French baby names

French Names

by Laura Healy |
Updated on

It's time to get looking at some potential baby names for your little one! Whether you're expecting a baby girl or boy, there are loads of lovely French unisex names to consider for your new arrival.

With its stunning Riviera coast and romantic capital city of Paris, there are plenty of reasons to find some inspiration from France. The French language is also full of beautiful sounds and ideas too, so you're bound to find a suitable French baby name that sounds perfect for your baby.

30 French baby names

Amélie - Derived from the Germanic name Amalia, it means "hardworking" or "industrious." It reflects a strong and determined nature.

Amour - The French word for "love." It reflects affection and emotional connection.

Béatrice - This name means "bringer of happiness" or "blessed." It suggests a person who brings joy and positivity to others.

Bijou - The French word for "jewel" or "precious." It symbolises rarity and value.

Camille - Originally a Roman family name, it means "attendant at a religious ceremony" or "perfect." It denotes elegance and grace.

Ciel - The French word for "sky" or "heaven." It suggests vastness and a sense of wonder.

Delphine - Derived from the Greek word for "dolphin," it also has connections to the Oracle of Delphi. It represents intelligence and wisdom.

Élise - A variation of the name Elizabeth, it means "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God." It signifies devotion and faithfulness.

Fabien - Derived from the Roman family name Fabius, which means "bean grower" or "farming." It reflects a connection to the land and nature.

Fleur - The French word for "flower." It represents beauty, growth, and delicacy.

Gabriel - Meaning "God is my strength" or "God's messenger" in Hebrew, it suggests a strong and divine connection.

Hugo - With Germanic origins, it means "mind" or "spirit." It signifies intellect and creativity.

Isabelle - A French variation of the name Elizabeth, meaning "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God." It signifies faithfulness and dedication.

Jolie - Meaning "pretty" or "attractive" in French. It signifies physical beauty and charm.

Julien - Derived from the Roman name Julianus, meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded." It represents youth and vitality.

Léa - Derived from the Hebrew name Leah, meaning "weary" or "cow." It can symbolise patience and strength.

Mathieu - A French form of the name Matthew, meaning "gift of God" or "God's gift." It signifies blessings and divine favour.

Noémie - A French form of the name Naomi, meaning "pleasantness" or "delight." It suggests a cheerful and joyful nature.

Olivier - Derived from the Latin word for "olive tree" or "peace." It embodies peace, wisdom, and growth.

Pauline - Derived from the name Paul, meaning "small" or "humble." It signifies modesty and simplicity.

Quentin - Derived from the Roman name Quintinus, meaning "fifth" or "fifth-born." It suggests order and balance.

Raphaël - Derived from the Hebrew name Raphael, meaning "God has healed" or "healing." It embodies restoration and divine intervention.

Sabine - Derived from the Sabine tribe of ancient Italy, it means "Sabine woman" or "from the Sabine tribe." It carries a historical and cultural connotation.

Théo - A short form of the name Théodore, meaning "God's gift" or "divine gift." It symbolises a precious and valuable presence.

Ulysse - The French form of the name Ulysses, meaning "wrathful" or "to be angry." It is associated with strength and determination.

Valentine - Derived from the Latin word for "strong, healthy" or "worthy." It signifies inner strength and worthiness.

William - Of Germanic origin, it means "resolute protector" or "will helmet." It embodies strength, determination, and protection.

Xavier - Derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "bright" or "new house." It suggests renewal and illumination.

Yves - Derived from the Germanic name Yvo, meaning "yew wood" or "archer." It signifies strength, resilience, and precision.

Zoé - Derived from the Greek word for "life" or "alive." It embodies vitality and a zest for life.

10 old-fashioned French names

These old-fashioned baby names have stood the test of time and are ideal for vintage-lover.

Adèle - Derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning "noble" or "nobility." It reflects grace, elegance, and high social standing.

Blaise - Derived from the Latin name Blasius, meaning "lisping" or "stuttering." It signifies overcoming challenges and finding strength.

Céleste - Derived from the Latin word caelestis, meaning "heavenly" or "celestial." It symbolises a divine or ethereal nature.

Édouard - Derived from the Old English name Eadweard, meaning "rich guard" or "wealthy protector." It signifies both strength and safeguarding.

Florence - Derived from the Latin name Florentius, meaning "flourishing" or "prosperous." It embodies growth and success.

Gaston - Derived from the Germanic name Gasto, meaning "guest" or "stranger." It reflects hospitality and openness.

Hortense - Derived from the Latin word hortus, meaning "garden." It symbolises fertility, nurturing, and growth.

Jules - Derived from the Roman name Julianus, meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded." It suggests vibrancy and youthful energy.

Léon - Derived from the Greek name Leon, meaning "lion." It embodies strength, courage, and leadership.

Madeleine - Derived from the Greek name Magdalene, meaning "of Magdala" or "tower." It has connotations of beauty and significance.

10 unique French names

Looking for a more unusual baby name? Scroll down for 10 unique options to make your child stand out on the school register.

Aurélie - Derived from the Latin word aureus, meaning "golden" or "gilded." It suggests radiance, beauty, and preciousness.

Célestin - Derived from the Latin name Caelestis, meaning "heavenly" or "celestial." It signifies a connection to the divine and higher realms.

Éloi - Derived from the Old French name Heloi, meaning "chosen" or "elected." It represents a sense of special purpose or destiny.

Flavie - Derived from the Latin name Flavius, meaning "golden-haired" or "yellow." It symbolises brightness and uniqueness.

Gaël - Derived from the Old Breton name Uucluaid, meaning "generous" or "noble." It reflects generosity and high moral character.

Lysandre - Derived from the Greek words lyso, meaning "to free," and aner, meaning "man." It signifies a liberating and independent spirit.

Maëlys - A Breton name meaning "prince" or "chief." It symbolises leadership and authority.

Odette - Derived from the Old German name Oda, meaning "wealth" or "fortune." It embodies prosperity and good fortune.

Thibault - Derived from the Germanic name Theobald, meaning "bold people" or "courageous leader." It signifies strength and bravery.

Violette - Derived from the Latin word viola, meaning "violet." It symbolises modesty, innocence, and fragility.

Even more French names

Aloys - Derived from the Old German name Hludowig, meaning "famous warrior." It signifies strength and renown.

Bérénice - Derived from the Greek name Berenike, meaning "bearer of victory." It embodies triumph and achievement.

Cyprien - Derived from the Greek name Kyprianos, meaning "from Cyprus." It suggests a connection to the Mediterranean island.

Doriane - A feminine form of the name Dorian, derived from the Greek tribe Dorians. It reflects a sense of heritage and culture.

Eloi - Derived from the Old French name Heloi, meaning "chosen" or "elected." It symbolises a sense of purpose and destiny.

Félicien - Derived from the Latin name Felix, meaning "fortunate" or "lucky." It embodies happiness and good fortune.

Gisèle - Derived from the Germanic name Gisla, meaning "pledge" or "hostage." It signifies a sense of commitment and loyalty.

Hélène - Derived from the Greek name Helene, meaning "torch" or "light." It symbolises illumination and enlightenment.

Isaure - Derived from the Occitan word isaura, meaning "gentle breeze." It reflects a calming and soothing presence.

Jérémie - Derived from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu, meaning "appointed by God." It suggests a divine calling or purpose.

Léontine - Derived from the Greek name Leontios, meaning "lion-like." It embodies strength, courage, and dignity.

Maxence - Derived from the Latin name Maxentius, meaning "greatest." It signifies excellence and high achievement.

Ninon - A diminutive of the name Anne, meaning "grace" or "favour." It reflects elegance and divine blessings.

Olivier - Derived from the Latin word olivarius, meaning "olive tree" or "peace." It symbolises growth and tranquillity.

Pascaline - Derived from the Latin name Paschalis, meaning "related to Easter" or "Passover." It signifies renewal and celebration.

Romain - Derived from the Latin name Romanus, meaning "Roman" or "citizen of Rome." It carries a historical and cultural connotation.

Solène - Derived from the Latin word sollemnis, meaning "solemn" or "festive." It reflects a sense of occasion and significance.

Thalía - Derived from the Greek name Thaleia, meaning "blooming" or "to flourish." It signifies growth and vitality.

Ulysse - The French form of the name Ulysses, meaning "wrathful" or "to be angry." It symbolises strength and determination.

Véronique - Derived from the Greek name Berenike, meaning "bringing victory." It embodies triumph and success.

You'll be spoilt for choice with our list of French boy names and French girl names, but don't worry if you're still left searching for 'the one' as we've got lots more ideas for you. If you fancy sticking with the international theme, what about a Spanish boy name or girl name? Alternatively, if you're interested in a unisex choice, we've got lots of gender-neutral baby names to choose from too.

Don't worry if your due date is fast approaching and you still haven't found a name that feels like the one. Head to our baby name generator where you'll find thousands of names to fall in love with, from more traditional sounding names, to unique baby names from all around the world.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.

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