French baby names

362 names with French roots, each one with what it actually means. 138 of them are still given to 40 or more babies a year.

In common use

Given to at least 40 babies a year in the US or England and Wales.

  • Oliverolive tree; peace3,154 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Charlottefree woman; feminine form of Charles12,900 a year · the US, 2017
  • Evelyndesired, wished-for child10,686 a year · the US, 2017
  • Eleanorshining light5,519 a year · the US, 2017
  • Claireclear, bright4,683 a year · the US, 2017
  • Chaseto hunt; one who hunts4,207 a year · the US, 2017
  • Adelinenoble, nobility3,902 a year · the US, 2017
  • Alicenoble, of noble kind825 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Aubreeno established meaning; respelling of Aubrey3,309 a year · the US, 2017
  • Taylortailor, one who cuts cloth3,263 a year · the US, 2017
  • JosephineGod will add2,791 a year · the US, 2017
  • Beauhandsome487 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Granttall; large; one who grants2,279 a year · the US, 2017
  • Eloisehealthy, wide546 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Louierenowned warrior1,418 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Chancefortune, luck; occupational name1,359 a year · the US, 2017
  • Margotpearl1,230 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Lottiefree woman; from Charlotte1,222 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Traviscrossroads or toll collector1,161 a year · the US, 2017
  • Jeffreypeace; variant of Geoffrey1,049 a year · the US, 2017
  • Tysonone who was fiery; surname used as given name1,045 a year · the US, 2017
  • Gagepledge or security; surname used as given name1,044 a year · the US, 2017
  • Noelchristmas; from latin natalis1,031 a year · the US, 2017
  • Royalof the king; regal984 a year · the US, 2017
  • Princeson of a king; royal title978 a year · the US, 2017
  • Joyjoy; gladness and pleasure971 a year · the US, 2017
  • Troycurly-haired; or from the city troy955 a year · the US, 2017
  • Marshallhorse servant or stable master938 a year · the US, 2017
  • Esmeesteemed or loved933 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Warrengame park or enclosed hunting ground907 a year · the US, 2017
  • Chandlercandle maker or seller836 a year · the US, 2017
  • Elleshe; a form of Eleanor or Ellen828 a year · the US, 2017
  • Royaltyof or relating to a monarch; regal status or bearing790 a year · the US, 2017
  • Scarletscarlet cloth; bright red color783 a year · the US, 2017
  • Russellred-haired; russet-colored782 a year · the US, 2017
  • Cheyennepeople who speak an unintelligible language; a Native American people741 a year · the US, 2017
  • Brucefrom Bruis in France714 a year · the US, 2017
  • Demihalf, partial; from demi-643 a year · the US, 2017
  • Lianato bind or wrap around; climbing vine150 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Landryland ruler; from Landric602 a year · the US, 2017
  • Colettevictory of the people; from Nicole578 a year · the US, 2017
  • Macyweapon; from the surname Macy563 a year · the US, 2017
  • Pierceto pierce; a form of Piers559 a year · the US, 2017
  • Malloryunfortunate; ill-fated; from a surname556 a year · the US, 2017
  • Royking522 a year · the US, 2017
  • Dukeduke, leader of a region520 a year · the US, 2017
  • Darciefrom Arcy; dark one513 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Joliepretty, cheerful437 a year · the US, 2017
  • Curtiscourteous, polite; from curtis427 a year · the US, 2017
  • Lanceto throw; weapon of a warrior404 a year · the US, 2017
  • Fayefairy130 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Bellamybeautiful friend; from bel ami381 a year · the US, 2017
  • Courtneyshort nose; from the court358 a year · the US, 2017
  • Darcyfrom Arcy; a place name351 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Jewelprecious stone or ornament340 a year · the US, 2017
  • Mavissongbird thrush336 a year · the US, 2017
  • Scarlettebright red cloth; variant of Scarlett336 a year · the US, 2017
  • Bellebeautiful105 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Talonclaw of a bird of prey326 a year · the US, 2017
  • Esmaeesteemed or loved; a modern respelling of Esme306 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Marlonlittle hammer; a form of Marlon290 a year · the US, 2017
  • Maisonstone worker; a modern respelling of Mason274 a year · the US, 2017
  • Desireedesired or wished for271 a year · the US, 2017
  • Aubrielf ruler; a form of Aubrey256 a year · the US, 2017
  • Eleanorabright light or sun ray; a form of Eleanor42 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Darrelldear or beloved; from D'Arelle239 a year · the US, 2017
  • Aimeebeloved; french form of Amy235 a year · the US, 2017
  • Leroythe king224 a year · the US, 2017
  • Forestwooded area; nature-inspired modern usage37 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Marquisborder lord, nobleman of rank201 a year · the US, 2017
  • Maceyweapon; a variant of Macy or Massey199 a year · the US, 2017
  • Maisypearl; a diminutive form of Margery81 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Nadinehope; from the Russian Nadezhda177 a year · the US, 2017
  • Elinorbright light; a form of Eleanor27 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Destineedestiny; altered spelling of Destinée156 a year · the US, 2017
  • Guyleader, guide, wood156 a year · the US, 2017
  • Percypierces the valley; from Perci152 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Baronnoble warrior or man of rank151 a year · the US, 2017
  • Cartiercart driver or transport worker143 a year · the US, 2017
  • Elanenthusiasm; liveliness; spirited vigor142 a year · the US, 2017
  • Beauxbeautiful; handsome; plural of beau141 a year · the US, 2017
  • Audreenoble strength; a form of Audrey140 a year · the US, 2017
  • Lorrainefrom the region of Lorraine; of Lotharingia137 a year · the US, 2017
  • Montgomeryfrom Montgommery; mount of the powerful67 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Darryldear, beloved; from Darrell135 a year · the US, 2017
  • Soleilsun133 a year · the US, 2017
  • Darceyfrom arcy; a place name variant131 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Cordellcord maker or rope worker125 a year · the US, 2017
  • Cosettea form of Cosima; victorious; little thing121 a year · the US, 2017
  • Desiredesired or wished for113 a year · the US, 2017
  • Noellachristmas; from latin natalis113 a year · the US, 2017
  • Avrilapril; the spring month112 a year · the US, 2017
  • Marquisea marquess; a noble title112 a year · the US, 2017
  • Dejaalready seen, from déjà vu105 a year · the US, 2017
  • Loyalfaithful and true104 a year · the US, 2017
  • Sirefather, lord99 a year · the US, 2017
  • Dashiellfrom the page or attendant, from de + Chiel93 a year · the US, 2017
  • Gigidiminutive of Georgette or Gilberte87 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Kurtiscourteous; a form of Curtis82 a year · the US, 2017
  • Taylerone who cuts cloth; variant of Taylor82 a year · the US, 2017
  • Royaleroyal; modern spelling of royale81 a year · the US, 2017
  • Briefrom the Brie region of France79 a year · the US, 2017
  • Fleurflower77 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Desiraedesired; variant spelling of Desiree75 a year · the US, 2017
  • Romillyfrom Roman settlement; a place name used as given name72 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Ivettebow warrior; feminine form of Ives67 a year · the US, 2017
  • Lynettelittle lake; diminutive of lynn67 a year · the US, 2017
  • Eloisafamous in battle; feminine form of Eloise18 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Amiefemale friend; from ami64 a year · the US, 2017
  • Sherrybeloved; a form of Cherie64 a year · the US, 2017
  • Croixcross63 a year · the US, 2017
  • Charlettefree woman; a variant spelling of Charlotte62 a year · the US, 2017
  • Jeancarlosgod is gracious and free man; blend62 a year · the US, 2017
  • Destinidestiny; a variant spelling of Destiny61 a year · the US, 2017
  • Amifriend55 a year · the US, 2017
  • Cherylbeloved; a form of Cherie or Charity55 a year · the US, 2017
  • Perrinlittle stone; a form of Pierre55 a year · the US, 2017
  • Beauregardbeautiful regard or fine appearance53 a year · the US, 2017
  • Esmeeesteemed, beloved; a form of Esme38 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Aubreielf ruler; a spelling variant of Aubrey51 a year · the US, 2017
  • Jewella precious stone; jewel; ornament50 a year · the US, 2017
  • Amourlove48 a year · the US, 2017
  • Auburnreddish-brown; from medieval hair color term48 a year · the US, 2017
  • Azuresky blue; the color48 a year · the US, 2017
  • Delanoof the alder tree; from the plain47 a year · the US, 2017
  • Ivonnearcher or bow warrior; form of yvonne47 a year · the US, 2017
  • Marshalhorse servant; steward or officer47 a year · the US, 2017
  • Mercermerchant or dealer in textiles47 a year · the US, 2017
  • Percivalpierce the valley47 a year · England and Wales, 2025
  • Joiejoy46 a year · the US, 2017
  • Darelldear or beloved; a form of Darrell44 a year · the US, 2017
  • Chaunceychancellor or official43 a year · the US, 2017
  • Cachehidden treasure or storage place42 a year · the US, 2017
  • Jenavievewoman of the race; a variant of Genevieve42 a year · the US, 2017
  • Championwarrior or fighter41 a year · the US, 2017
  • Lyonlion; city name41 a year · the US, 2017
  • Acadiaa region in northeastern north america; from mi'kmaq origins40 a year · the US, 2017
  • Mimivariant of mimie, a term of endearment40 a year · England and Wales, 2025

Rarer names

Fewer than 40 babies a year in either country — which often means a name in wide use somewhere the records do not reach.

  • Bleublue
  • Charolettefree person; a variant of Charlotte
  • Cielsky, heaven
  • Rochellelittle rock; from La Rochelle
  • Lowellyoung wolf; wolf-like
  • Madelynnefrom magdala; variant of madeline
  • Traceya form of Tracy; from a Norman place name
  • Briennea form of Brianna; possibly from Celtic roots meaning high or noble
  • Liloulily flower; diminutive of Liliane or Lily
  • Rouxred or reddish-brown
  • Avenirfuture
  • Nanciegrace; a variant of Nancy
  • Russelred-haired or russet-colored
  • Aubriielf ruler; a form of Aubrey
  • Avryelf ruler; a form of Aubrey
  • Clairclear or bright; short form of Claire
  • Chaisechair, seat
  • Chantelsong; a form of Chantal
  • Cortneyfrom the court; a form of Courtney
  • Reveriea state of dreamy meditation or fantasy
  • Sinclairfrom Saint-Clair, a place name
  • Bastiona stronghold or fortified position
  • Garlanda wreath or crown of flowers
  • Liannebond or tie; a form of Lianna
  • Richellebrave and powerful; a form of Richelle from Richard
  • Chantalfrom a stony place; stone
  • Gastonfrom gast, meaning guest or stranger
  • Leeroythe king; a form of Leroy
  • Prairiemeadow or grassland
  • Loicfamous warrior; breton form of Louis
  • Martelhammer; warrior
  • Reinequeen
  • Darcifrom Arcy; dark; variant of Darcy
  • Eleonorbright light; form of Eleanor
  • Eleonorebright light; form of Eleanor
  • Elroythe king; from le roi
  • Genavieveof the race of women; respelling of Genevieve
  • Joslinjoyous; cheerful; a diminutive of jocelyn
  • Sovereignsupreme ruler; highest authority
  • Cantoncorner or district
  • Capricesudden change of mood or whim
  • Josselinmember of the Gauts tribe; jousting
  • Montaguepointed hill; sharp mountain
  • Aubreelf ruler; a form of Aubrey
  • Lamonteof the mountain; a form of Lamont
  • Merleblackbird
  • Merylblackbird; a form of Merle
  • Sableblack; the color sable in heraldry
  • Adoreeadored; beloved
  • Chantellesinger; feminine form of chantel
  • Darrelbeloved; a form of Darrell
  • Frazierstrawberry; a surname used as given name
  • Orvillegolden city; golden town
  • Skarlettescarlet cloth; a respelling of Scarlett
  • Boycefrom the wood; occupational or locational surname used as given name
  • Laruethe red; the street
  • LissetteGod's oath; a form of Lisette
  • Margeauxpearl; a form of Margaret
  • Lavellethe beautiful one; a form of Belle
  • Beaumontbeautiful mountain; a place name
  • Caliberdiameter of a gun barrel or quality
  • Esteeadmired, esteemed; a form of Estelle
  • Linettelinen cloth; small flax plant
  • Tempeststorm, violent wind
  • Corbettraven; a form of Corbin or Corbyn
  • Dezireedesired; a form of Desiree
  • Lanierwoolworker
  • Esme-Rosebeloved; combined form with Rose
  • Jeanpierrejohn and peter; combination name
  • Desiraydesired; a form of Desiree with altered spelling
  • Dijonfrom the city of dijon in burgundy france
  • Nevillefrom the new town
  • Pernelllittle peter; a form of Pernelle
  • Amorettelittle love, sweetheart
  • Calaisfrom the city of Calais
  • Kortneyshort nose; a form of Courtney
  • Larosethe rose; from la rose
  • Miladymy lady; archaic courtesy title
  • Alaineprecious; a form of Alain
  • Auberyelf ruler; a form of Aubrey
  • Avantbefore; forward
  • Cheriedear one; beloved
  • Destanyfate or destiny; modern spelling of destiny
  • Durrellhardy; durable
  • Esmae-Rosebeloved; a form of Esme, combined with rose
  • Jeanpaulgod is gracious and small; a compound of Jean and Paul
  • Marjorypearl; a form of Margaret
  • Marquettesmall marquis; a diminutive of marquis
  • Sherribeloved; a form of Cherie
  • Yvangod's gracious gift; a form of Ivan
  • Bijoujewel
  • Charlinefree man; a form of Charles
  • Maloryunlucky, ill-fated
  • Marvellwonderful, marvelous; a form of Marvel
  • Paygepage, attendant; a form of Paige
  • Sojournertemporary resident or traveler
  • Amoreebeloved; a form of Amoré
  • Bayardreddish brown horse; a hero
  • Chansonsong; borrowed from French chanson
  • Emmabellebeloved and beautiful; combining Emma and Belle
  • Granvillelarge village or great town
  • Oceaneocean; from greek okeanos
  • Rebellerebellious one; a form of Rebel
  • Bellemybeautiful friend; a form of Bellamy
  • Blanchewhite; pale
  • Cheridear or beloved; form of Chère
  • Ivoreeivory; form of ivory
  • Ivryivory; form of ivory
  • Kourtneeshort nose; modern spelling of Courtney
  • Lafayettefrom the fairy stream; a surname used as given name
  • Lealaloyal, faithful
  • Leveeraised embankment or assembly
  • Mariemestar of the sea; french feminine form of Mary
  • Noelliechristmas; a form of Noel
  • Parnelllittle Peter; stone; a form of Parnell
  • Pilotone who steers a ship; an occupational name
  • Prentissapprentice; one learning a trade
  • Pruittproof or proven; from the surname Pruett
  • Rocrock or stone
  • Royelleroyal; feminine form of Roy
  • Valiantcourageous and brave
  • Cinderellalittle ash girl; from cendre meaning ash
  • Darylldarling; beloved; a form of Daryl
  • Demyhalf; a size of paper
  • Elitethe choice or best of a group
  • Hamletsmall village; a form of Hamelin
  • Lacey-Mayfrom Lacy; combining form with May
  • Lainey-Raefrom Laine; combining form with Rae
  • Liliennelily flower; a form of Lily
  • Minettesmall one; diminutive of mina or minne
  • Traversone who crosses or traverses
  • Tyrrellpuller; a form of Terrell
  • Vallerystrong, valiant; a form of Valerie
  • Viennefrom Vienna; a place-based name
  • Armelleeagle; a form of Armand
  • Armendeagle; a form of Armand
  • Armondoeagle; a form of Armand
  • Bretonfrom Brittany; Breton person
  • Demi-Leighhalf; a form of Demi with Leigh
  • Deverauxfrom the river Evre; a place name surname
  • Dieudonnegiven by God
  • Eleanor-Rosebright light and flower of love
  • Estelstar; a form of Estelle
  • Joyousfull of joy
  • Lacey-Maifrom lacey, place name; a form of Lacey
  • Lancelotservant or young man; of uncertain ultimate origin
  • Lilliennelily; a feminine form of lilian
  • Linnettesmall linden tree; a form of linnet
  • Margot-Maepearl; combining margot with mae
  • Marinetteof the sea; diminutive of marina
  • Massonstone worker, mason; occupational surname used as given name
  • Noelieof christmas; a form of Noël
  • Noellof christmas; a form of Noël
  • Reveilleawakening; a military morning signal
  • Sorrelreddish-brown plant with sour leaves
  • Toussaintall saints
  • Vallonsmall valley; diminutive of val
  • Adelainanoble kind; a form of adeline
  • Adeliznoble kind; a form of adeline
  • Adelizanoble kind; a form of adeline
  • Adellinenoble kind; a form of adeline
  • Adelynnanoble kind; a form of adeline
  • Ambreamber; fossilized resin
  • Amyasbeloved; variant of Amyas
  • Beaumanhandsome man; a form of Beaumont
  • Boyerone who tends cattle or oxen
  • Cailloupebble or stone
  • Cerisecherry or deep pink color
  • Courtneea form of Courtney; from the court
  • Courtniea form of Courtney; from the court
  • Couturesewing or dressmaking
  • Cristellea form of Christelle; anointed one
  • Curtisscourteous; a spelling variant of Curtis
  • Desireadesired one; respelling of desiree
  • Fitzroyson of the king; patronymic name
  • Genevejuniper tree; a respelling of Geneva or Genevieve
  • Gennavievewoman of the race; a form of Geneviève
  • Larameetears; a form of Larami or Laramie
  • Lumierelight
  • Luxeluxury; elegance
  • Marvellewonderful thing; a form of Marvell
  • Miettesmall crumb; a diminutive form
  • Montagupointed hill; place name from normandy
  • Morrelldark-skinned or swarthy
  • Nancigrace; a form of Nancy
  • Nancy-Raegrace and ewe sheep; compound of Nancy and Rae
  • Nanettegrace; diminutive of Nancy
  • Rozellerose flower; diminutive form
  • Ruellesmall alley or lane
  • Savoya region in france; savoy cabbage
  • Scarlottelittle and strong; a form of Charlotte
  • Yvonnaarcher; a form of Yvonne
  • Alienorthe other Aenor; bright and shining
  • Darcy-Rosedark; rose flower; hyphenated combination
  • Lacie-Maelace-maker plus mother; hybrid name
  • Percevalpierce the valley
  • Charlotte-Rosefree woman; a form of Charlotte combined with Rose
  • Cherriedear or beloved; a form of Cherie
  • Oakley-Bleuoak wood clearing; blue; compound name
  • Remi-Mayoarsman; with may as a middle name element
  • Tommy-Bleutwin and blue, a compound name
  • Tommy-Blutwin and blue, a compound name
  • Babettefather rejoices; a diminutive of Barbara
  • Chantesung; a form of Chantal
  • Chantellsung; a form of Chantal
  • Charissegrace or charity; a form of Charis
  • Cherdear; beloved
  • Cherelledear; beloved
  • Cherilyndear beloved; blended form of Cher and Lynn
  • Cherrelledear; beloved
  • Cherridear; beloved
  • Cherryldear; beloved
  • Cheryledear; beloved
  • Cherylldear; beloved
  • Courteneyshort nose; a form of Courtney
  • Destinea form of Destiny, fate or predetermined course
  • Gaycheerful, lighthearted, bright
  • Gayecheerful; a spelling variant of Gay
  • Gaylacheerful; a feminine form of Gay
  • Gaylenecheerful; a feminine form of Gay with -ene suffix
  • Gaylordgay lord; cheerful nobleman
  • Gaynellcheerful; a feminine form of Gay with -nell suffix
  • Lianeto bind; from vine or climbing plant
  • Pansyflower of thought or remembrance

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This page gathers names our sources describe as Latin/Norman, French, English/Norman, Old French, French/Latin, French/Germanic, Germanic/French and Hebrew/French and 9 other wordings. Different eras of the same language, filed together.

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