175 Beautiful French Names You’ll Fall in Love With

French names have a special charm that never goes out of style. They sound romantic when you say them out loud. 

Parents around the world choose French names for their babies because they feel timeless and classy.

I remember the first time I heard a French name. It stopped me in my tracks. There’s something about the way these names roll off your tongue that feels magical.

This list has 175 French names I’ve put together for you. You’ll find classic favorites and lesser-known gems. Each name comes with its meaning and pronunciation. 

Let’s help you find a name you’ll truly love for your little one.

Why Choose a French Name?

French names carry a sense of romance that’s hard to match. When you say them, they feel refined and graceful. 

These names have deep roots in French culture and history. Many come from saints, artists, and literary characters who have shaped the world.

French names have influenced how we name our children today. You’ll hear them in hospitals, classrooms, and playgrounds across different countries. 

They work well in multiple languages. Parents love how these names sound both classic and modern at the same time.

List of 175 Beautiful French Names 

Here are 175 French names for boys and girls. Each one has its own meaning and story. Find the perfect fit for your baby.

French Girl Names

French girl names blend classic elegance with modern charm. From timeless favorites to rare options, these names carry rich history and beautiful meanings.

1. Amélie: A sweet name that means “hardworking” and has a cheerful, friendly sound.
2. Camille: Works for any gender and means “young ceremonial attendant” in Latin.
3. Élise: A short form of Elizabeth that means “God is my oath.”
4. Chloé: Means “blooming” or “green shoot” and sounds fresh and lively.
5. Juliette: The French version of Juliet, meaning “youthful” and full of romance.
6. Élodie: Means “foreign riches” and has a melodic, lyrical quality.
7. Claire: Simple and clear, this name means “bright” or “clear.”
8. Sophie: Means “wisdom” and has been loved for generations.
9. Madeleine: A classic name meaning “from Magdala” with a timeless feel.
10. Margaux: A fancy spelling of Margot that means “pearl.”
11. Céleste: Means “heavenly” and sounds as dreamy as its meaning.
12. Lucie: The French form of Lucy, meaning “light.”
13. Anaïs: Means “grace” and has a soft, gentle pronunciation.
14. Noémie: The French version of Naomi, meaning “pleasantness.”
15. Adèle: Means “noble” and has a strong yet feminine sound.
16. Léa: Simple and sweet, this name means “weary” or “meadow.”
17. Manon: A diminutive of Marie that feels playful and charming.
18. Océane: Means “ocean” and brings to mind the sea and waves.
19. Rosalie: Combines “rose” and a French suffix for a floral, pretty name.
20. Mathilde: Means “mighty in battle” despite its soft sound.
21. Colette: A vintage name meaning “people of victory.”
22. Florence: Means “flowering” or “flourishing” and sounds regal.
23. Geneviève: The patron saint of Paris, meaning “woman of the people.”
24. Isabelle: The French form of Isabel, meaning “pledged to God.”
25. Josette: A diminutive of Joséphine with a retro, cute vibe.
26. Delphine: Means “dolphin” and has Greek origins.
27. Brigitte: A strong name meaning “exalted one” or “power.”
28. Vivienne: Means “alive” or “lively” and sounds vibrant.
29. Estelle: Means “star” and has a celestial, bright quality.
30. Yvette: A feminine form of Yves, meaning “yew tree.”
31. Simone: The feminine of Simon, meaning “one who hears.”
32. Pauline: Means “small” or “humble” in Latin.
33. Béatrice: Means “she who brings happiness” and sounds cheerful.
34. Charlotte: The feminine of Charles, meaning “free man.”
35. Émilie: The French version of Emily, meaning “rival” or “eager.”
36. Sabine: Refers to the ancient Sabine people of Italy.
37. Mireille: Means “to admire” and has Provençal roots.
38. Claudine: A feminine form of Claude, meaning “lame” but sounding lovely.
39. Amandine: Means “lovable” or “worthy of love.”
40. Céline: Means “heavenly” or relates to the moon.
41. Monique: The French form of Monica with uncertain origins.
42. Louise: The feminine of Louis, meaning “famous warrior.”
43. Valentine: Means “strong” or “healthy” and relates to love.
44. Hélène: The French version of Helen, meaning “light” or “torch.”
45. Jacqueline: The feminine of Jacques, meaning “supplanter.”
46. Bernadette: Means “brave as a bear” and has religious ties.
47. Louna: A modern name combining Lou and Luna.
48. Solène: Means “solemn” or “dignified” with a sunny sound.
49. Éva: The French spelling of Eve, meaning “life.”
50. Inès: The French version of Agnes, meaning “pure” or “holy.”
51. Apolline: The feminine of Apollo, relating to the Greek god.
52. Marine: Means “of the sea” and sounds breezy and fresh.
53. Maëlle: A Breton name meaning “princess” or “chief.”
54. Laure: The French form of Laura, meaning “laurel tree.”
55. Coralie: Means “coral” and has an oceanic, natural feel.
56. Zoé: Means “life” in Greek and sounds upbeat.
57. Alix: A medieval French form of Alice, meaning “noble.”
58. Violette: The French word for “violet,” the purple flower.
59. Paloma: Actually Spanish but used in France, meaning “dove.”
60. Félicie: Means “happy” or “fortunate” and sounds cheerful.
61. Romane: The feminine of Romain, meaning “from Rome.”
62. Justine: Means “just” or “fair” and has a balanced sound.
63. Clémence: Means “mercy” or “gentleness” in French.
64. Blanche: Means “white” and has a pure, clean sound.
65. Iris: Named after the Greek goddess and the colorful flower.
66. Capucine: Means “nasturtium flower” and sounds whimsical.
67. Flavie: Comes from Latin, meaning “golden” or “blonde.”
68. Énora: A Breton name meaning “honor.”
69. Thaïs: A Greek name meaning “bond” with French flair.
70. Sidonie: Means “from Sidon” and has vintage charm.
71. Mélanie: Means “dark” or “black” in Greek.
72. Ophélie: The French form of Ophelia, meaning “help.”
73. Noëlle: The feminine of Noël, meaning “Christmas.”
74. Agathe: Means “good” in Greek and sounds kind.
75. Lise: A short form of Elisabeth that feels crisp and fresh.
76. Aurélie: Means “golden” and has a warm, glowing quality.
77. Diane: The French version of Diana, the Roman goddess.
78. Léonie: The feminine of Léon, meaning “lion.”
79. Marguerite: The French word for “daisy” and means “pearl.”
80. Faustine: Means “lucky” or “fortunate” in Latin.
81. Élina: A modern French name with Greek roots meaning “light.”
82. Esmée: Means “esteemed” or “loved” and sounds gentle.
83. Lisette: A diminutive of Elisabeth with a playful ring.
84. Victoire: Means “victory” and sounds triumphant.
85. Honorine: Means “honor” or “dignity” with feminine grace.

French Boy Names

French boy names carry rich history and culture. From classic choices to modern options, here’s your guide to finding the perfect French name.

86. Louis: A royal name meaning “famous warrior” worn by many kings.
87. Gabriel: Means “God is my strength” and has angelic ties.
88. Julien: The French form of Julian, meaning “youthful.”
89. Antoine: The French version of Anthony with uncertain origins.
90. Lucas: Means “from Lucania” and has become very popular.
91. Théo: A short form of Théodore, meaning “gift of God.”
92. Mathis: A variant of Matthias, meaning “gift of God.”
93. Clément: Means “merciful” or “gentle” and sounds kind.
94. Hugo: Means “mind” or “intellect” and sounds strong.
95. Raphaël: Means “God has healed” and has artistic connections.
96. Arthur: Means “bear” and has legendary king associations.
97. Benjamin: Means “son of the right hand” and feels friendly.
98. Paul: A simple name meaning “small” or “humble.”
99. Maxime: Means “greatest” and has a confident sound.
100. Nicolas: The French form of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”
101. Étienne: The French version of Stephen, meaning “crown.”
102. Bastien: A short form of Sébastien with a modern edge.
103. Adrien: The French form of Adrian, meaning “from Hadria.”
104. Sébastien: Means “venerable” or “revered” in Greek.
105. Olivier: The French form of Oliver, meaning “olive tree.”
106. Victor: Means “conqueror” or “winner” and sounds victorious.
107. Alexandre: The French form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men.”
108. Florian: Means “flowering” or “blooming” in Latin.
109. Romain: Means “from Rome” and has classical roots.
110. Quentin: Means “fifth” and has a cool, modern sound.
111. Damien: A French form of Damian, meaning “to tame.”
112. Pascal: Means “relating to Easter” and sounds intellectual.
113. François: The French form of Francis, meaning “from France.”
114. Laurent: Means “from Laurentum” and has Latin roots.
115. Michel: The French version of Michael, meaning “who is like God.”
116. Pierre: The French word for “rock” or “stone.”
117. Henri: The French form of Henry, meaning “ruler of the home.”
118. Jérôme: Means “sacred name” and has scholarly ties.
119. Didier: Means “desired” or “longed for” in French.
120. Philippe: The French form of Philip, meaning “lover of horses.”
121. Emmanuel: Means “God is with us” and has biblical roots.
122. Jacques: The French form of James, meaning “supplanter.”
123. Sylvain: Means “of the forest” and has woodland vibes.
124. Christian: Means “follower of Christ” and sounds timeless.
125. Rémi: Means “oarsman” or “rower” in Latin.
126. Timothée: The French form of Timothy, meaning “honoring God.”
127. Gaspard: One of the three wise men, meaning “treasurer.”
128. Léon: Means “lion” and has become trendy again.
129. Maël: A Breton name meaning “prince” or “chief.”
130. Augustin: Means “great” or “magnificent” in Latin.
131. Baptiste: Means “baptist” and has religious connections.
132. Loïc: A Breton name related to Louis, meaning “famous warrior.”
133. Cédric: A French name possibly meaning “bounty.”
134. Fabien: Means “bean grower” but sounds sophisticated.
135. Yannick: A Breton form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
136. Aurélien: Means “golden” and has a warm, rich sound.
137. Corentin: A Breton name meaning “tempest” or “hurricane.”
138. Émeric: Means “home ruler” with Germanic roots.
139. Lionel: Means “little lion” and sounds brave.
140. Mathieu: The French form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
141. Noël: Means “Christmas” and sounds festive and warm.
142. Armand: Means “soldier” or “army man” in Germanic.
143. Marcel: Means “little warrior” or “young hammer.”
144. Prosper: Means “fortunate” or “successful” in Latin.
145. Anatole: Means “sunrise” or “from the east.”
146. Théodore: Means “gift of God” and has vintage charm.
147. Alphonse: Means “noble and ready” with old-world appeal.
148. Lucien: Means “light” and has a refined sound.
149. Firmin: Means “firm” or “steadfast” in Latin.
150. Valentin: Means “strong” or “healthy” and relates to love.
151. Constant: Means “steadfast” or “loyal” in Latin.
152. Florent: A variant of Florian, meaning “flowering.”
153. Honoré: Means “honored” and has a dignified sound.
154. Basile: The French form of Basil, meaning “kingly.”

Gender-Neutral French Names

French names that work for any gender offer flexibility and style. These options blend traditional French charm with modern versatility for your baby.

155. Camille: Works for boys or girls, meaning “young ceremonial attendant.”
156. Alix: A unisex name that’s a medieval French form of Alice.
157. Noa: The French spelling of Noah, meaning “rest” or “comfort.”
158. Sacha: A unisex diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra.
159. Morgan: A Celtic name meaning “sea circle” used for both genders.
160. Lou: A short, sweet name that works for anyone.
161. Éden: The French spelling of Eden, meaning “paradise.”
162. Charlie: A friendly nickname for Charles or Charlotte.
163. Alexis: Works for boys or girls, meaning “defender.”
164. Dominique: The French form of Dominic, meaning “of the Lord.”
165. Claude: Means “lame” but sounds sophisticated for any gender.
166. Maxence: A unisex name meaning “greatest.”
167. Gaël: A Breton name used for boys and girls.
168. Ariel: Means “lion of God” and works for anyone.
169. René: Means “reborn” and can be used for boys or girls.
170. Joël: The French form of Joel, meaning “God is willing.”
171. Célestin: Means “heavenly” and has a dreamy quality.
172. Andrea: Used in France for boys, though it’s feminine elsewhere.
173. Marion: Works as a boy’s or girl’s name in France.
174. Ange: The French word for “angel,” used for any gender.
175. Rémy: Can be spelled Rémi or Rémy, works for any gender, means “oarsman.”

Tips for Choosing a French Name You’ll Love

• Say the name out loud to test flow and sound: Does it roll off your tongue? Try saying it with your last name to make sure they sound good together.
• Check the meaning and cultural significance: Some French names have deep historical or religious roots. Make sure the meaning resonates with you and your family values.
• Consider nicknames and short forms: Many French names have cute shortened versions. Think about what people might naturally call your child as they grow up.
• Think about spelling and pronunciation abroad: French accents and pronunciations can be tricky outside France. Make sure people in your country can say and spell the name without too much confusion.
• Choose a name that feels timeless, not trendy: Classic French names have lasted for centuries. Pick something that will sound just as good in 50 years as it does today.

Conclusion

French names have a timeless quality that never fades. They carry centuries of history and culture in just a few syllables.

I hope this list helped you find some options that speak to you. Take your time exploring the meanings behind each name. Say them out loud. See how they feel when you write them down. The right name will just click.

Choosing a name is one of the most special decisions you’ll make. 

Trust your instincts. Pick something that makes your heart smile every time you say it. Your child will carry this name for their whole life. Make it count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes French names so popular worldwide?

French names have a musical quality that sounds romantic in any language. They work well across different cultures and often carry meaningful histories that parents love.

Are French names hard to pronounce for non-French speakers?

Some French names are easier than others. Names like Claire, Sophie, and Lucas sound similar in many languages, while names with accents might need practice.

Can I use a French name if I’m not French?

Absolutely. French names are used by parents all over the world. You don’t need French heritage to give your child a French name you love.

Do French names have special meanings?

Yes, most French names have meanings rooted in Latin, Greek, or old French. Many relate to virtues, nature, or religious figures that have shaped French culture.

Should I keep the accent marks in French names?

That’s your choice. Some parents keep the accents to honor the French spelling, while others drop them for simplicity in their home country.