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    French Baby Names With Meanings

    53 names with meanings and origins.

    French names are known for their elegant sound and are loved around the world.

    Top picks

    1. Charlotte — “Free woman, petite and feminine”
    2. Isabelle — “God is my oath”
    3. Josephine — “God will increase”
    4. Genevieve — “Woman of the people”
    5. Eloise — “Healthy, wide”
    6. Juliette — “Youthful”
    7. Andre — “Manly, brave”
    8. Vivienne — “Alive”
    9. Noelle — “Christmas”
    10. Camille — “Young ceremonial attendant”
    • Girl · French · “Noble”

    • Girl · French · “Work”

    • Boy · French · “Manly, brave”

    • Boy · French · “Priceless”

    • Boy · French · “Baptist; one who baptizes”

    • Girl · French · “Beautiful”

    • Girl · French · “Strength; exalted one”

    • Girl · French · “Young ceremonial attendant”

    • Unisex · French · “Helper to the priest”

    • Girl · French · “Free woman, petite and feminine”

    • Boy · French · “Merciful; gentle”

    • Girl · French · “Victory of the people”

    • Girl · French · “Dolphin; from Delphi”

    • Girl · French · “Foreign riches; marsh flower”

    • Girl · French · “Healthy, wide”

    • Boy · French · “Industrious; rival”

    • Girl · French · “Star”

    • Boy · French · “Crown, garland”

    • Girl · French · “Flower”

    • Boy · French · “Flowering”

    • Boy · French · “Free man; Frenchman”

    • Boy · French · “Guest; stranger”

    • Girl · French · “Woman of the people”

    • Boy · French · “Ruler of the home”

    • Girl · French · “Pure, holy”

    • Girl · French · “God is my oath”

    • Girl · French · “God will increase”

    • Boy · French · “Youthful”

    • Girl · French · “Youthful”

    • Boy · French · “From Laurentum”

    • Girl · French · “Weary; meadow”

    • Girl · French · “Bitter; beloved”

    • Boy · French · “Little warrior”

    • Girl · French · “Pearl”

    • Girl · French · “Pearl”

    • Boy · French · “Gift of God”

    • Girl · French · “Christmas”

    • Girl · French · “Pleasant; delightful”

    • Girl · French · “Ocean”

    • Girl · French · “Wealthy; little wealthy one”

    • Boy · French · “Olive tree”

    • Boy · French · “Rock”

    • Unisex · French · “Oarsman”

    • Boy · French · “Oarsman; remedy”

    • Girl · French · “Reborn; born again”

    • Girl · French · “From Rome”

    • Girl · French · “Of the Sabine people”

    • Boy · French · “Venerable; revered”

    • Girl · French · “Solemn; dignified”

    • Boy · French · “Of the forest”

    • Girl · French · “From the forest”

    • Boy · French · “Ruler of the people”

    • Girl · French · “Alive”

    French naming traditions

    From 1803 to 1966 French law limited first names largely to saints' calendars and historical figures. Since 1993 parents can choose freely, but the registrar may refer a name to a judge if it seems against the child's interests. French children often receive several first names, and hyphenated pairs such as Jean-Pierre or Marie-Claire count as one name. Many families still celebrate the fête, the saint's day linked to the child's name.

    Common questions

    Want a name that blends both parents? Try the Baby Name Combiner.

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