Classic and Modern French Female Names for Little Ones

Choosing the perfect name for your daughter is a deeply personal and meaningful decision, especially when looking for a name with cultural significance.

With their elegance and historical roots, French names are often a top choice for many parents worldwide.

This blog will explore a comprehensive list of beautiful French girl names, each accompanied by its origin and meaning.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of names like Adèle or the modern appeal of Alizée, you’ll find a name that matches your desires.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a rich collection of French girl names to consider and a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context behind each one.

Let’s get into the world of French names and discover the perfect one for your little girl.

Timeless French Girl Names with Their Origin and Meaning

Timeless French Girl Names with Their Origin and Meaning

1. Aaliyah

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: High, exalted, sublime

2. Abelle

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Breath; also a variation of ‘Abel’

3. Adèle

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Noble, kind

4. Adrienne

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From the city of Hadria

5. Agathe

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Good, kind

6. Albane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: White, bright

7. Alexandrine

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Defender of mankind

8. Alizée

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Trade wind, noble

9. Amaranthe

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Unfading flower

10. Amandine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Worthy of love

11. Amaryllis

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Sparkling, to sparkle

12. Anaëlle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Grace of God

13. Anaïs

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Grace

14. Andrée

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Brave, manly

15. Angèle

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Messenger of God

16. Angeline

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Angel, messenger of God

17. Anouk

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Grace

18. Antonia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Priceless, praiseworthy

19. Apolline

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Of Apollo, god of light

20. Apollonia

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Of Apollo, god of light

21. Armelle

  • Origin: Celtic
  • Meaning: Bear prince, princess

22. Arlette

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Noble maiden

23. Augustine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Majestic, venerable

24. Aurore

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Dawn

25. Avril

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Opening, April

26. Axelle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Father of peace

27. Babette

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

28. Béatrice

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: She who brings happiness

29. Bérengère

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Bear spear

30. Bernadette

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Brave as a bear

31. Bernice

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: She who brings victory

32. Bertille

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Bright ruler

33. Bettina

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

34. Blandine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Gentle, mild

35. Bénédicte

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Blessed

36. Brigitte

  • Origin: Celtic
  • Meaning: Exalted one

37. Capucine

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Nasturtium (a type of flower)

38. Carine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Beloved

39. Carole

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Free woman

40. Céleste

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Heavenly

41. Cerise

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Cherry

42. Chantal

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Stone, boulder

43. Charlotte

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Free man

44. Chloé

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Blooming, green shoot

45. Christelle

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Follower of Christ

46. Clarisse

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Bright, clear

47. Claudette

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lame, enclosure

48. Claudine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lame, enclosure

49. Clémence

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Merciful, gentle

50. Clotilde

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Famous in battle

51. Constance

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Steadfast, constant

52. Coralie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Coral

53. Coraline

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Coral

54. Corinne

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Maiden

55. Cyrielle

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Lord, master

56. Daphné

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Laurel tree

57. Danièle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my judge

58. Delphine

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Dolphin

59. Denise

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Follower of Dionysius

60. Désirée

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Desired, wished

61. Diane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Divine, goddess of the hunt

62. Dominique

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Belonging to the Lord

63. Dorothée

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Gift of God

64. Édith

  • Origin: Old English
  • Meaning: Prosperous in war

65. Éléonore

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Light, torch

66. Éliane

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Sun

67. Élisa

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

68. Élise

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

69. Éliza

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

70. Élodie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Marsh flower

71. Émilienne

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Rival, eager

72. Emma

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Whole, universal

73. Emmanuelle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is with us

74. Estelle

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Star

75. Eugénie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Well-born, noble

76. Evelyne

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Life, lively

77. Fabienne

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Bean grower

78. Fanny

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Free one

79. Faustine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lucky, fortunate

80. Félicie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lucky, fortunate

81. Fleur

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Flower

82. Flore

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Flower

83. Flavie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Yellow, golden

84. Florence

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Flourishing, prosperous

85. Francette

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Free one

86. Francine

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Free one

87. Françoise

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Free one

88. Frédérique

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Peaceful ruler

89. Gabrielle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my strength

90. Geneviève

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Tribe woman

91. Germaine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Brotherly, from Germany

92. Gisèle

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Pledge, hostage

93. Hélène

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Bright, shining light

94. Henriette

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Ruler of the home

95. Hortense

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Gardener

96. Inès

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Pure, holy

97. Irène

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Peace

98. Isabeau

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

99. Isabelle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

100. Jacinthe

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Hyacinth flower

101. Jacqueline

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Supplanter

102. Jade

  • Origin: Spanish
  • Meaning: Precious stone

103. Janine

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is gracious

104. Jeanne

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is gracious

105. Josette

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God will add

106. Joséphine

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God will add

107. Julie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Youthful, downy

108. Juliette

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Youthful, downy

109. Julienne

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Youthful, downy

110. Justine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Fair, righteous

111. Karine

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Pure

112. Laetitia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Joy, happiness

113. Laure

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Laurel tree, victory

114. Laurence

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From Laurentum

115. Léa

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Weary, delicate

116. Léonie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lioness

117. Léontine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lioness

118. Lilas

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Lilac flower

119. Liliane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lily flower

120. Line

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Light, torch

121. Lise

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

122. Lison

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my oath

123. Lola

  • Origin: Spanish
  • Meaning: Sorrows

124. Louisa

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Famous warrior

125. Louison

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Famous warrior

126. Lucette

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Light

127. Lucienne

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Light

128. Lucile

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Light

129. Madeleine

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Woman from Magdala

130. Maëlys

  • Origin: Breton
  • Meaning: Chief, prince

131. Magalie

  • Origin: Provençal
  • Meaning: Pearl

132. Maïa

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Mother, nurse

133. Maïwenn

  • Origin: Breton
  • Meaning: Blessed

134. Malou

  • Origin: Breton
  • Meaning: Bitter, famous warrior

135. Manon

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Bitter, wished-for child

136. Marcelle

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Warlike

137. Margaux

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Pearl

138. Margot

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Pearl

139. Marguerite

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Pearl

140. Marianne

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Combination of Mary and Anne, grace

141. Marie

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Bitter, wished-for child

142. Marie-Claire

  • Origin: Hebrew, Latin
  • Meaning: Bitter, clear

143. Marie-France

  • Origin: Hebrew, Latin
  • Meaning: Bitter, from France

144. Marie-Louise

  • Origin: Hebrew, Germanic
  • Meaning: Bitter, famous warrior

145. Marine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Of the sea

146. Marion

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Bitter, wished-for child

147. Martine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Warlike

148. Mathilde

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Battle-mighty

149. Mélanie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Dark, black

150. Mélina

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Honey

151. Mélisande

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Strong worker

152. Mélissa

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Honeybee

153. Michèle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Who is like God?

154. Mireille

  • Origin: Provençal
  • Meaning: To admire

155. Monique

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Advisor, counselor

156. Morgane

  • Origin: Welsh
  • Meaning: Sea-born, sea circle

157. Murielle

  • Origin: Irish
  • Meaning: Bright sea

158. Myriam

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Bitter, beloved

159. Nadège

  • Origin: Russian
  • Meaning: Hope

160. Nadine

  • Origin: Russian
  • Meaning: Hope

161. Nathalie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Born on Christmas Day

162. Ninon

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Grace

163. Noémie

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Pleasant, delightful

164. Océane

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Ocean

165. Odette

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Wealth, fortune

166. Odile

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Wealth, fortune

167. Ombeline

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Little shadow

168. Ophélie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Help

169. Oriane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Golden

170. Pascale

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Easter, Passover

171. Paule

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Small, humble

172. Pauline

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Small, humble

173. Perrine

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Rock, stone

174. Philomène

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Lover of strength

175. Pierrette

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Rock, stone

176. Priscille

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Ancient, venerable

177. Rachel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Ewe, lamb

178. Raphaëlle

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God has healed

179. Renée

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Reborn

180. Romane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From Rome

181. Rosaline

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Little rose

182. Rosalie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Rose

183. Rosemonde

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Horse protector

184. Roxane

  • Origin: Persian
  • Meaning: Dawn, bright

185. Sabine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Woman of the Sabines

186. Salomé

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Peace

187. Sandrine

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Defender of mankind

188. Sarah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Princess, noblewoman

189. Séraphine

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Burning ones, fiery

190. Séverine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Serious, stern

191. Sidonie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From Sidon

192. Simone

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: To hear, to be heard

193. Solange

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Solemn, dignified

194. Sophie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Wisdom

195. Stéphanie

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Crown, garland

196. Suzanne

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Lily

197. Suzon

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Lily

198. Sylviane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Forest, woods

199. Sylvie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Forest, woods

200. Tatiana

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Fairy queen

201. Thérèse

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Harvest, reaper

202. Tiphaine

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Epiphany, manifestation

203. Valentine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Strong, healthy

204. Valérie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Strong, healthy

205. Violette

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Violet flower

206. Virginie

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Pure, chaste

207. Viviane

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Alive, lively

208. Yasmine

  • Origin: Persian
  • Meaning: Jasmine flower

209. Yseult

  • Origin: Celtic
  • Meaning: Fair lady

210. Yvette

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Yew tree

211. Yvonne

  • Origin: Germanic
  • Meaning: Yew tree

212. Zoé

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Life

213. Zélie

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Solemn, seriousness

Summing Up

The beauty and significance of French girl names extend far beyond their elegant sound. Each name carries a history, culture, and meaning that adds depth to the bearer’s identity.

Whether you’re drawn to classic names like Adèle or more modern choices like Alizée, each embodies the essence of French heritage.

Understanding the origins and meanings behind these names enhances your choice and connects you to the rich collection of French culture.

Remember, the right name is just beginning your journey to give your child a meaningful start.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, a Yale University Linguistics graduate, has been a valuable contributor to our blog section since 2018. With over a decade of experience in onomastics, Tessa specializes in uncovering the origins and meanings behind names from various cultures. Her previous work includes collaborating with top websites and consulting for expectant parents. When she's not researching names, Tessa enjoys traveling and learning about different naming traditions worldwide.

http://mothersalwaysright.com

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