350 French Names for Babies (Cute, Cool, and Popular)

Looking for a cool and unique name for your baby? Look no further than popular French baby names for boys and girls! French names exude elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them a popular choice for parents around the world.

From classic names like Alexandre and Juliette to more modern choices like Enzo and Camille, there is a French name to suit every taste and style.

French names often have a rich history and cultural significance, adding an extra layer of meaning to your child’s name. Whether you’re drawn to traditional names with a timeless appeal or prefer something more trendy and fashionable, there is a French name out there for you.

So if you’re looking for a name that stands out from the crowd and will make your child feel special, consider exploring the below French baby names.

Contents show

Top French Baby Names

For Girls:

Marie– Hebrew origin, meaning “bitter” or “wished-for child.”
Emma– Germanic origin, meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Chloé– Greek origin, meaning “blooming” or “fertility.”
Sarah– Hebrew origin, meaning “princess” or “noblewoman.”
Léa– Latinized form of Leah, Hebrew origin, meaning “weary.”
Manon– French diminutive of Marie, meaning “bitter” or “wished-for child.”
Camille– Latin origin, meaning “young ceremonial attendant.”
Inès– French form of Agnes, Greek origin, meaning “pure” or “holy.”
Louise– Old German origin, meaning “renowned warrior.”
Lola– Spanish diminutive of Dolores, meaning “sorrows.”
Alice– Germanic origin, meaning “noble.”
Lucie– French form of Lucia, Latin origin, meaning “light.”
Zoé– Greek origin, meaning “life.”
Anna– Hebrew origin, meaning “grace.”
Julie– Latin origin, feminine form of Julius, meaning “youthful.”
Lina– Multiple origins, often taken as a short form, meaning “tender.”
Léna– Short form of Helena, Greek origin, meaning “torch” or “light.”
Éva– French form of Eve, Hebrew origin, meaning “life.”
Juliette– French form of Julia, meaning “youthful.”
Charlotte– Feminine diminutive of Charles, meaning “free man” or “petite.”
Valentine– Latin origin, meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
Jade– Spanish origin, named after the precious stone.
Lou– Often a diminutive of Louise or Louis, meaning “renowned warrior.”
Romane– Feminine form of Roman, Latin origin, meaning “citizen of Rome.”
Clara– Latin origin, meaning “clear,” “bright,” or “famous.”
Victoria– Latin origin, meaning “victory.”
Agathe– Greek origin, meaning “good” or “honorable.”
Rose– Latin origin, named after the flower, symbolizing beauty and love.
Margaux– French form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
Élise– Short form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
Océane– French origin, meaning “ocean.”
Célia– Latin origin, meaning “heaven.”
Amandine– French origin, meaning “lovable” or “much-loved.”
Théa– Greek origin, meaning “goddess” or “godly.”
Émilie– Latin origin, meaning “rival” or “eager.”
Noémie– French form of Naomi, meaning “pleasantness.”
Solène– French form of Solange, meaning “solemn” or “religious.”
Audrey– English origin, meaning “noble strength.”
Alexandra– Feminine form of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”
Alicia– Spanish form of Alice, meaning “noble.”
Maëlle– Breton origin, meaning “princess” or “chief.”
Fanny– Diminutive of Frances, meaning “free one.”
Amélie– French form of Amelia, meaning “work.”
Éloïse– French form of Heloise, meaning “healthy” or “wide.”
Mélanie– Greek origin, meaning “dark” or “black.”
Coralie– French origin, derived from ‘coral,’ the sea growth.
Axelle– Feminine form of Axel, meaning “father of peace.”
Elodie– French form of Alodia, meaning “foreign riches.”
Justine– Feminine form of Justin, meaning “just” or “fair.”
Violette– French origin, meaning “purple” and named after the flower.

For Boys:

Lucas– Latin form of Luke, meaning “light” or “luminous.”
Hugo– Germanic origin, meaning “mind” or “spirit.”
Raphaël– Hebrew origin, meaning “God has healed.”
Louis– French form of Ludwig, meaning “famous warrior.”
Maxime– Latin origin, meaning “the greatest.”
Arthur– Celtic origin, meaning “bear” or “noble.”
Jules– French form of Julius, meaning “youthful.”
Gabriel– Hebrew origin, meaning “God is my strength.”
Ethan– Hebrew origin, meaning “firm,” “strong,” or “enduring.”
Théo– Short form of Theodore, meaning “gift of God.”
Tom– Diminutive of Thomas, meaning “twin.”
Matéo– Spanish form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
Noah– Hebrew origin, meaning “rest” or “comfort.”
Alexandre– French form of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”
Antoine– French form of Antonius, a Roman family name of unknown meaning.
Léo– Latin form of Leo, meaning “lion.”
Tristan– Celtic origin, possibly meaning “sorrowful” or “noisy.”
Nathan– Hebrew origin, meaning “He has given” or “gift from God.”
Samuel– Hebrew origin, meaning “told by God” or “asked of God.”
Adam– Hebrew origin, meaning “the ground” or “earth.”

French Names for Babies

Léandre – “Lion man”
Eléa – “Light”
Céline – “Heavenly”
Aubin – “White, bright”
Lison – “Consecrated to God”
Léonie – “Lioness”
Matthieu – “Gift of God”
Isaline – “Pledged to God”
Théophile – “Lover of God”
Maëlle – “Chief, prince”
Maximilien – “Greatest”
Morgane – “Sea circle”
Marius – “Male, virile”
Oriane – “Golden”
Flavie – “Golden, blond”
Valentin – “Strong, healthy”
Séraphine – “Fiery, burning”
Adrien – “Dark, black”
Salomé – “Peace”
Yannick – “God is gracious”
Léocadie – “Clear, bright”
Eloi – “Chosen one”
Clothilde – “Renowned in battle”
Marceau – “Little warrior”
Orianne – “Golden”
Quentin – “Fifth”
Éliane – “Sun”
Baptiste – “Baptizer”
Aurore – “Dawn”
Florian – “Flowering”
Léontine – “Lion-like”
Thibaut – “Courageous people”
Maïlys – “Princess of the sea”
Achille – “Pain”
Lénaïc – “Light”
Solange – “Solemn”
Eulalie – “Sweetly speaking”
Aristide – “Best”
Clotilde – “Renowned in battle”
Maxime – “Greatest”
Sylviane – “Wild, forest dweller”
Léandre – “Lion man”
Florentin – “In bloom”
Coralie – “Coral”
Ambroise – “Immortal”
Liliane – “Lily”
Tancrède – “Thought and counsel”
Eulalie – “Sweetly speaking”
Romaine – “From Rome”
Léontine – “Lion-like”

Unique French Names for Babies

Amélie – “Hardworking”
Thibault – “Courageous people”
Elodie – “Foreign riches”
Bastien – “Venerable”
Capucine – “Nasturtium flower”
Émeric – “Ruler, power”
Océane – “Ocean”
Jérémie – “Appointed by God”
Mireille – “Admirable”
Lysandre – “Lion man”
Anouk – “Grace”
Colette – “Victorious”
Fleur – “Flower”
Clémentine – “Mild, gentle”
Élodie – “Marsh flower”
Manon – “Bitter”
Odette – “Wealthy”
Margot – “Pearl”
Amour – “Love”
Coquin – “Mischievous”
Lulu – “Precious”
Petit – “Small, little”
Poupée – “Doll”
Bijou – “Jewel”
Adèle – “Noble”
Julien – “Youthful”
Isabelle – “Devoted to God”
Victor – “Conqueror”
Thérèse – “Harvester”
Auguste – “Majestic”
Élise – “Pledged to God”
Jolie – “Pretty”
Pierre – “Rock”
Émile – “Industrious”

Best French Baby Girl Names

Anouk – “Grace”
Colette – “Victorious”
Fleur – “Flower”
Clémentine – “Mild, gentle”
Élodie – “Marsh flower”
Manon – “Bitter”
Odette – “Wealthy”
Margot – “Pearl”
Amélie – “Hardworking”
Céline – “Heavenly”
Béatrice – “Bringer of joy”
Léonie – “Lioness”
Camille – “Perfect, unblemished”
Chloé – “Blooming”
Émilie – “Industrious”
Sophie – “Wisdom”
Juliette – “Youthful”
Madeleine – “Tower”
Aurore – “Dawn”
Élise – “Pledged to God”
Mireille – “Admirable”
Capucine – “Nasturtium flower”
Océane – “Ocean”
Amandine – “Worthy of love”
Amélie – “Hardworking”
Lysandre – “Lion man”
Violette – “Purple”
Thérèse – “Harvester”
Marguerite – “Daisy”
Lila – “Lilac”
Delphine – “Dolphin”
Coralie – “Coral”
Solène – “Dignified”
Lucienne – “Light”
Blanche – “White”
Isabeau – “God is my oath”
Élaine – “Bright, shining light”
Amande – “Almond”
Apolline – “Of Apollo”
Louisa – “Famous warrior”
Thaïs – “Bandage, healing”
Olympe – “Heavenly”
Vivienne – “Alive”
Marianne – “Bitter grace”
Zélie – “Sunshine”
Cécile – “Blind”
Esmé – “Beloved”
Josette – “God will add”
Léa – “Weary”
Rosalie – “Rose”

French Baby Boy Names

Étienne – “Crown, garland”
René – “Born again”
Olivier – “Olive tree”
Lucien – “Light”
Romain – “From Rome”
Gaspard – “Treasurer”
Mathis – “Gift of God”
Sébastien – “Venerable”
Antoine – “Priceless”
Hugo – “Bright in mind and spirit”
Bastien – “Venerable”
Thibault – “Courageous people”
Émeric – “Ruler, power”
Jérémie – “Appointed by God”
Lysandre – “Lion man”
Auguste – “Majestic”
Victor – “Conqueror”
Hugo – “Bright in mind and spirit”
Félix – “Happy, fortunate”
Julien – “Youthful”
René – “Born again”
Olivier – “Olive tree”
Lucien – “Light”
Romain – “From Rome”
Gaspard – “Treasurer”
Mathis – “Gift of God”
Sébastien – “Venerable”
Antoine – “Priceless”
Louis – “Famous warrior”
Pierre – “Rock”
Alexandre – “Defender of the people”
Nicolas – “Victory of the people”
François – “Free man”
Maxime – “Greatest”
Benjamin – “Son of the right hand”
Gabriel – “God is my strength”
Baptiste – “Baptizer”
Olivier – “Olive tree”
Jacques – “Supplanter”
Édouard – “Wealthy guardian”
Michel – “Who is like God?”
Claude – “Lame”
Gaston – “Stranger”
Laurent – “Laurel-crowned”
Lionel – “Young lion”
Raymond – “Protecting hands”
Marcel – “Little warrior”
Vincent – “Conqueror”
Charles – “Free man”
André – “Manly”

Cute French Names for Babies

Béatrice – “Bringer of joy”
Léon – “Lion”
Célestine – “Heavenly”
Félix – “Happy, fortunate”
Amour – “Love”
Coquin – “Mischievous”
Lulu – “Precious”
Petit – “Small, little”
Poupée – “Doll”
Bijou – “Jewel”
Chouette – “Cute, owl”
Pétale – “Petal”
Câlin – “Cuddle”
Mignon – “Cute, adorable”
Chaton – “Kitten”
Doux – “Sweet”
Nounours – “Teddy bear”
Minou – “Kitty”
Puce – “Flea”
Poupette – “Little doll”
Chéri – “Dear, beloved”
Papillon – “Butterfly”
Trésor – “Treasure”
Bisou – “Kiss”
Coccinelle – “Ladybug”
Sourire – “Smile”
Sucre – “Sugar”
Poussin – “Chick”
Boucle – “Curl”
Cadeau – “Gift”
Doudou – “Soft toy”
Perle – “Pearl”
Pomme – “Apple”
Chouchou – “Favorite”
Poule – “Chicken”
Lumière – “Light”
Coeur – “Heart”
Frimousse – “Cute face”
Rêveur – “Dreamer”
Gourmand – “Sweet tooth”
Étoile – “Star”
Nuage – “Cloud”
Merveille – “Wonder”
Souris – “Mouse”
Nénuphar – “Water lily”
Galette – “Little cake”
Câline – “Snuggly”
Malice – “Mischief”
Bulle – “Bubble”
Plume – “Feather”

Good French Names for Babies

Adèle – “Noble”
Julien – “Youthful”
Isabelle – “Devoted to God”
Victor – “Conqueror”
Thérèse – “Harvester”
Auguste – “Majestic”
Élise – “Pledged to God”
Jolie – “Pretty”
Pierre – “Rock”
Émile – “Industrious”
Charlotte – “Free woman”
Gabriel – “God is my strength”
Emma – “Whole, universal”
Lucas – “Bringer of light”
Chloé – “Blooming”
Thomas – “Twin”
Sophie – “Wisdom”
Alexandre – “Defender of the people”
Camille – “Perfect, unblemished”
Louis – “Famous warrior”
Raphaël – “God has healed”
Élizabeth – “Pledged to God”
Olivier – “Olive tree”
Louise – “Famous warrior”
Vincent – “Conqueror”
Juliette – “Youthful”
Henri – “Ruler of the household”
Marguerite – “Daisy”
Charles – “Free man”
Marie – “Bitter”
Jean – “God is gracious”
Madeleine – “Tower”
Michel – “Who is like God?”
Anne – “Gracious”
François – “Free man”
Catherine – “Pure”
Guillaume – “Resolute protector”
Élisabeth – “Pledged to God”
Léon – “Lion”
Jacqueline – “Supplanter”
Baptiste – “Baptizer”
Claire – “Clear, bright”
Philippe – “Lover of horses”
Louise – “Famous warrior”
Antoine – “Priceless”
Renée – “Born again”
Martin – “Warlike”
Geneviève – “Woman of the tribe”
François – “Free man”
Isabelle – “Devoted to God”

How to Choose a French Name For Your Baby

Here are some tips with examples:

1. Consider the Meaning of the Name

When selecting a French name for your baby, think about the meaning behind the name. Names often carry significant histories and meanings that can have a lasting impact on a child’s identity. For example, the name “Claire” means “clear” or “bright” in French, and it could symbolize a bright future.

Alternatively, “Luc” means “light,” and might be chosen for a baby if you want to convey brightness or inspiration. Choose a name with a positive and meaningful background that resonates with you and suits your family’s values.

2. Pronunciation and Spelling

French names often come with unique pronunciation and spelling that might be challenging for some Americans to grasp at first. Before finalizing a name, consider how it’s spelled and pronounced and whether you’re okay with correcting mispronunciations.

For example, the name “Théo” might be mispronounced as “Tee-o” instead of the correct “Tay-o.” Ensure the spelling and pronunciation are not too complex, or pick a name like “Maxime,” which has a straightforward pronunciation in both French and English.

3. Popularity in France vs. America

Research the popularity of the name in both France and the United States. Some names are well-loved and frequently used in France but might be less common in America.

Names like “Emma” and “Lucas” are popular in both countries, so they are easily recognized and accepted. If you prefer a name that stands out more, consider less common options in America, such as “Baptiste” or “Mireille”. Remember, finding a balance between unique and pronounceable can be the key.

4. Consider the Nicknames

In choosing a French name, think about potential nicknames and shortenings that may naturally arise. Nicknames are inevitable, especially when kids start school.

For example, “Margaux” might be shortened to “Margo” or “Marg,” and “Sebastien” may become “Seb” or “Basti.” Opt for a name where you like both the full version and the potential nicknames, as they will likely become part of your child’s everyday life.

5. Cultural Significance

Be aware of the cultural significance and heritage that may be attached to a name. French names can carry a certain flair and are often associated with fashion, art, and romance.

Choosing a name like “Chloé” or “Antoine” might reflect a certain je ne sais quoi or a nod to French culture. However, ensure the cultural connection is meaningful to you and aligns with your family’s heritage or personal experiences.

6. Family and Ancestry

If you have French ancestry, you might want to honor your heritage by selecting a name from your family’s past. Look through your family tree for inspiration, or ask relatives about names that have special significance.

A name like “Rémy” or “Élodie” might have been passed down through generations, and using it can maintain a connection to your family’s history.

7. Future Considerations

Finally, think about the child’s future with this name. A name that is adorable for a baby might be less fitting for an adult in a professional setting. Try to pick a name that will age well, like “Sophie” or “Julien,” which suit both children and adults.

Also, consider how the name might appear on resumes or in professional contexts in the future. Aim for a name that maintains a balance between charm and maturity.

Best Argonian Names With Meanings (Ultimate List)