Introduction
French names sound fancy, right? They can be short, long, cute, or stylish, and sometimes they make you feel like you’re walking through Paris with a baguette in hand. People love French names because they have charm and a nice rhythm. Even a simple name can sound like music when it’s French.
Some French names are very old and come from history, while others feel modern and trendy. You can find names that are sweet like candy or names that are bold like strong coffee. Many parents choose French names because they want something classic but also cool.
This guide will give you lots of ideas. You’ll find funny names, romantic names, unique ones, and even some with hidden meanings. So grab your croissant, sit back, and get ready to explore a big list of French names that might just be perfect for you.
Popular French Names (With Meanings)
This part is where the real fun starts. Here, I’ll give you French names and also tell you what they mean. Some are cute, some are classy, and some are so old they probably wore wigs in history. Think of it like a box of macarons: each one has a different flavor, and you’ll want to try more than one.
- Élodie – A gentle name that means “foreign riches.” It feels like treasure wrapped in silk.
- Lucien – This name means “light.” Perfect for someone who brightens up a room faster than a lamp.
- Amélie – Means “hardworking.” It’s also the name of a famous French movie character with a quirky smile.
- Benoît – Means “blessed.” If you feel lucky, this name is like a charm in word form.
- Colette – A chic name that means “people of victory.” Also tied to a well-known French writer.
- Didier – Comes from Latin “desired.” A name for someone everyone wants on their team.
- Giselle – Means “pledge.” It also makes you think of ballet dancers twirling on stage.
- Hugo – Means “mind” or “spirit.” Also linked to Victor Hugo, the guy who wrote Les Misérables.
- Isidore – Means “gift of Isis,” an old goddess. A name with history wrapped in mystery.
- Juliette – Means “youthful.” It whispers of love stories and poetry.
- Marcel – Means “little warrior.” Small in size, big in courage.
- Nadine – Means “hope.” Simple, strong, and very uplifting.
- Olivier – From “olive tree.” A peaceful name that also sounds tasty on pizza.
- Sabine – Comes from the ancient Sabine people in Italy. A name with roots that stretch back centuries.
- Thierry – Means “ruler of the people.” A name that wears a tiny crown.
- Camille – Means “helper at a ceremony.” Unisex and classy, like a name that fits anyone.
- Sylvie – Means “from the forest.” Great if you like trees more than traffic.
- Étienne – French for Stephen, meaning “crown.” This name comes ready with its own prize.
- Renee – Means “reborn.” A fresh start in just two syllables.
- Pascal – Means “related to Easter.” A name full of spring and celebration.
- Adele – Means “noble.” It sparkles with grace and has musical charm.
- Claude – Means “lame,” but don’t let that fool you. Artists and kings carried this name proudly.
- Celeste – Means “heavenly.” Like a star floating above everyone else.
- Bernard – Means “brave as a bear.” Strong, furry, and a little cuddly.
- Chantal – Means “stone” or “song.” Depending on the day, you can be solid or melodic.
- Noel – Means “Christmas.” A joyful name wrapped in snowflakes and lights.
- Simone – Means “heard.” A strong name tied to Simone de Beauvoir, a thinker and writer.
- Pierre – Means “rock.” Simple, solid, and can also make you hungry for French bread.
- Veronique – Means “true image.” A lovely name that feels like a painting.
- Antoine – French form of Anthony, meaning “priceless.” A name you can’t put a tag on.
- Claudine – Means “enclosure.” Old-fashioned charm tucked into soft sounds.
- Henri – Means “home ruler.” A name for someone who bosses around the living room.
- Fabienne – Means “bean grower.” It may sound funny, but it’s tied to Roman history.
- Laurent – Means “from Laurentum,” an ancient town. It carries the laurel of victory.
- Fleur – Means “flower.” Sweet, simple, and blooming with beauty.
French Baby Names for Boys
This is the part where we pick names just for the little gentlemen. Some are short and snappy, others are smooth and stylish, and a few might even make a baby sound like he already owns a tiny beret. Get ready for a fun mix of one word, two words, and three words.
- Adrien
- Maxime
- Louis-Paul
- René-Claude
- Jules-Marie
- Alain
- Armand
- Luc-Charles
- Felix-Raymond
- Hugo-Jean
- Bastien
- Léonard
- Éric-Daniel
- Victor-Pierre
- Bruno-Michel
- Sébastien
- Florent
- Jean-Mathis
- Pascal-Guy
- Raymond-Andre
- Nicolas
- Étienne-Paul
- Claude-Marc
- Julien-Noel
- Paul-Henri
- Roland
- André-Luc
- Denis-Jacques
- Benoit-Laurent
- Thierry-Jules
- Antoine-Guy
- Raphael-Mathieu
- Gaston
- Lionel
- Olivier-Claude
- Guy-Philippe
- Michel-Arnaud
- Maurice-Jean
- Gérard-Luc
- Bernard-Paul
French Baby Names for Girls
Now it’s time to find names for the baby girls. These names can sound soft like a lullaby, sparkly like a diamond, or even dramatic like a fashion show in Paris. Some are short, some are fancy, and some could probably walk down the runway already. Here’s a playful basket full of names.
- Ameline
- Claire-Louise
- Rose-Marie
- Lise-Anne
- Margot-Claire
- Angélique
- Corinne
- Sophie-Jeanne
- Anaïs-Julie
- Paulette
- Mireille
- Odette-Claire
- Camille-Noelle
- Sylvie-Anne
- Josette-Marie
- Violette
- Léa-Simone
- Cécile-Renee
- Elise-Claire
- Gabrielle-Anne
- Amandine
- Chantal-Sophie
- Hélène-Marie
- Monique-Julie
- Blanche-Louise
- Yvette-Claire
- Aurélie-Sylvie
- Danielle-Rose
- Noëlle-Claire
- Clarisse-Marie
- Brigitte-Louise
- Juliette-Sophie
- Isabelle-Claire
- Renée-Louise
- Charlotte-Marie-Claire
- Jeanne-Sophie-Anne
- Émilie-Rose-Claire
- Florence-Marie-Simone
- Denise-Julie-Claire
- Mireille-Anne-Louise
- Jacqueline-Rose-Marie
- Pauline-Claire-Louise
- Mathilde-Sophie-Anne
- Francine-Julie-Claire
- Colette-Marie-Simone
- Sandrine-Anne-Renee
- Amélie-Rose-Marie
- Véronique-Claire-Anne
- Odile-Marie-Simone
- Celine-Julie-Claire
Cute & Sweet French Names
These names are the kind that make you smile right away. They feel light, gentle, and sweet like a French pastry. Some are short and bubbly, others are longer and sing like a lullaby. Perfect for anyone who wants a name full of warmth.
- Loulou
- Mimi-Claire
- Rosette-Marie
- Bijou-Rose
- Chérie-Lou
- Coco-Anne
- Jolie-Marie
- Fifi-Louise
- Douce-Claire
- Fleurine
- Lisette-Sophie
- Doudou-Rose
- Amourette-Claire
- Suzon-Marie
- Bébé-Lou
- Lulu-Sophie
- Coquine-Anne
- Gigi-Rose
- Jolie-Louise
- Douce-Marie
- Riri-Anne
- Bibi-Claire
- Chouchou-Rose
- Lili-Marie
- Tendre-Lou
- Miette-Claire
- Jolie-Anne-Rose
- Douce-Claire-Marie
- Lulu-Rose-Anne
- Fifi-Marie-Claire
- Mimi-Rose-Louise
- Jolie-Sophie-Anne
- Coquine-Marie-Claire
- Gigi-Rose-Anne
- Lisette-Marie-Sophie
- Bijou-Anne-Claire
- Suzon-Louise-Marie
- Bébé-Rose-Claire
- Jolie-Claire-Anne
- Loulou-Marie-Rose
Unique & Rare French Names
This section is like opening a treasure chest full of hidden gems. These names are not the everyday kind you hear at the park. Some sound mysterious, some feel ancient, and a few might make you think of knights, poets, or even fairy tales. If you want a name that stands out in the crowd, this is the list.
- Alaric
- Théophile
- Gaëtan
- Isabeau
- Maëlys
- Rodrigue
- Séraphin
- Ombeline
- Floriane
- Aurore-Claire
- Melchior
- Léontine
- Arsène
- Solange-Marie
- Philomène
- Albine
- Honoré
- Elzéar
- Célestine
- Zéphyrine
- Eusèbe
- Appoline
- Virgile
- Faustine
- Hyacinthe
- Marcellin
- Aurèle
- Léopoldine
- Odilon
- Sibylle
- Léonce-Marie
- Aurélien
- Clémentine-Rose
- Isambard
- Théodore-Paul
- Coralie-Suzon
- Évariste
- Violette-Claire
- Alcide
- Perrine-Marie
- Éloi
- Cassandre-Rose
- Léoncie
- Baptiste-Noel
- Saturnin
- Adalric
- Euphrasie
- Virgilia
- Théoneste
- Lucinde
Elegant French Names with Style
These names feel like they wear a tuxedo or a gown even when they’re just written on paper. They sound smooth, polished, and ready for a red carpet. If you want a name that shines with class, here’s a collection made just for that.
- Geneviève
- Marguerite
- Adrienne-Claire
- Vivienne-Marie
- Évangeline
- Dominique-Rose
- Sylviane
- Heloïse-Claire
- Laurence-Marie
- Mireille-Anne
- Delphine
- Antoinette
- Beatrice-Claire
- Éléonore
- Jacqueline-Marie
- Odile-Rose
- Armande-Claire
- Françoise-Louise
- Mathilde-Anne
- Rosamonde
- Clarisse-Marie
- Victoire-Anne
- Augustine-Rose
- Yvonne-Claire
- Isabelle-Marie
- Amandine-Claire
- Véronique-Rose
- Hortense-Marie
- Emmanuelle
- Gabrielle-Claire
- Estelle-Marie
- Cécile-Rose
- Aurélie-Claire
- Madeleine-Anne
- Thérèse-Marie
- Solange-Claire
- Angelique-Rose
- Bernadette
- Henriette-Claire
- Colette-Marie
- Justine-Anne
- Amarante
- Florentine
- Séverine-Marie
- Clothilde-Rose
- Violette-Anne
- Eugénie-Claire
- Léontine-Marie
- Armel-Rose
- Constance
- Philiberte
Funny & Playful French Names
These names are lighthearted and cheerful. They bring humor and charm, like someone juggling baguettes while riding a bike in Paris. Perfect for anyone who wants a name that feels fun instead of serious.
- Pépé
- Loulou-Rose
- Titi-Marie
- Fanfan-Claire
- Chouchou-Lou
- Bibi-Anne
- Riri-Marie
- Dodo-Claire
- Toto-Louise
- Mimi-Rose
- Coco-Marie
- Zuzu-Claire
- Lili-Rose
- Fafa-Marie
- Jojo-Claire
- Zaza-Louise
- Nono-Marie
- Poupi-Claire
- Didi-Rose
- Fifi-Marie
- Lolo-Claire
- Chacha-Marie
- Lulu-Rose
- Poupette-Claire
- Roro-Marie
- Toto-Claire-Lou
- Bibi-Rose-Marie
- Mimi-Louise-Claire
- Lili-Rose-Marie
- Fanfan-Claire-Anne
- Zaza-Marie-Louise
- Jojo-Rose-Claire
- Lulu-Anne-Marie
- Chouchou-Claire-Rose
- Dodo-Marie-Claire
- Riri-Louise-Marie
- Coco-Claire-Anne
- Fafa-Marie-Rose
- Nono-Claire-Louise
- Pépé-Rose-Marie
Romantic French Names for Couples
These names are perfect for pairs who want a little spark of romance. They feel gentle, charming, and warm, almost like a Valentine written in cursive. Some are short and sweet, while others are long enough to make your heart skip a beat.
- Amour
- Belle-Rose
- Chéri-Claire
- Doux-Coeur
- Ange-Marie
- Bijou-Louise
- Trésor-Claire
- Jolie-Coeur
- Monette-Rose
- Câlin-Marie
- Étoile-Claire
- Jolie-Lune
- Fleur-d’Amour
- Douce-Marie
- Beau-Coeur
- Chérie-Lou
- Jolie-Ange
- Douce-Lune
- Petit-Coeur
- Jolie-Marie-Claire
- Ange-de-Rose
- Belle-Claire-Anne
- Trésor-d’Amour
- Jolie-Louise-Rose
- Douce-Claire-Marie
- Jolie-Coeur-Anne
- Amour-de-Rose
- Mon Ange Doux
- Belle Étoile Claire
- Douce Fleur Marie
- Mon Trésor Jolie
- Jolie Petite Lune
- Ange Clair de Lune
- Coeur Doux Marie
- Belle Rose Claire
Classic French Names Inspired by History
These names have been carried by kings, queens, poets, and dreamers. They feel timeless and elegant, but also strong enough to stand the test of time. If you like names that sound like they’ve already written a chapter in history, here’s a solid list.
- François
- Charles-Louis
- Jean-Baptiste
- Marie-Claire
- Philippe-Auguste
- René-Antoine
- Louise-Marie
- Pierre-Étienne
- Jeanne-Claude
- André-Henri
- Henri-Georges
- Antoine-Marie
- Claude-François
- Anne-Sophie
- Nicolas-Jean
- Louis-Philippe
- Marguerite-Anne
- Michel-Paul
- Hélène-Claire
- Élisabeth-Marie
- Jacques-Pierre
- Joseph-Henri
- Thérèse-Anne
- Laurent-Charles
- Catherine-Marie
- Paul-Emile
- Mathieu-Claude
- Henri-Paul
- Claire-Louise
- Alexandre-Jules
- Isabelle-Marie
- Gaston-Pierre
- Juliette-Anne
- Georges-Étienne
- Madeleine-Claire
- Roland-Henri
- Suzanne-Marie
- Armand-Claude
- Victor-Jean
- Charlotte-Louise
Modern French Names for Today
These names fit right into today’s style. They’re smooth, playful, and have a modern ring to them. You might hear them in music, movies, or even scrolling through Instagram. If you want a name that feels current and stylish, here’s the list.
- Léo
- Maël
- Sacha
- Enzo
- Lola
- Lilou
- Maëva
- Zoé
- Néo
- Léna
- Timéo
- Noa
- Élyna
- Axel
- Mila
- Louna
- Naël
- Ysée
- Théo
- Inaya
- Elyo
- Kaïs
- Anaya
- Éden
- Louka
- Naïa
- Ilan
- Maély
- Romy
- Elyas
- Tylio
- Océane
- Livia
- Kylian
- Malya
- Ilyes
- Ambre
- Nélio
- Ayden
- Soline
How to Choose the Perfect French Name
Picking a French name can feel like choosing from a bakery full of cakes. Every option looks sweet, but you can’t eat them all. The trick is to find one that fits your style, your story, and maybe even your sense of humor.
Start by thinking about sound. Do you want something short and snappy, or long and graceful? Say the name out loud a few times. If it makes you smile, that’s a good sign.
Next, think about the vibe. Some names are classic, like they come with a crown. Others are modern and fresh, like they belong on a fashion runway. Choose the one that feels right for you.
Also, don’t be afraid of rare names. Unique ones can stand out and make people remember you. Just make sure it’s easy enough to say, unless you enjoy correcting everyone forever.
And finally, pick a name that makes you happy. If it feels warm, fun, or just plain right, then you’ve found your perfect match.
Tying It All Up with a French Bow
French names are like tiny treasures. Some are sweet, some are fancy, and some just make you giggle. The fun part is that there’s something for everyone, whether you want classic, modern, or even playful.
Choosing the right one doesn’t need to be hard. Think of it like picking your favorite ice cream flavor. Go with the one that feels right and makes you smile.
Names have power, but they should also bring joy. A good French name can feel like music, a poem, or even a croissant in word form.
So take your time, test a few, and trust your gut. The perfect French name is waiting for you, and once you find it, you’ll know it’s the one.
