232 French Girl Names - Fascinating and Grounded in Culture (2024)

French girl names…. They remind us of the style, the carefree ease, and the je ne sais quoi of French girls. There’s a certain prettiness or even cutesiness that comes with French girl names. Maybe because so many end with -ette or -line, that adds a little sweetness to the name. (Think Colette or Emeline, for example.)

Many French girl names are actually related to biblical names, or Medieval names that have been centuries in use. Also, many are femininized versions of male names that are deep in history and meaning. These names give you a little glimpse into French and European heritage that would take decades to explore.

What’s really nice about this list of French girls names is that there are multiple variations with various endings (for example Marceline, Marcelle, or Marcellette) so you can adjust your favorite name to be just right.

See more: 44 Dreamy French Names For Boys

232 French Girl Names - Fascinating and Grounded in Culture (1)

French Girl Names

  • French Girl Names
  • Short French Names for Girls
  • Popular French Names for Girls
  • Rare French Names for Girls
  • A – French Girl Names
  • B – French Girl Names
  • C – French Girl Names
  • D – French Girl Names
  • E – French Girl Names
  • F – French Girl Names
  • G – French Girl Names
  • H – French Girl Names
  • I – French Girl Names
  • J – French Girl Names
  • K – French Girl Names
  • L – French Girl Names
  • M – French Girl Names
  • N – French Girl Names
  • O – French Girl Names
  • P – French Girl Names
  • R – French Girl Names
  • S – French Girl Names
  • T – French Girl Names
  • V – French Girl Names
  • Y – French Girl Names
  • Z – French Girl Names

Short French Names for Girls

Anaïs: A cute French girl name meaning “graceful.”

Avril: Popularized by singer, Avril Lavigne. This is the French word for the month of April, making it suitable for a baby girl born in that month.

Elea: The shortened French form for Eleanor, this sweet name means “merciful” and “God is my light.” There are several variations of the spelling of this charming name.

Elise: Widely known as the French version of Elizabeth, this sweet name means “pledged to God.”

Elodie: “Foreign riches.”

Thea: A name that’s becoming increasingly popular in French regions, it means “gift of God.” The perfect description of what your little girl is!

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Popular French Names for Girls

Amandine: Meaning “she who is loved.”

Antoinette: A name that has truly stood the test of time, meaning “praiseworthy.” Popularized by the Queen of France, Marie-Antoinette.

Agathe: A variation of Agatha, this timeless option means “good woman.”

Aurore: A fitting name for the little light of your life, meaning “dawn” or “golden.”

Beatrice: “She who brings happiness.”

Belle: A name derived from the French word for “beautiful.”

Celine: Meaning “heavenly.”

Chloé: Popular across the globe, this French girl name means “blooming.”

Claire: The French form of Clara, this renowned name means “bright.”

Clémence: Simply means “mild” and “merciful.”

Delphine: A fitting choice for a sea or animal lover, this beautiful name means “dolphin.”

Elaine: “Bright light.”

Genevieve: “Woman of the race.”

Gisele: Meaning “bright pledge.”

Héléne: A sweet and charming name meaning “warmth.” This is a popular choice even outside of French regions.

Isabelle: Classic name meaning “my God.”

Jeanne: If you’re looking for a classic name, this is a good pick! Meaning “God is gracious.”

Juliette: Female form of Julius, meaning “youthful.”

Madeline: This food-inspired name is a reference to a type of cake enjoyed by kids in most French regions.

Margaux: There’s an unmissable charm about this French girl name. Inspired by nature and flowers, this one means “daisy.”

Mathilde: The French variation of Matilda, this classic and powerful name means “battle mighty.”

Neomi: The French variation of Naomi, this beautiful name means “pleasant,” something which your little girl is bound to embody.

Renée: Meaning “renaissance.” Used to signify rebirth or a new chapter in life.

Salomé: Simply means “peace.”

Vivienne: Derived from the French word “vivre,” meaning “life” or “to live.” A great pick for a jovial and lively baby girl.

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Rare French Names for Girls

Aelis: “Of noble line.”

Bérénice: Meaning “one who brings victory.”

Delia: Simply means “honest.”

Fleur: There’s something refreshing about this unconventional French girl name meaning “flower,” which signifies blooming.

Héloïse: Distinctly French, this is a good pick for your little braveheart; meaning “famous warrior.”

Lilou: A French twist on the flower-inspired name, Lilly.

Nausica: Derived from the French word, navire, meaning “ship.” A great pick for a little one that loves the sea or water.

Victoire: The lesser-known variation of Victoria, this is a great alternative that means “victory.”

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A – French Girl Names

Adele & Adelie.

The French girl names are related to Adela, which comes from Old German meaning “noble.” There is a land in Antarctica that was named Adelie in 1840 after a French explorer’s wife.

Adeline & Aline.

Adeline is the French form of Adelina, which has German origins meaning “noble.” Aline is a sweet short version of Adeline.

Adrienne.

This lovely name is the French version of Adrianna, itself a feminine version of Adrian – which means “from the Adriatic sea.”

Agathe.

The French version of Agatha, which means “good” through Greek origins.

Alexandra, Alexandrie, Alexandrine.

French girl names which are a form of Alexander, which means “the defender” through Greek origins.

Alix.

A French variant of Alice, which is a version of the medieval name Adelaide. Alix can fall under both French girl names and boy names.

Alizee.

This cute French name means “trade wing.”

Amandine.

A French version of Amanda, which through Latin origins means “lovable.”

Ambre.

A French version of the name Amber.

Amelia & Amelie.

These French girl names mean “hard working.”

Read more: Nicknames for Amelia: PLUS 45 Variations and Middle Names for Amelia That Are Extremely Cute

Anastasie.

A French form of Anastasia, a 4-th century saint.

Andrea & Andree.

These French girl names come from the feminine form of Andrew – a biblical name that means “man” through Greek origins.

Ange, Angele, Angeline, Angelique.

These lovely French girl names mean “angel” or “angelic.”

Annabelle.

A lovely French combination of Anna and belle – which means beautiful.

Anne & Annette.

The French variation of Anna which means “God is gracious.” Popular variations include Anne-Laure, Anne-Marie, and Anne-Sophie. Annette is a sweet diminutive of Anne.

Antoinette.

A very famous name (borne by Marie-Antoinette) which comes from the noble Latin last name Antonius, as in Marcus Antonius (or Marc Anthony.)

Ariane & Arianne.

These French girl names are a version of Ariadne, which means “most holy” through Greek origins.

Arielle.

The French version of Ariel, an ancient and Holy Hebrew name meaning “the lion of God.”

Audrey.

This French name – made even more famous by Audrey Hepburn – was first born by St. Audrey, a 7th century princess who founded a monastery.

Avril.

This name simply means “april” in French.

Axelle.

An ultra cool French name, derived from Axel – a biblical name which means “my father is peace” through Hebrew origins.

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B – French Girl Names

Babette.

Babette is a common short form for both Barbara and Elisabeth.

Barbara & Barbe.

Barbara is derived from the Greek word for “foreign” and Barbe is a common French short form. Saint Barbara is the patron of architects and stonemasons. The name became popular in the Middle Ages.

Beatrice.

The French version of Beatrix which has combined Latin meanings “blessed” and “traveler.”

Benjamine.

This is the feminine version of Benjamin – which comes from Hebrew, meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand.”

Benoite.

Benoite is a lovely feminine version of Benedict, which means “blessed” through Latin origins.

Berenice.

Berenice is a biblical name which meant “victory” through Greek and Macedonian roots.

Bernadette.

This is a feminine version of Bernard, which relates to the word “bear” through old German.

Bijou.

This sweet little name means “jewel” in French, and is popular in African countries.

Blanche.

Who could forget Blanche from the Golden Girls? This lovely name simply means “white’ in French.

Brigitte.

A cute French name, popularized by the vixen Brititte Bardot, is a version of Bridget – the goddess of fire in Celtic mythology.

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C – French Girl Names

Camelia & Camille.

These French girl names are related to Camilla – a legendary warrior.

Carine.

Carine is actually a short form of Catherine – as related to the Swedish name Karin.

Carmen.

Carmen is actually the Spanish version of Carmel – which was the devotional title of the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Mount Carmel.)

Carmen also means “song” in Latin, and became a famous opera in 1875.

Carole.

This name is related to the English name Charles – meaning “man” through German roots.

Caroline.

Caroline, like Carole, is related to the name Charles.

Cassandra & Cassandre.

These French girl names mean “to shine” through Greek origins, though they are sometimes also related to the name Alexandra.

Cecile, Cecilia, Celia.

These French girl names come from a Roman family name. Saint Cecilia was a second century martyr who was killed because she refused to follow Roman gods. She is the patron saint of musicians. Celia is a short version of Cecilia.

Celeste & Celestine.

These lovely French girl names mean “sky and heaven” through Latin roots.

Celine.

Celine is currently a famous French luxury name, and is also a short form of Marceline, a 4th century pope and martyr.

Chantal.

A lovely name that is oh-so-French. It is associate with the French word for “song” but is actually derived from a place that meant “stony.”

Charlene & Charline.

These two French girl names are related to the name Charles which means “man” through Germanic origins.

Charlotte.

Like many other French girl names, Charlotte is related to the name Charles.

Chloe & Cloe.

These lovely biblical names appear in Greek mythology, and mean “green shoot.”

Christel, Christele, Christelle, Chrystelle.

These pretty names are French girl names for Christina – meaning “Christian.”

Christiane & Christanne.

Like the names above, these names mean “Christian.”

Claire & Clara.

These lovely French names mean “clear and bright.’

Clea & Cleo.

These cute names are derived from Cleopatre (or Cleopatra.)

Clemence & Clementine.

These lovely French names for girls mean “merciful” through Latin roots.

Colette.

This name is oh-so-French, and is actually a short form of Nicolette. Saint Colette was a 15th-century nun who gave money to the poor in France.

Coline.

A cute French name for Nicole.

Constance.

This medieval name means “constant and steady” and was widely used by medieval royalty.

Coralie & Coraline.

Sweet French girl names that mean “coral.”

Corine & Corinne.

These French names mean “maiden” through Latin origins.

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D – French Girl Names

Dalila.

Dalila is a French version of Delilah – a biblical name meaning “weak and frail”

Daniele, Danielle, Dany.

These lovely French names for girls are forms of Daniel – a biblical name which means “God is my judge.”

Delphine.

This pretty name means “dolphin.”

Desiree.

This lovely name means “desired and wished for” in French.

Dieudonnee.

A sophisticated French name that literally means “God given” in French.

Dominique.

This name is derived from the meaning “of the lord” in Latin.

Donatienne.

Donatienne means “given” through Latin roots.

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E – French Girl Names

Edmee & Edmonde.

A form of Edmund, which means “rich protection” in Old English.

Eglantine.

Eglantine is the name of a flower in France.

Eliane.

This lovely French name was derived from a Roman family name Aelianus.

Elisabeth.

Elisabeth is a biblical name meaning “God is an oath” through Hebrew origins.

Elise.

Elise is the short form of Elisabeth, but deserves a name in its own right.

Elodie.

Elodie was a 9th-century martyr in Spain. The meaning of the name is unclear, but it may mean “wealth.”

Elvire.

This lovely French name was borne by medieval royalty and a character in Mozart’s Don Giovani. The meaning of the name is unclear, but may mean “friendly.”

Emilie, Emeline, Emilienne.

These lovely French names for girls are related to Emily which itself is derived from an Old Germanic name meaning “hard-working and brave.”

Emma.

Emma, a name that sounds lovely in any country, means “whole” through Germanic roots.

Emanuelle.

Emanuelle means “God is with us” through Hebrew origins.

Enora.

Enora is related to the word “honor” through Breton roots.

Estelle.

Estelle is a classic French name that means “star.”

Etiennette.

Etiennette is actually related to the name Stephen, which, through Greek origins means “crown.”

Eve.

This biblical name means “to breathe” in Hebrew.

Eveline & Evalyne.

These French girl names were actually derived from the British surname Aveline, which evolved to Evelyn and was used almost exclusively for boys.

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F – French Girl Names

Fabienne.

This lovely name is derived from the Roman family name Fabius, meaning “bean.”

Fanny.

Fanny is a short form of Stephanie, as well as Frances and Francoise in French.

Fifi.

Fifi is a cute version of Josephine.

Flavie & Flavienne.

These cute French girl names come from the Roman family name Flavius which means “golden.”

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G – French Girl Names

Gabrielle & Gaby.

Gabrielle was the real name of French designer Coco Chanel. It is the feminine version of Gabriel, a biblical name that means “God is my strong man” in Hebrew.

Gaelle.

A lovely name, that may mean “Gaelic.”

Genevieve.

An unbelievably beautiful French name that means “wife” and “family.” Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris.

Gigi.

An unbelievably cute French nickname for Georgine or Virginie.

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H – French Girl Names

Hermine.

Hermine is related to Herman which means “army man” in Old German.

Hildegarde.

This interesting French name was borne by Charlamgne’s wife in the 8th century. It means “garden” through Old Germanic roots.

Honorine.

This name means “honor” through Latin roots. Saint Honorina was a martyr in Normany, France in the 4th century.

Hyacinthe.

This French name is derived from the hyacinth flower.

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I – French Girl Names

Ida.

This ancient name means “work” through Germanic origins.

Ines.

Ines is a French form of Agnes which means “chaste” through Greek roots.

Irene & Irenee.

These lovely French girl names mean come from Greece and mean “peace.”

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J – French Girl Names

Jacinthe.

A lovely French variation of Hyacinthe.

Jacqueline.

A female version of Jacques, which itself is the French version of James which means “God protect.”

Joceline & Jocelyne.

These lovely French girl names have been around since the 14th century when they were brought by Germanic tribes.

Joelle.

Joelle, is derived from Joel which is a Hebrew name referring to God.

Jordane.

Related to the biblical name Jordan which means “to flow down.”

Josephine & Josephe.

These are very famous French girl names derived from the biblical name Joseph – father of Jesus.

Josee & Josette.

These cute French names for girls are variations of Josephine.

Justine.

This lovely French name is a form of Justin, which means “just” through Latin roots.

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K – French Girl Names

Karine.

This cute name is a form of Catherine.

Katia.

Katia is a slavic short version of Katerina or Catherine.

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L – French Girl Names

Laetitia.

Laetitia – a French version of Letitia – means “joy and happiness” through Latin origins.

Laura, Laure, Laurette, Laurine.

These common French girl names comes from the Latin word for “laurel.” Laurette and Laurine are a sweet diminutive of Laure.

Lilou.

This is a cute version of both Lili and Louise.

Lina.

Lina is a lovely short version of other names ending in Lina, such as Carolina.

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M – French Girl Names

Madeline, Magali, Magalie, Magdeleine.

All of these common French girl names are derived from the biblical name Magdalene – as in Mary Magdalene which was a region around old Jerusalem.

Malvina.

This lovely name was introduced in Literature in the 18th century. It means “smooth brow” in Scottish Gaelic.

Manon.

Manon is a French version of Marie.

Marceline, Marcelle, Marcellette.

These French girl names are a version of Marcel – a 4th century pope who became a martyr

Margaux, Margot, Margo.

These names are a version of Margaret which means “pearl” through Latin origins.

Marguerite.

Like the French girl names above, Marguerite is a version of Margaret, however it is also the French word for “daisy.”

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N – French Girl Names

Nadege.

A version of the Russian name Nadezhda which means “hope.”

Nadia.

Nadia started as a lovely Slavic name that also means “hope.

Nadine.

Nadine is an oh-so-French version of Nadia.

Naomie & Noemie.

These biblical names are a version of Naomi.

Natacha.

This is a version of the Russian name Natasha, which itself is a version of Natalie which means “the day of birth of the lord.”

Nathalie.

Nathalie is a French version of Natalie as well.

Nelly.

A sweet name that’s actually a short form of other names containing “nel” or “el.”

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O – French Girl Names

Oceane.

This French name means ocean.

Odette.

This lovely name was made popular by ballet Swan Lake.

Odile.

This pretty name comes from Old German meaning “heritage and wealth.”

Olive, Olivia.

These cute names are popular all over the world and are related to the olive.

Read more: 6 Nicknames for Olivia, PLUS Middle Names, And Fun Facts

Ombeline.

This lovely name is related to the name Humbert which means “bear cub” in Old German.

Ophelie.

Related to the name Ophelia, this name means “help” through its Greek roots.

Oriane, Orianne.

These lovely French girl names are related to the Latin word for golden.

Osanne.

This pretty name is related to Hosana, which was word of rejoice by people in Jerusalem when they saw Jesus.

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P – French Girl Names

Paulette & Pauline.

These French girl names are related to the biblical name Paul which means “small.”

Perle.

This name means pearl in Yiddish.

Perrine.

Perrine is a lovely version of Pierre – or Peter.

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R – French Girl Names

Rachelle.

Rachelle is a lovely version of Rachel – which means “ewe” in Hebrew.

Raphaelle.

A lovely feminine version of Raphael, which means “to heal” and “God”.

Regine.

Regine is related to the Latin word for “queen.”

Reine.

This beautiful name means queen in French.

Renee.

This lovely name means “born again.”

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S – French Girl Names

Salome.

This is an ancient and beautiful name meaning “peace” in Hebrew.

Selene.

This beautiful name means “moon” in Greek.

Sephora.

This name comes from the Hebrew name Zipporah, which means “bird,” though many now associate it with beauty.

Sepharine.

This lovely name means “the fiery ones” in Hebrew and refers to angels in the Bible.

Serena.

This French name means “calm” in Latin.

Sergine.

Sergine is a lovely French name derived from a Latin family name meaning “servant.”

Severine.

Severine is derived from a Latin family name meaning “stern.”

Sibylle.

Sibylle means “prophetess” in Greek.

Sidonie.

Sidonie means “of Sidon” which was a place in Lebanon.

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T – French Girl Names

Thea.

Thea is a short version of Therese, Dorothea, and Theodora.

Theodora.

This ancient name was common in the Byzantine empire, borne by many empresses.

Therese.

A pretty French version of Theresa, borne by saints and religious figureheads.

Tiphaine, Tiphanie.

These French girl names are versions of Tiffany which is related to the word for Epiphany.

Toinette.

This cool name is a short form of Antoinette.

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V – French Girl Names

Victoire, Victoria, Victorine.

These lovely French girl names mean “victory” in Latin.

Vincente.

This name, related to Vincent, means “to conquer” through Roman roots.

Violette.

This pretty French name is related to the color purple.

Virginie.

A French form of Virginia which comes from a Roman last name.

Vivianne & Vivienne.

Saint Vivienne was a Roman martyr in the 4th-century. The name means “alive” in Latin.

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Y – French Girl Names

Yolande.

This lovely French name is a derivative of the Germanic word for “violet.” There are many women in history who bore that name, including Yoalende of Aragon – regent for the French King in the 15th century who was a supporter of Joan of Arc; A 12th century empress of Constantinople; and also the subject of an Opera.

Yveline, Yvelise, Yvette.

These lovely French girl names are the feminine version of the French name Yves.

Yvonne.

Yvonne is the feminine version of Yvon, which itself is a version of Yves.

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Z – French Girl Names

Zelie.

This pretty French name is the short form of Azelie, which is actually related to the name Adelaide, which means “noble.” Sainte Marie-Azelie was a French saint in the 19th century.

Zoe.

A cute name that means “life” in Greek.

232 French Girl Names - Fascinating and Grounded in Culture (2)
232 French Girl Names - Fascinating and Grounded in Culture (2024)
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