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As baby names go these popular French names are oh-so-sweet, chic, and fast becoming a popular choice for many parents across the UK.
Naming your child is a personal experience, whether you’re after something unique with some unusual baby names, going against the grain (spare a moment for the unpopular baby names), or getting ahead of the curve with cool baby names.
“Some parents have French ancestry and therefore want to honour their heritage, but you don’t have to have a French grandmother to want a French name for your baby,” says Pamela Redmond, co-creator and CEO of Nameberry.
Editor's note
While this article suggests 'boy' names and 'girl' names, in reality names can be used for anyone - regardless of the sex at birth. You'll know what suits your baby.
She continues: “Some parents simply love France, the French language and culture, or French style and want to bring that love to their child’s name.”
Based on hot-off-the-press data from Statista, we source the most popular French names, as well as answer all your FAQs, like how do you pick a name for your baby, when should I start picking a baby name, and the top three things to bear in mind when choosing a baby name.
Popular French names
What are the most popular French names for girls?
- Alba Origin: Latin | Style: Elegant | Pronunciation: Al-bah
Meaning: Although a gender-neutral name, Alba ranks as one of the most popular French baby names for girls. Its Latin origin means white, clear and bright. - Alexandrine Origin: Greek and French | Style: Graceful | Pronunciation: Al-ix-on-dreen
Meaning: Alexandrine is the French version of the name Alexandra, which is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, interpreted to mean protector of mankind. - Alice Origin: German | Style: Famous | Pronunciation: Al-is
Meaning: According to research by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the popularity of the name Alice was at an all-time low in 2001, but is now on the rise again. Alice is of German origin and means noble and was originally derived from the old French name Aalis. - Alida Origin: Italian and Dutch | Style: Graceful | Pronunciation: Uh-Lay-Duh
Meaning: Alida is typically a girl’s name and is often considered something different from Alda. The meaning of the former can vary but generally, it’s associated with being noble or acquiring old-fashioned charm. - Ambre Origin: Arabic | Style: Exotic | Pronunciation: Am-Bray
Meaning: A French variation on the name Amber, Ambre is still a popular choice for parents. It literally means the colour amber (which is yellow and orange) but the literal translation is fossilised tree resin. - Anna Origin: Hebrew | Style: Latin Old Testament | Pronunciation: An-Uh
Meaning: Anna comes from the Hebrew name Hannah which means grace or favour. Anna was popular with the Ancient Romans and meant the year’s cycle around the ninth or 10th century. - Arielle Origin: Hebrew | Style: Joyful | Pronunciation: A-R-e-l
Arielle has Hebrew origins and means lioness of God. It’s also associated with strength and bravery. - Augustine Origin: Latin | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Aw-gus-tin
Meaning: The name Augustine is of Latin origin and means worthy of respect. It’s often associated with the Christian saint Augustine of Hippo, who was a prominent theologian and philosopher. - Barbe Origin: French and German | Style: Authentic | Pronunciation: Barb
Meaning: Barbe is the French form of Barbara, and its meaning is typically associated with stranger or foreigner, derived from the word barbarus in Latin.
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- Belle Origin: French | Style: Sophisticated | Pronunciation: Bel
Meaning: A Disney princess namesake, Belle literally translates to beautiful. It’s super feminine and also means fair and charming. - Bijou Origin: French | Style: Delicate | Pronunciation: Bee-ju
Meaning: The name Bijou is of French origin and means jewel or precious gem. It’s often used as a term of endearment or given as a name for someone cherished and treasured, much like your little one would be. - Camille Origin: French | Style: Royal | Pronunciation: Kam-ee
Meaning: Camille is the French form of the name Camilla, and has a timeless and elegant quality. The name Camille is often associated with characteristics such as purity, beauty, and youth. - Cécile Origin: Latin | Style: Christian | Pronunciation: Ses-eel
Meaning: Cecile is a French form of the name Cecilia, which is of Latin origin. Cecilia was a popular name among early Christians, and Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music. - Cerise Origin: French | Style: Fun | Pronunciation: Ser-ee-ss
Meaning: The girl’s name Cerise means cherry in French and is often associated with the bright red colour of the fruit. - Charlotte Origin: French | Style: Royal | Pronunciation: Shar-lot
Meaning: Fit for a princess, the name Charlotte is making a royal comeback. Charlotte is the feminine version of Charles and means free man or petite. - Claire Origin: French | Style: Delicate | Pronunciation: Cl-air
Meaning: Claire means clear and bright, and is an English form of Clara. It’s often associated with qualities like clarity, purity and illumination. The name can also mean light, in reference to the French phrase clair de lune or, light of the moon. - Clarette Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Kl-air-et
Meaning: As a variation of the name Claire, Clarette doesn’t have a specific meaning of its own but as it's derived from Clara, it’s associated with characteristics like clarity, brightness and grace. - Clementine Origin: French | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: Cl-om-on-teen
Meaning: Super sweet and pleasant, this pretty girl’s name is of French Latin origin and means mild, gentle or merciful. - Claudette Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Claw-Det
Meaning: Claudette is a feminine name popular in the Christian religion, and of French origin that means ‘lame’ or ‘enclosure.’ It is also known that Claudette is the female version of Claudius, a Roman surname derived from the Latin claudus. - Colette Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Koh-Let
Meaning: Short form of Nicolette, which is a French female form of Nicholas which is from the Greek nik meaning "victory" and laos, meaning "people". - Danielle Origin: French | Style: Famous | Dan-yel
Meaning: Danielle is the feminine form of the name Daniel, which also comes from Hebrew. It means God is my judge and is very common in English and French-speaking countries. - Delphine Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Del-feen
Meaning: This classic and elegant girl’s name is derived from the word delphin which means dolphin in French. In some cultures, the dolphin is associated with playfulness, intelligence, and a gentle nature. - Denise Origin: French and Greek | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Duh-nees
Meaning: Denise comes from the French version of the Greek name Dionysios which is related to the Greek god Dionysus – the god of wine, fertility, and revelry – with some associating the name to celebration and joy. - Eden Origin: Hebrew | Style: Iconic | Pronunciation: Ee-den
Meaning: From the Hebrew word eden, this name means paradise, tranquillity or delight. - Édelie Origin: French | Style: Christian | Pronunciation: Eed-lee
Meaning:Édelie means having high principles and qualities, and girls named Édelie are usually Christian by religion. - Elise Origin: French | Style: Serene | Pronunciation: El-ees
Meaning: The name Elise is a diminutive of the French name Elizabeth which became a standalone name in the 19th century. Elise is a girl's name that means "consecrated by God."
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- Elle Origin: French | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: El
Meaning: Literally meaning she in French, Elle is often used as a feminine given name of French origin. It can also be a shortened form of names like Eleanor or Gabrielle. - Elodie Origin: French and Greek | Style: Precious | Pronunciation: El-oh-dee
Meaning: French form of Elodia, which is a Spanish name that comes from the gothic elements ali, meaning other and od, which translates to riches. - Eloise Origin: French and English | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: El-o-eez
Meaning: When translated from German, Eloise means healthy or wide; it also means sun when translated from Greek. Eloise is commonly a girl’s name and can take many nicknames such as Elly, Lu or El. - Émilie Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Em-ee-lee
Meaning: The name Émilie is a French variant of the name Emily. It’s typically a feminine given name and is of Latin origin, derived from the name Aemilia which means to strive. - Emma Origin: German | Style: Elegant | Pronunciation: Em-uh
Meaning: Popular in the US, as well as France, the Germanic name Emma, means universal or whole. Famous faces with the same elegant moniker include Emma Stone, Emma Thompson and Emma Watson, all of whom are actresses. - Esme Origin: French | Style: Graceful | Pronunciation: Ez-may
Meaning: Esme simply means esteemed or beloved. It may also be used as a short form of the Spanish name Esmeralda, referring to the deep green gemstone. - Félice Origin: French | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: Fel-ees
Meaning: Felice is typically used for girls and a similar name is Felicity. Both mean happiness or good fortune, and they convey a sense of joy and positivity. - Francine Origin: French | Style: Timeless | Pronunciation: Fran-seen
Meaning: Francine is derived from the Latin name Franciscus which means Frenchman or free man. The name can also be associated with freedom and liberty due to historical roots. - Gabrielle Origin: French | Style: Precious | Pronunciation: Gab-ree-ell
Meaning: The name Gabrielle is the feminine counterpart of Gabriel, which has Hebrew origins. It’s derived from the Hebrew name that means God is my strength or God is my man. Gabrielle is a popular name in many languages, such as English and of course French. - Geneve Origin: French | Style: Graceful | Pronunciation: Jen-ev-veev
Meaning: From the Old French, Geneve could mean tribe woman. - Gertrude Origin: German | Style: Unique | Pronunciation: Gur-trood
Meaning: The name means spear of strength and originates from Germany. Gertrude can be associated with power and courage. - Hélène Origin: Greek | Style: Mythical | Pronunciation: El-ayn
Meaning: Hélène is a French variant of the name Helen – it’s of Greek origin and means light or torch. The name Helen also has a mythological background, most commonly associated with Helen of Troy. - Henriette Origin: French | Style: Authentic | Pronunciation: On-ri-et
Meaning: Henriette is the female form of Henry, from the Germanic heim, meaning home. - Jacqueline Origin: French | Style: Feminine | Pronunciation: Jac-uh-lin
Meaning: This French girl’s name is the feminine form of Jacques, which is the French equivalent of James. The name Jacqueline is often interpreted as supplanter or one who follows. - Jade Origin: Spanish | Style: Beautiful | Pronunciation: Jayd
Meaning: In its simplest form, Jade comes from the green precious gemstone that’s typically used in jewellery making. However, as it originates from Spain, Jade comes from the phrase piedra de la ijada which translates to “gem of the colic” leading to the belief that, when placed on babies’ stomachs, jade could cure colic. - Jolene Origin: French | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Jo-leen
Meaning: Popular in the US, the meaning behind the name Jolene can vary. It’s a traditional French girl’s name meaning the Lord is God, and the ‘Lene’ is thought to have derived from other names such as Magdalene or Marlene. - Josephine Origin: French | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Joh-sef-een
Meaning: As a feminine form of Joseph, Josephine means god will increase, or more specifically, Jehovah increases. In French, there is an accent over the first E, but is often removed in English, Dutch and German variations. - Juliet Origin: Greek | Style: Roman | Pronunciation: Ju-lee-et
Meaning: Juliet, derived from the Latin name “Julia,” was common among women in ancient Rome. In French, the name “Juliette” originated from the Old French name “Julie,” which is a variation of the Latin name “Julia,” meaning “youthful” or “downy.” - Léonie Origin: French | Style: Exotic | Pronunciation: Lay-oh-nie
Meaning: Leonie is a variation of the name Leon which is derived from the Greek name Leon meaning lion. The feminine version, therefore, can be interpreted to mean lioness or brave as a lioness.
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- Lilou Origin: Latin | Style: Delicate | Pronunciation: Lee-loo
Meaning: Lili is originally from the Latin lilium, and is the name of a flower, a symbol of purity. - Louise Origin: French | Style: Pronunciation: Loo-eez
Meaning: The feminine version of Louis, the name Louise can be both used for boys and girls. It means unrenowned warrior, and was the second most popular female baby name in 2021. - Lydie Origin: Russian | Style: Elegant | Pronunciation: Lid-ee
Meaning: Lydie is a variant of the name Lydia which is of Greek origin and means woman from Lydia – an ancient region in western Asia Minor (now part of Turkey). - Maëlle Origin: French | Style: Unique | Pronunciation: Ma-El
Meaning: Maëlle is often considered to be a variant of the name Mary or Marie. Maëlle is a feminine name and may be associated with meanings such as bitterness or sea of bitterness. It’s fairly uncommon nowadays but still has a lovely sound to it. - Marguerite Origin: French | Style: Timeless | Pronunciation: Mar-ger-eet
Meaning: This girl’s name is the French form of the name Margaret and means pearl or daisy in reference to the precious gem or flower. - Marlène Origin: German | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Marl-een
Meaning: Often a combination of the names Mary and Magdalene, Marlene can take on two meanings: bitterness and elevated or tower. - Margot Origin: Greek | Style: Exotic | Pronunciation: Mar-go
Meaning: This feminine name comes from the French form of Margaret from the Greek margarites, meaning pearl. According to data from BabyCentre, the name Margo peaked in 2020, with 1679 babies per million having the moniker. - Mia Origin: Hebrew | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: Mee-A
Meaning: The name Mia has some interesting history surrounding it. Firstly originating from Maria, derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, Mia is thought to have come from the Egyptian word Mr, which means beloved. - Michelle Origin: French | Style: Sophisticated | Pronunciation: Mish-Ell
Meaning: The name Michelle is a French feminine given name that’s similar to Michael for a boy. Michelle is often associated with qualities such as strength and independence and became popular in the English language in the mid-20th century. - Monique Origin: French | Style: Sophisticated | Pronunciation: Moh-Neek
Meaning: The name Monique is of French origin and is a variant of the name Monica. It’s a feminine name that means advisor or counsellor. - Nicole Origin: Greek | Style: Pronunciation: Nik-Ohl
Meaning: Nicole is a feminine name that’s popular in many countries and cultures, and means victory of the people. - Noelle Origin: French | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: No-el
Meaning: Noelle has evolved to the feminine version of the name Noel, which means Christmas. It’s often given to girls born around – or on – Christmas Day and is associated with the joyous festivities. - Odette Origin: French and German | Style: Classical | Pronunciation: Oh-det
Meaning: Derived from the Germanic name Oda, which means riches or wealth, combined with the French suffix ‘ette’ indicates the feminine form. Odette can mean prosperous and wealthy. - Pauline Origin: Latin | Style: Famous | Pronunciation: Paw-leen
Meaning: Feminine version of Paul, from the Latin paulus, meaning "small" or "humble". Names that are similar to Pauline include Paulette and Paulina. - Pierrette Origin: French | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: P-air-et
Meaning: Pierrette takes the diminutive form of the name Pierre, which is the French equivalent of Peter. Essentially, Pierrette means little Peter or small rock in reference to the name’s biblical origins. - Renée Origin: French | Style: Iconic | Pronunciation: Ren-nay
Meaning: This classic name is a form of René, the feminine version of Renatus which comes from the Latin renascor, meaning born again.
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- Risette Origin: French | Style: Unusual | Pronunciation: Ris-et
Meaning: Risette is often considered to be a variation of the name Risa, which doesn’t have a widely-known meaning on its own. Risa can mean laughter or smile in some cultures. - Rochelle Origin: French | Style: Gentle | Pronunciation: Roh-shell
Meaning: Rochelle is derived from the Old French name Roche which literally means rock. - Romy Origin: Latin | Style: Pronunciation: Roh-mee
Meaning: While it might be rare in countries like the US, Romy is still a firm favourite for parents in Europe. Used for both boys and girls, Romy means rosemary (as in the herb) and is also a female form of Roman. - Salomé Origin: Hebrew | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Sal-Oh-May
Meaning: Salomé has Hebrew origins and comes from the word Shalom meaning peace. - Seychelle Origin: French | Style: Unique | Pronunciation: Say-Shell
Meaning: Seychelle is often associated with the Seychelles, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. Its meaning can vary but can be interpreted as a woman from the Seychelles. - Sophie Origin: Greek | Style: Famous | Pronunciation: Soh-fee
Meaning: Sophie is a variant of the Greek name Sophia and means wisdom or knowledge. - Suzanne Origin: French | Style: Floral | Pronunciation: Soo-zan
Meaning: Suzanne is of French origin and is a variant of the name Susan. It’s derived from the Hebrew name Shoshona, which means Lily or Rose. Suzanne is a classic and elegant name with floral connotations, symbolising beauty and grace. - Stéphane Origin: French | Style: Regal | Pronunciation: Stef-an
Meaning: The name Stéphane is a French variation of Stephen which has origins of Greece, as well as French. It means crown or garland. - Sylvie Origin: Latin | Style: Classic | Pronunciation: Sil-vie
Meaning: One of the more traditional and chic French names for a girl, Sylvie is derived from the Latin silva, meaning wood or forest. - Thérèse Origin: French | Style: Vintage | Pronunciation: Ter-Res
Meaning: From the Greek word theros means late summer and many people associate the name with warmth and abundance. - Valerie Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Val-er-ee
Meaning: Valerie means strong or valiant. It’s derived from the Latin name Valeria which also has similar meanings. - Véronique Origin: French | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: Ver-on-neek
Meaning: This popular French girl’s name has historical and religious significance, as it’s often linked to Saint Veronica. Veronique is also associated with Latin word vera meaning true and icon, or image and likeness. - Vivienne Origin: French | Style: Elegant | Pronunciation: Viv-ee-en
Meaning: Feminine form of Vivian or Vivien. From the Latin vivianus, which is derived from vivus, meaning alive. - Yvette Origin: French | Style: Charming | Pronunciation: E-vet
Meaning: Yvette is the feminine form of Yves and is derived from the Germanic name Ivo, which means yew and archer.
What are the most popular French names for boys?
- Aaron Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Ah-run
Meaning: Aaron means exalted or high mountain, and is a common name with biblical meaning, as Aaron was the older brother of Moses. - Adam Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Ad-um
Meaning: From the Hebrew adama meaning "earth" and a generic term for "man". - Adrien Origin: Latin | Style: Iconic | Pronunciation: A-dri-un
Meaning: Adrien – and Adrian – is often used for boys and common in many cultures around the world. It’s derived from the name Hadrianus meaning from Hadria, a town in Northern Italy. - Amir Origin: Arabic | Style: Regal | Pronunciation: Am-ear
Meaning: Reflecting qualities of leadership, Amir is commonly used in various Arabic-speaking countries and means prince or leader. - Alexandre Origin: Greek | Style: Noble | Pronunciation: Al-ix-un-dre
Meaning: Alexandre is derived from the Greek name Alexandros which has two meanings: ‘alexein’ means to defend and ‘aner’ meaning man. - Antoine Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: An-Twan
Meaning: A French variant of the name Anthony, Antoine is derived from the Latin name Antonius which is believed to also have Etruscan origins. Antoine typically means highly praiseworthy or invaluable. - Arthur Origin: Celtic | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Ar-Thur
Meaning: Arthur means bear-like or courageous like a bear. It has a long history and is associated with legendary and historical figures, such as King Arthur and Arthurian legend. - Augustin Origin: German and Latin | Style: Majestic | Pronunciation: Aw-gus-tin
Meaning: Augustin is the variant of the name Augustus, meaning venerable or dignified. - Axel Origin: Scandinavian | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: Ax-ul
Meaning: Axel is often a variant of the name Aksel – it’s a combination of ‘as’ meaning god and ‘kell’ meaning kettle or cauldron. In some religious aspects, Axel could also mean god’s cauldron. - Baptiste Origin: French | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Bap-Teest
Meaning: Baptiste is often associated with John the Baptist, a significant figure in Christianity known for baptising Jesus. - Benjamin Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Ben-ja-min
Meaning: The name Benjamin is of Hebrew origin and means son of the right hand or son of the south. It’s a popular name with biblical meaning as Benjamin was one of the 12 sons of Jacob. - Benedicte Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Ben-a-dik
Meaning: This boy’s name is a variant of Benedict which is of Latin origin, and means blessed. - Claude Origin: French | Style: Distinct | Pronunciation: Kl-aw-d
Meaning: This popular boy’s name is derived from Claudius, a Latin-inspired name. It means lame or limping, but has historical significance. - Clément Origin: French | Style: Joyful | Pronunciation: Clay-Mon
Meaning: Clément is the French form of the Latin name Clementius which means mild or gentle. - Côme Origin: French | Style: Ornamental | Pronunciation: Korm
Meaning: The name Côme is a boy’s name meaning order or decoration. - Corentin Origin: Breton | Style: Powerful | Pronunciation: Kor-en-teen
Meaning: Corentin is derived from the Old Breton name Korentin which means hurricane or tempest. - David Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Dav-eed
Meaning: David is associated with the biblical figure King David, who was known for his wisdom. In this context, David means beloved or friend. - Eliott Origin: Hebrew | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: L-e-ot
Meaning: This popular French boy’s name has both English and Hebrew origins. It has religious significance and means Lord of the God or Yahweh is my God. - Elias Origin: Greek | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: E-li-us
Meaning: Elias is a variant of the name Elijah and it means the Lord is my God. - Enzo Origin: Italian | Style: Fun | Pronunciation: N-zoh
Meaning: Often used as a shortened version of the name Lorenzo, Enzo has gained popularity in its own right. It doesn’t have a particular meaning but Lorenzo – or Laurel – means crowned with laurels. - Esteban Origin: Spanish | Style: Memorable | Pronunciation: Es-ta-ban
Meaning: The name Esteban is the Spanish version of the name Stephen. It also has Greek origins and means crown or garland. - Ethan Origin: Hebrew | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: E-than
Meaning: Ethan is a popular name in many cultures, French in particular, and means strong, firm or steady. - Evan Origin: Welsh | Style: Famous | Pronunciation: Ev-un
Meaning: A Welsh name, derived from Iefan, a form of John. It can also be a variation on names from other languages, including Ivan, Ian, Juan, Euan, and Evangelos. - Gabin Origin: French | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Gab-an
Meaning: Often a variant of the name Gabriel, Gabin has Hebrew roots and means God is my hero. - Gabriel Origin: Hebrew | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: Gab-ree-l
Meaning: With religious significance, Gabriel means God is my strength or God is my strong man. It’s also often associated with the archangel Gabriel. - Gaspard Origin: French | Style: Timeless | Pronunciation: Gas-par
Meaning: Gaspard is a variation of the name Jasper. It’s typically a boy’s name and means treasurer in historical context. - Guilbert Origin: German | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Gwee-bear
Meaning: The name Guilbert is a variant of the name Gilbert. It’s made up of two parts: “gisil” which means pledge and “berht” which means bright.
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- Hugo Origin: German | Style: Modern | Pronunciation: U-go
Meaning: Hugo means mind or intellect and the name conveys qualities such as wisdom and intelligence. - Ibrahim Origin: Arabic | Style: Valuable | Pronunciation: E-bra-him
Meaning: Ibrahim is the equivalent of the name Abraham in English. It’s associated with characteristics like righteousness and strength, as it means father of many. - Ilyes Origin: Arabic | Style: Stylish | Pronunciation: Ee-s
Ilyes is a variant of the name Elias and is often used in regions of North Africa as well as France. The name means my God is the lord. - Isaac Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: I-zak
Meaning: The name Isaac is of Hebrew origin and means laughter. - Jean Origin: French | Style: Simplistic | Pronunciation: Jeen
Meaning: This unisex name means God is gracious. - Jules Origin: French and Latin | Style: Pronunciation: Joolz
Meaning: This gender-neutral name is short form of Julia or Julian, or Julius, from the Latin Julianus, either from the Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded, or from the Latin Iupiter, from dyeus "shiny, sky" and pater "father". - Kaïs Origin: Arabic | Style: Muslim | Pronunciation: K-i
Meaning: Commonly used in Arabic-speaking countries, the meaning of Kaïs can vary slightly but it often represents characteristics such as leader and conqueror. - Kylian Origin: French | Style: Remarkable | Pronunciation: Kil-e-un
Meaning: Kylian is derived from the Irish name Cillian which means warrior or strife. - Laurent Origin: French | Style: Sophisticated | Pronunciation: Law-ron
Meaning: Laurent is the French version of Lawrence, derived from the Latin name Laurentis which means man of Laurentum – an ancient city in Italy. - Léo Origin: Latin | Style: Zodiac | Pronunciation: Lay-oh
Meaning: This ancient name dates way back to 700 B.C. It gained popularity throughout Europe when Germany adopted Leo as a nickname for brave, lion-hearted men. - Léon Origin: Greek | Style: Iconic | Pronunciation: Lay-on
Meaning: Similar to Leo, Léon is derived from the Greek name Leon meaning lion. - Liam Origin: Irish | Style: Pronunciation: Lee-Am
Meaning: As a shortened version of the name William, Liam is of Irish origin and means strong-willed warrior or protector. - Louis Origin: French and German | Style: Classical | Pronunciation: Loo-E
Meaning: Louis is a classic and historically significant name with variations in different languages, such as Luis in Spanish and Luigi in Italian. Louis is the French form of "Ludwig" and means "famous warrior". - Lucas Origin: Latin | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: Loo-Kus
Meaning: The name Lucas is of Latin origin and is derived from the name Lucas or Lucius. It means light or illumination, with connotations of brightness or enlightenment. - Maël Origin: Breton and French | Style: | Pronunciation: May-el
Meaning: Maël is derived from the Old Breton name Mael, which means prince or chief. Maël also has Celtic roots and is often given to boys in the Brittany region of France. - Malo Origin: Breton | Style: Unique | Pronunciation: Ma-loo
Breton is a Celtic language spoken in Brittany, France, and the name Malo is often associated with Saint Malo. - Marceau Origin: French | Style: Iconic | Pronunciation: Mar-soh
Meaning: The name Marceau is a variant of the name Marcel, derived from the Latin name Marcellus, which means young warrior or little warrior. - Marius Origin: Latin | Style: Distinguished | Pronunciation: Mar-ee-oos
Meaning: From the Roman family name Marius, which probably is related to Mars, which may be derived from mas, "male, masculine". - Martin Origin: Latin | Style: Majestic | Pronunciation: Mar-Ta
Meaning: Martin is a common name in many countries, as well as France. It has many variations such as Martín in Spanish and Martinus in Latin. Martin means warlike. was derived from the Roman name Martinus, the Roman God of War. - Mathis Origin: German | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: Mat-ees
Meaning: This boy’s name is very popular in France and is a variation of Matthias, from the Hebrew Mattiyahu, meaning gift of God (Yahweh). In the UK and US, we say Matthew. - Mathéo Origin: Hebrew | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: Mat-ay-oh
Meaning: Mathéo is a variant of the name Matthew. It’s of Hebrew origin and means gift of God. - Maxence Origin: French | Style: Timeless | Pronunciation: Macks-ons
Meaning: Maxence is a variation of the name Maximillian or Maximus. It’s a very masculine name and means the greatest. - Maxime Origin: French | Style: Noble | Pronunciation: Macks-eem
Meaning: Maxime is a gender-neutral name that’s a variant of the name Maximus. The latter is a more masculine form and means the greatest or most excellent. - Mohamed Origin: Arabic | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: Mo-ham-ed
Meaning: Often spelled like Muhummad, this Arabic name is one of the most popular in the world, not just in France. It holds great significance in Islam and means praiseworthy or worthy of praise.
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- Naël Origin: Arabic | Style: Ornamental | Pronunciation: Na-el
Meaning: Although often used in Arabic-speaking and Islamic cultures, this boy’s name currently ranks in France’s top 50 boy names, according to data from Nameberry. It typically means gift from God. - Nathan Origin: Hebrew | Style: Old Testament | Pronunciation: Nay-Than
Meaning: Nathan means "giver" in Hebrew. Can also be a short form of Nathaniel, from the Hebrew Netan'el, meaning "Yahweh has given". - Nino Origin: Italian | Style: Cute | Pronunciation: Nee-no
Meaning: This Italian name is used for boys and girls, but when referring to a male, Nino is often a nickname for longer form names such as Giovanni. - Nicolas Origin: Greek | Style: Majestic | Pronunciation: Nik-oh-la
Meaning: Stemming from the Greek name Nicholas, the French name means victory of the people or the people’s champion. - Noam Origin: Hebrew | Style: Philosophical | Pronunciation: No-am
Meaning: This unisex name can be given to girls as well as boys, and means pleasantness or sweetness. - Noah Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: No-uh
Meaning: The name Noah means rest or comfort, but in religious contexts, the name is associated with Noah who built the ark to survive the Great Flood. - Noé Origin: French | Style: Authentic | Pronunciation: No-ay
Meaning: Suitable for boys and girls, Noé has similar meanings to Noah, and means rest. It’s also spelled Noë in the Netherlands. - Nolan Origin: Irish | Style: Gaelic | Pronunciation: No-lun
Meaning: The name Nolan is derived from the Gaelic name Nualan which means noble or champion – it has a strong and dignified meaning. - Onfroi Origin: French | Style: Majestic | Pronunciation: On-fwa
Meaning: This popular boy’s name is of Old French origin and is a variant of Humphrey. It means peaceful warrior or peaceful support. - Oscar Origin: Irish | Style: Timeless | Pronunciation: Os-kar
Meaning: The name Oscar is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and means friend of deer. - Paul Origin: Latin | Style: Simple | Pronunciation: Paw-l
Meaning: Meaning small or humble, Paul is a common name in many languages. - Raphaël Origin: Hebrew | Style: Religious | Pronunciation: Raf-i-ell
Meaning: Raphaël means God has healed or healed by God. It’s a name with strong religious and positive connections, reflecting the idea of divine healing or protection. - Robin Origin: English | Style: Timeless | Pronunciation: Rob-a
Meaning: Often used as a masculine name, girls can also be called Robin. It’s derived from the robin red-breast bird. It’s often associated with qualities such as freedom, expression and song. - Rayan Origin: Arabic | Style: Prosperous | Pronunciation: Ray-uhn
Meaning: This boy’s name can also be spelled Rayyan or Rayaan. It’s said to have many meanings, including gates of Heaven or door to paradise. - Sacha Origin: French | Style: Strong | Pronunciation: Sash-a
Meaning: This gender-neutral name is the French version of Sasha, the Russian short form of Alexandra or Alexander, which means defender of the people. - Samuel Origin: Hebrew | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Sam-yew-l
Meaning: Samuel means "God heard" or "name of God," and is a Hebrew name from the Bible. - Simon Origin: Hebrew | Style: Famous | Pronunciation: Sy-mun
Meaning: Simon is a common name in many cultures and has variations in different languages, such as Simeon, Simone or Shimon. Simon is of Hebrew origin and means he who hears or the listener. - Tiago Origin: Portuguese | Style: Biblical | Pronunciation: Tee-ah-go
Meaning: Common in Portuguese-speaking countries, Tiago is of Spanish origin and means one who follows. - Thomas Origin: Aramaic | Style: Pronunciation: To-mus
Meaning: A common name in England, Thomas is also very popular in France, however the French would omit the ‘S’ sound, so you’d pronounce it To-ma. Thomas means twin. - Timéo Origin: French | Style: Popular | Pronunciation: Tim-ay-oh
Meaning: A variant of the name Timothy, Timeo is a popular boy’s name and means Italian and means to honour God. - Théo Origin: Greek | Style: Powerful | Pronunciation: Tay-oh
Meaning: Common in English-speaking countries, Theo is pronounced Th-Ee-Oh. The French version is derived from the Greek name Theodoros which means gift of God. - Victor Origin: Latin | Style: Literal | Pronunciation: Veek-toor
Meaning: The name Victor is of Latin origin and means winner or conqueror. It’s often given to boys and carries connotations of success and triumph. - Valentin Origin: Latin | Style: Traditional | Pronunciation: Val-uhn-teen
Meaning: Taking the masculine form of Valentine, this boy’s name is still really popular in France. Valentin is derived from the Latin name Valentinus which essentially means strong, healthy or powerful. - Yanis Origin: Greek | Style: Distinguished | Pronunciation: Yan-is
Meaning: Yanis is a common Greek name and is growing in popularity in France. Yanis, which is a form of the name John, means God is gracious or God has shown favour.
Our baby name expert panel
Pamela Redmond is the cocreator and CEO of Nameberry, the world's largest website devoted to names. She is the coauthor of ten bestselling books about names, including the groundbreaking Beyond Jennifer & Jason.
Also a novelist, Pamela’s book Younger is the basis of Darren Star's seven-season TV show. Her new novel The Matriarch will be published by Zibby Books in August 2024. The mother of three and grandmother of one, Pamela lives in Los Angeles.
Rebekah Wahlberg is an associate editor and baby name trends specialist at BabyCenter, the world's number one digital parenting resource.
Rebekah has a bachelor's degree in journalism and media from California Baptist University. Rebekah previously worked at The Salt Lake Tribune, a Pulitzer Prize-winning nonprofit newspaper, where she was a website manager, copy editor, and reporter covering breaking news. She has also written and edited for newspapers and magazines, including the Sedona Red Rock News, Victorian Farmhouse, Geek Out!, and Cottages & Bungalows.
Rebekah has written about a variety of subjects, including education, lifestyle, interior design, culture, and crime.
How do you pick a name for your baby?
While picking a name for your baby is meant to be the fun part of the early stages, it can also be a little stressful for new parents.
“This can stem from parental hopes of bestowing traits and aspirations upon your child through their name, or the pressure from friends and family who always seem to have strong opinions about baby names,” explains Rebekah Wahlberg, Associate Editor and Baby Name Trends Specialist at BabyCenter.
“Every family will be different when it comes to the naming process,” Rebekah continues. “Sometimes cultural or familial traditions dictate the name choice; sometimes it’s based on your all-time favourite actor or singer. It can vary wildly!” You may even find that your baby’s mannerisms in the womb, and observations parents make during ultrasounds, might kickstart the naming process, she adds.
(Image credit: Canva)
When should I start picking a baby name?
Short answer: whenever you want! Rebekah says that picking a baby name is a very individual process and you should do what feels right.“Some parents already have a name chosen before their baby is even conceived, others wait to decide on a name until they meet their baby face-to-face,” she recalls.
“But most are somewhere in the middle and start thinking of names sometime during pregnancy.”
What are three things to bear in mind when choosing a baby name?
- Remember that your baby will spend most of its life as an adult - “While an adventurous or unique name may be super cute and endearing on a baby, be sure to consider how it sounds on an adult,” advises Rebekah.
- Look out for baby naming pitfalls - Because, let’s face it, no one wants their initials to be something like LOL or WTF.
- Give your name a test run - This could be as simple as “This can be a fun litmus test for names you’re seriously considering, and it can help you determine whether you’ll like using the name all the time – or whether a nickname just sounds better,” says Rebekah
- Consider nicknames - if you love the longer version but not the short, be honest with the fact it will likely get shortened. If you're okay being the parent who constantly says 'her name is Jessica' then go for it.
Now that you’ve narrowed down one of the popular French names, you may want to do our boy or girl quiz to guess the result before you have your second ultrasound. Pregnancy can bring about all sorts of changes to your body, so if you’re curious about the black line going down your stomach, commonly known as linea nigra, we asked an expert whether there’s anything you can do about it.
