French Girl Names – Top 200+ French Baby Names for Girls with Meaning
There is so much to adore about France, from wine, different cuisines, their culture to their rich history. France is also famous for its elegant and romantic language, French, which is what has brought the inspiration for this post, French girl names. Some big names in the entertainment business and sports world have French names and lineage. Soon they’ll surface in this article.
Table of Contents
- Why should parents choose French baby names for girls?
- The French Naming Trend
- The Historical information about French Girl Names
- The 10 most popular French Girl Names and their meaning
- 10 French celebrity names
- Top 200+ French Girl Names with Meaning
- Conclusion
- Cool Christian Names: 40 Best Baby Names that are Cool and Spiritual
- The History and Importance of Name Meanings
- 50 Most Unique Baby Names for 2020
- Cute Names for baby – Tips when choosing a cute baby name
Why should parents choose French baby names for girls?
Just like their language is so fascinating, French baby names for girls are also intriguing. France is one of the countries in the whole world with the most beautiful language. So, any new parent or expecting parent can consider having French girl names for their little one if they look for something unique and beautiful. Among so many French names for girl, parents will most definitely find something uncommon but with a special meaning that they’d love for their little girl.
But, parents need to be careful when naming their child because they say that a child’s name influences her behavior. French names are not only beautiful, but a person can also get creative and even combine two to get their baby the unique one of them all from the list below. These names are pretty and beyond every imagination.
The French Naming Trend
As more people from different cultures migrate to the US, including French people, the names with mixed and foreign origins continue to rise. These people came with their traditions and naming cultures and mixed them with the US naming traditions, creating unique names. And with the intermarriages, expect unique foreign names to trend. Therefore, it’s absolutely normal to come across a foreign-looking name.
In France, it was customary for parents to name their children after saints from the Roman Catholic calendar of saints. Because the Roman Catholic calendar assigned a saint to practically every day of the year, parents often named their children after the saint associated with the day of their birth. This explains why names like Marie, Michelle and Catherine are so common.
This custom ended in 1966, when a legislation was issued allowing for non-religious French names, such as Violette or Geneviève, although they still had to be French. It wasn’t until 1993 that parents were given complete freedom to name their children anything they wanted.
The Historical information about French Girl Names
Most French girls’ names represent the most eminent people in the science and art society. They also represent some of the most fantastic historical sites in France. These names tell a story, an origin of that art, or give hope to the upcoming artists. Of course, it takes great effort for a parent to settle for a name that represents any or all of the historical reasons above. But, the uniqueness and beauty in these French names for girls make them worth people’s time.
Several countries around the world use French baby girl names, including Belgium, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, African countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Canada, Benin, France, Equatorial Guinea, Switzerland, Senegal, Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, etc. Remember, these countries also use French as their national language, so it’s right in order to find that French baby girl names are common there.
The 10 most popular French Girl Names and their meaning
- Arlette: this name is mostly used in the US for baby girls. Arlette means lion of God, and most girls with this name have some beautiful nicknames like Lettie and Arlee.
- Antoinette: this name has been in existence for quite too long, and in 1914 it emerged at position 990. The name Antoinette means trustworthy. This name originates from Latin and France. Other alternatives for this name include Antonella, Antonetta, and Antonia.
- Blanche: Blanche is mostly for baby girls with white and fair complexion. Like Antoinette, Blanche has also been in existence for centuries, and in 1902, it was position 58 in the most common French girls’ names. Anyone can decide to name their baby girl these other Blanche alternatives, Blanch, Bianca, Blanchette, and Blanca.
- Chanel: This unique-sounding name has two meanings, either a channel or canal. Chanel hasn’t been here for long. Though new, it has made some remarkable history. In 1991, Chanel emerged number 382 in the US top 1000 unique names. Alternatives for Chanel are Chanelle, Chenele, Shanelle, etc.
- Chloé: this beautiful name has two origins, French and Greek. It means to flourish, so girls given this name are believed to be flourishing. This most popular name has made history since 1998, emerging in the top 100 names in the US and the top 10 in France for over two decades now. Alternatives for Chloe are Clo, Cloe, Kloe, etc.
- Denise: this French name has the most special meaning. It shows someone’s devotion to Dionysius, the wine god of Ancient Greece. Between 1950 to 82, Denise emerged in the top 100 list. Alternatives for Denise include Deniece, Dennie, Dennie, and Danice.
- Fleur: what a beautiful French girl name. Fleur means a beautiful flower. It is pretty unique and has other nicknames like Fleiura, Fleurine, Fleurette, and Fleure.
- Gabrielle: mostly given to Christian families. Gabrielle means that God is your strength and hero. The nicknames for Gabrielle are pretty many, but the most common ones are Gaby, Gabriella, and Gabby.
- Jacqueline: this French girl name has some emotions attached to it. It means someone who replaces the other. So mostly, parents give it to girls born after the death of their siblings.
- Monique: this one means a wise woman or advisor. Someone people can turn to whenever they face life challenges to seek solutions.
10 French celebrity names
Monique Angela Hicks: she is an American comedian and actress.
Jacqueline Emerson: is a singer and actress based in America.
Gabrielle Allyse Reece: is a renowned American volleyball player.
Fleur de Force: YouTube personality and makeup artist based in America.
Chloe Stevens Sevigny: a talented fashion designer and actress.
Denise Austin: this is an American fitness guru.
Arlette Chabot: a prominent political commentator and journalist from France.
Blanche Ring: though she’s no more, her fame still stands. She was an American actress and singer.
Denise Richards: is a TV personality, American actress, and a former model.
Antoinette Nana Djimou: she is a French-Cameroonian pentathlon and Heptathlon champion.
Top 200+ French Girl Names with Meaning
Here is a list of unique, pretty, traditional and popular French girl names used in France and other French speaking countries all over the world. These names will exude a sense of enhanced elegance and beauty in any girl.
Click on a name to find more details about the meaning, popularity and everything else about it.
- Nicole: Meaning people of victory
- Fleur: Meaning a flower
- Celine: Meaning heavenly
- Brielle: Meaning hunting grounds
- Anastasie: Meaning resurrection
- Monique: Meaning a wise counselor and advisor
- Estelle: Meaning star
- Eugénie: Meaning well born
- Édelie: Meaning having high principles
- Joelene: Meaning pretty
- Manette: Meaning sea of bitterness
- Alphosine: Meaning noble and ready
- Adalaide: Meaning a noble person
- Odette: Meaning praise God, or poem, or wealthy
- Blaise: Derived from the Greek word, Basilius, meaning royal or kingly
- Aceline: Meaning a noble woman
- Paris: Meaning the French capital
- Lourdes: Meaning from the town of Lourdes
- Bernadette: Meaning Brave as a bear; name of the girl saint who saw an apparition of Mother Mary in Lourdes
- Caroline: Meaning strong
- Hélène: Meaning bright and shining
- Louise: Meaning brave warrior
- Mirielle: Meaning to admire
- Aurore/Aurorette: Meaning Goddess of dawn
- Valerie: Meaning strength or health
- Manon: a derivative of Madeline, which means “elevated” or “magnificent”
- Bijou: Meaning jewel
- Virginie: Meaning pure maiden
- Delphine: Meaning dolphin
- Claudine: Meaning lame
- Juliet: Meaning youthful
- Angélique: Meaning messenger
- Risette: Meaning pleasant little laugh
- Margot/Margaux/Marguerite: Meaning pearl
- Fabienne: Meaning a bean farmer
- Noelle: Meaning Christmas
- Maëlle: Meaning princess, ambitious
- Benoite: Meaning Blessed
- Aimée: Meaning Beloved and nurturing one
- Eloise: Meaning healthy
- Yolanthe: Meaning strong, purple flower
- Avignon: A city in Southeaster France that was the seat of Catholic Popes in the Middle Ages
- Monet: Meaning noble
- Avriel/Avril/Avryll: Meaning spring and April
- Thérèse: Meaning to reap or to gather
- Zélie: Meaning mother of St. Therese of Lisieux
- Coralie: Meaning coral
- Fernande: Meaning traveler
- Corinne: Meaning maiden
- Albertine: Meaning noble and bright
- Liana: Meaning to climb like a vine
- Abrielle: Meaning a woman of God
- Carole: Meaning a strong woman
- Mélanie: Meaning little dark-haired girl
- Sidonie: Meaning follower of Saint Denys
- Florentine: Meaning blossoming
- Capucine: Meaning cape
- Ember: Meaning Amber (a French variation)
- Genevieve: Meaning tribe woman
- Clémence/Clementine: Meaning merciful or mild
- Sara: Meaning princess
- Véronique: Meaning true image
- Antoinette/Antonine: Meaning praiseworthy
- Aurelie: Meaning golden
- Chantal: Meaning a stone for building
- Elle: Meaning she
- Lucie: Meaning illuminating and light
- Amy/Aimée: Meaning beloved
- Adeline/Adelle: Meaning noble, nobility
- Félice: Meaning lucky
- Fosette: Meaning dimpled
- Berthe: Meaning bright ruler
- Clarisse: Meaning bright or gentle
- Annette: Meaning grace
- Émilie: Meaning excelling in all things
- Solange: Meaning solemn or religious
- Lucile/Lucille: Meaning light
- Lilou: Meaning lily flower
- Héloïse: Meaning famous warrior
- Annabelle: Meaning loving
- Lucienne: Meaning light
- Maëlys: pronounced Mah-Eh-Lee-S, meaning chief
- Marlène: Meaning graceful star of the sea
- Lizette: Meaning consecrated in God
- Catherine: Meaning pure and clear
- Mirabelle: Meaning plum
- Armande: Meaning army man
- Nathalie: born on Christmas day
- Elise: Meaning pledged to God
- Édith: Meaning blessed with riches
- Madeleine: Meaning a ray of hope, an elevated tower, magnificent, woman from Magdala
- Cerise: Meaning cherry
- Eglantine: Meaning wild rose
- Célestine: Meaning heavenly; of the sky
- Geneve: Meaning of the race of women; city in Switzerland
- Étiennette: Meaning woman with crown
- Rosalee: Meaning garden full of roses
- Reine: Meaning queen
- Blisse: Meaning delight or joy
- Coraline: Meaning coral
- Augustine: Meaning vénérable
- Zoe: Meaning vibrant and full of life
- Barbe: Meaning foreigner
- Rosalie: Meaning rose
- Henriette: Meaning home ruler
- Cezanne: Meaning big flower
- Sophie: Meaning wisdom
- Celeste: Meaning heavenly
- Sylvie: Meaning from the forest
- Elloise: Meaning famous in war
- Adaline: Meaning a kind-hearted person
- Claire: Meaning bright or clear
- Sydney: Meaning Saint Denis
- Aveline: Meaning little hazelnut tree
- Fayette: Meaning a little fairy
- Honorine: Meaning woman of honor
- Angeline: Meaning angelic
- Gabrielle: Meaning God is my Strength
- Suzette: Meaning pretty and graceful like a lily
- Meline: Meaning little honey
- Mathilde: Meaning strength in battle
- Vivienne: Meaning life
- Hughette: Meaning bright in mind and spirit
- Simone: Meaning she heard
- Colette: Meaning people of victory
- Agathe: Meaning kind
- Charlotte: Meaning strong and free, feminine version of Charles, meaning manly
- Lorraine: Meaning from the province of Lorraine
- Madelyn: Meaning woman from Magdala or high tower
- Patrice: Meaning born into nobility
- Denise: Meaning devoted to the wine god, Dionysius
- Lille: Meaning lilly
- Françoise: Meaning France or free one
- Eulalie: Meaning a well-spoken or sweet-speaking person
- Alodie: Meaning wealthy
- Dominique: Meaning belonging to the Lord
- Gertrude: Meaning strength
- Jolie: Meaning pretty
- Isabelle: Meaning pledged to God
- Avice: Meaning a refuge in battle, warlike
- Esmée: Meaning beloved one
- Elayne: Meaning a ray of light
- Aurorette: Variation of Aurore
- Juliette: Meaning little Julia or youthful, beautiful, and vivacious
- Pauline: Meaning petite and small
- Basilie: Variation of Basil
- Audette: Meaning a bird
- Anelise: Meaning devoted to God
- Amelie: Meaning hardworking and industrious
- Amalie: Meaning hardworking and curious
- Alice: Meaning truth or reality
- Adélaïde: Meaning noble
- Cosette: Meaning something small and tiny
- Jacqueline: Meaning supplanter
- Seychelle: Meaning an island
- Josephine: Meaning God will add
- Lydie: Meaning a maiden from Lydia, Greece
- Michelle: Meaning who is like God
- Mallory: Meaning unfortunate
- Octavie: Meaning eighth
- Natalie: Meaning birthday of the Lord
- Jewel: Meaning pretty or precious gemstone
- Eléonore: Meaning shining light
- Esme: Meaning esteemed, beloved; or emerald
- Aubrey: Meaning elf ruler
- Chloé: Meaning flourishing and blooming
- Inés: Meaning chaste and pure
- Brigitte: Meaning magnificent and great
- Belle: Meaning beautiful
- Pierrette: Meaning rock
- Océane: Meaning ocean
- Francine: Meaning from France or free
- Alexandrine: Meaning defending men
- Stéphane: Meaning crown of glory
- Arielle: Meaning lion of God
- Giselle: Meaning: a promise or pledge
- Cécile: Meaning blind
- Desiree: Meaning desired and longed for
- Clarette: Meaning clear and bright
- Nadeleine: Meaning a ray of hope
- Severine: Meaning a stern person
- Rochelle: Meaning woman who is like a rock
- Garcelle: Meaning little spear
- Andrée: feminine version of Andrew; brave
- Anaïs: Meaning grace
- Anne: Meaning gracious
- Alida: Meaning noble
- Léonie: Meaning lion
- Valentine: Meaning strength
- Audrey: Meaning noble strength
- Suzanne: Meaning lily
- Fleurine: Meaning to flow or little flower
- Carolina: Meaning a free man
- Chanel: Meaning from the canal or channel
- Aline: Meaning noble
- Noémie: Meaning winsome, pleasant, and lovely
- Chantae: Meaning a sweet song
- Adalene: Meaning a person of aristocracy
- Hortense: Meaning gardener
- Yvonne: Meaning yew wood
- Agnès: Meaning pure or holy
- Renée: Meaning born again or reborn
- Adrienne: Meaning from the city of Hadria
- Elaina/Elaine: Meaning bright, shining light
- Nicolette: Meaning a victory of the people
- Ninette: Meaning God’s valuable talent
- Georgette: Meaning farmer
- Giverny: Meaning a French town
- Violette: Meaning a purple blue flower
- Élodie: Meaning foreign riches
- Yvette: Meaning yew
- Marie: Meaning star from the sea of bitterness
- Constance: Meaning constancy
- Salomé: Meaning peace
- Christine: Meaning follower of Christ
- Clotilde: Meaning famous in battle
- Philomène: Meaning powerful love
- Danielle: Meaning God is the judge
- Camille: Meaning young ceremonial attendant, unblemished and perfect
- Davignon: Meaning dearly loved person
- Jeanne: Meaning God is gracious
- Armandine: Meaning much loved
- Blanche: Meaning white
- Adelyn: Meaning noble, nobility
This was the best 200+ French Girl Names list from our name experts, selected after considering popularity and trends from social security administration and thorough web research in French names databases.
Conclusion
After expectant mothers know their baby’s gender, one of the most critical roles that follow is picking a perfect name for them. This usually happens before the baby’s arrival to make their parents get emotionally attached to their names. Those expectant parents and new parents looking for the most unique yet beautiful names for their baby girls can get ideas from the top 200+ French girls’ names above. With each name and its meaning, one can surely get a name that will connect them and their babies from the list.
Are you looking for another category of names?
Click to see our Full List of French Names and meanings.
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