religious meaning. This French name means ‘favoured by God’.

French names starting with O

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Odileoh-deel

Odile is a French girl’s name meaning ‘prosperous’. It also means ‘fortunate one’ or ‘she who is wealthy’.

Océaneoh-see-en

This French name means ‘of the ocean’, and translates to English from French as ‘ocean’.

Odetteoh-det

Odette has two meanings. It is the diminutive form of the name Oda. It also means ‘wealthy’ or ‘prosperous’, which is similar to the French name Odile.

French names starting with P

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Paulinepaw-leen

There are a few other variations of the French name Pauline, incliding Paulette and Paula. The name means ‘modest’, or ‘humble’. The English equivalent of Pauline is ‘Paulina’, and the name is a female equivalent to the name Paul.

Philomènefil-oh-men

Philomène is a French female name that has two meanings. It can mean ‘beloved’ or ‘friend’ — which comes from the Greek word ‘filos’. It can also mean ‘strong’, ‘she who has strength’ or ‘force’.

Perlepehrl

This French girl’s name translates from French to English as ‘pearl’.

French names starting with R

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Rochellerho-shell

Containing the French noun roche, which means ‘rock’ in English, Rochelle means ‘solid’, ‘strong’ or ‘like a rock’.

Raphaëlleraf-a-el

Raphaëlle has a religious definition. It means ‘God heals’ or ‘God will rectify’. It is the female version of the name Raphael and the English version of this French name is Raphaela.

Roxanerhok-san

This French girl’s name means ‘dawn’. It is derived from the name Roxana, a frequently used ancient Greek name.

Réginerhe-zheen

This regal French name means ‘queen’. The English and Latin versions of this name is Regina — and the latter language (latin) is the origin of its definition.

Rosaleerho-sa-lee

The French girl’s name Rosalee means ‘beautiful rose’ or ‘rose garden’. It connotes beauty and is a popular French name derived from the Latin for ‘rose’ — which is ‘rosa’.

French names starting with S

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Sophieso-fi

This popular French girl’s name means ‘wise’, ‘wisdom’ or ‘skilled. There are a few main variations of this name, including Sofía and Sophia. The former is a popular Spanish name, the latter is popular in English-speaking countries.

Solangesol-ange

The French name Solange was given to a French saint in the 9th century. It has a religious connotation and means ‘pious’, ‘spiritual’, or ‘religious’.

Simonesi-MOnSimone is a French name that means ‘hark’ or ‘God has listened’.

French names starting with V

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Violettevj-oh-let

Violette has its origins in Old French and Greek. Its meaning isn’t complex — as it means ‘purple flower’. Some variations of the name Violet, which is popular in France, include the English name Violet.

Vivienneviv-yehn

The name Vivienne, which is derived from the French verb vivre, means ‘alive’ or ‘vivacious’

Véroniquevehr-o-nic

Véronique is a French female name meaning ‘victorious one’, or ‘she who is victorious’.

French names starting with Z

French NamePronunciationMeaning And Etymology
Zoëzo-eh

Zoë has its origins in the Greek language. It means ‘spirited’ or ‘energetic’.


That’s the end of my list!

Which female French name will you choose?

I know that naming a new-born is a challenging task. But I also realize that the name you choose will be special, because there are so many unique, beautiful French names for girls to choose from.

Don’t forget, there are even many unique and uncommon variations of these popular French girl’s names.

I hope these names have given you some inspiring ideas.

You might also like to check out this list of Arabic girl names as well.


If I’ve missed a unique, cute or popular French girl’s name, let me know.

Add it in the comments below!

🎓 Cite article

Share link Grab the link to this article
Copy Link
Print
The Mezzofanti Guild

WANT HELP

Learning
French?

Who is this?The Mezzofanti Guild
Cardinal MezzofantiCardinal Guiseppe Mezzofanti was a 19th century polyglot who is believed to have spoken at least 39 languages!Learn more
Support me by sharing:
  • Reddit share
  • Facebook share
  • X / Twitter share

Let me help you learn French
JOIN THE GUILD:

Donovan Nagel
Donovan Nagel - B. Th, MA AppLing
I'm an Applied Linguistics graduate, teacher and translator with a passion for language learning (especially Arabic).
Currently learning: Greek
Greek

1 COMMENT

Comment Policy: I love comments and feedback (positive and negative) but I have my limits. You're in my home here so act accordingly.
NO ADVERTISING. Links will be automatically flagged for moderation.
Jeannette Theresa Dumas

Jeannette Theresa Dumas

For a Female French name you forgot JEANNETTE (with 2 N’s). And you did not include THERESE (the French version of Theresa)

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
© The Mezzofanti Guild, 2024. NAGEL PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved.
Join The Guild

Let Me Help You Learn French

  • Get my exclusive French content delivered straight to your inbox.
  • Learn about the best French language resources that I've personally test-driven.
  • Get insider tips for learning French.

FrenchFrench

No spam. Ever.