Selecting the right name for your baby is exciting yet difficult. If you’re easier to fall in love with the elegance and sophistication of French culture, French baby names are beautiful combination of class, history, and timeliness. And with France’s deep well of linguistic resources, there are no shortage of ideas if you want to go with something classic, trendy — or uniquely meaningful.
👶💖 Adorable French Baby Names for Your Little One!
As a language, French has melodic sounds, romantic flair, and cultural depth. From timeless classics to more contemporary favorites, these names convey an air of sophistication and charm. Here is a selected list of fancy French baby names that will make your baby’s name different and special!
Timeless French Boy Names 👦
- Louis – Meaning “famous warrior,” a royal favorite.
- Gabriel – “God is my strength,” a strong biblical name.
- Jules – A chic and simple name meaning “youthful.”
- Henri – The French version of Henry, meaning “ruler of the home.”
- Étienne – A sophisticated name meaning “crown” or “garland.”
- Pierre – Classic and strong, meaning “rock.”
- Alexandre – The French form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men.”
- Théo – Short for Théodore, meaning “gift of God.”
- Baptiste – Meaning “baptist,” a name with religious roots.
- Luc – The French version of Luke, meaning “light.”
Elegant French Girl Names 👧
- Sophie – Meaning “wisdom,” a name with timeless grace.
- Camille – A unisex name meaning “perfect.”
- Chloé – Sweet and feminine, meaning “blooming.”
- Élodie – A melodic name meaning “marsh flower.”
- Margot – A charming variation of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
- Amélie – Meaning “hardworking” or “industrious.”
- Cécile – A graceful name meaning “blind” (historically symbolic).
- Colette – Meaning “victory of the people.”
- Manon – A sweet diminutive of Marie.
- Luenne – Meaning “Moon of beauty.
Unique & Modern French Baby Names ✨
If you’re looking for something less common but equally beautiful, these unique French baby names might be the perfect fit.
Modern French Boy Names 🚀
- Maël – Meaning “chief” or “prince.”
- Enzo – A trendy name meaning “home ruler.”
- Raphaël – “God has healed,” a stylish biblical name.
- Léandre – Meaning “lion-man,” strong and rare.
- Nolan – A rising favorite, meaning “noble.”
- Sacha – A unisex name meaning “defender of mankind.”
- Mathis – A fresh twist on Matthew.
- Eliott – The French spelling of Elliott, meaning “the Lord is my God.”
- Lohan – A cool, modern-sounding name.
- Kylian – Popularized by soccer star Kylian Mbappé.
Modern French Girl Names 🌸
- Léa – Simple and sweet, meaning “weary” (but used affectionately).
- Aya – Short and stylish, meaning “bird.”
- Léna – A softer version of Elena.
- Zoé – Meaning “life,” a lively and popular choice.
- Louna – A melodic and modern name.
- Maeva – Meaning “welcome,” warm and inviting.
- Naëlle – Unique and lyrical.
- Elisa – A delicate variation of Elizabeth.
- Romane – The feminine form of Roman.
- Soline – Rare and enchanting.
Gender-Neutral French Baby Names 🌈
For parents who love unisex names, here are some gender-neutral French baby names.
- Noé – The French version of Noah.
- Charlie – A playful, friendly name.
- Claude – Meaning “lame” historically, now a stylish unisex pick.
- Dominique – Works beautifully for any gender.
- Remy – Chic and sophisticated.
- Camille – Works for both boys and girls.
- Morgan – A Celtic name widely used in France.
- Sasha – A soft, international favorite.
- Lou – Short for Louise or Louis.
- Marin – Meaning “of the sea.”
French Names Inspired by Nature 🌿
France’s beautiful landscapes inspire many nature-themed French baby names.
Boy Names
- Florent – Meaning “flowering.”
- Aubin – Meaning “white.”
- Cédric – Derived from “cedar tree.”
- Océan – The French word for “ocean.”
- Rivière – Meaning “river.”
Girl Names
- Fleur – Simply means “flower.”
- Rosalie – A romantic floral name.
- Marine – Meaning “of the sea.”
- Aurore – Meaning “dawn.”
- Brune – Meaning “brown,” inspired by nature.
French Names with Royal & Noble Vibes 👑
If you love regal French baby names, these exude elegance.
Royal Boy Names
- Philippe – A classic royal name.
- Charles – Timeless and noble.
- François – The French form of Francis.
- Armand – Meaning “soldier.”
- Gaspard – A noble name meaning “treasure bearer.”
Royal Girl Names
- Marie – A staple in French royalty.
- Isabelle – Elegant and regal.
- Joséphine – Empress Josephine made this name iconic.
- Charlotte – A princess-worthy name.
- Adélaïde – Noble and vintage.
Cute & Short French Baby Names 🍼
- Léo
- Lucie
- Paul
- Anna
- Mia
French Names from Literature & Art 📖
- Victor (Hugo)
- Émile (Zola)
- Simone (de Beauvoir)
- Honoré (de Balzac)
- Marguerite (Duras)
Cute & Short French Baby Names 🍼
- Léo – A lively short form of Léon.
- Lucie – Meaning “light,” sweet and simple.
- Paul – Classic and strong, meaning “small.”
- Anna – Timeless and elegant.
- Mia – A modern favorite, meaning “mine.”
- Eli – Short and charming.
- Léa – A soft and popular choice.
- Noa – A unisex name meaning “motion.”
- Léo – A spunky alternative to Léon.
- Lou – Sweet and gender-neutral.
French Names from Literature & Art 📖
- Victor (Hugo) – A strong literary name.
- Émile (Zola) – Meaning “rival.”
- Simone (de Beauvoir) – Intellectual and bold.
- Honoré (de Balzac) – Meaning “honored.”
- Marguerite (Duras) – A name tied to French novels.
- Marcel (Proust) – Classic and distinguished.
- Colette (Author) – A name with artistic flair.
- Antoine (de Saint-Exupéry) – The writer of The Little Prince.
- Alphonse (Daudet) – Vintage and sophisticated.
- Gustave (Flaubert) – A name with creative energy.
French Names with Religious Significance ⛪
- Marie – The ultimate biblical French name.
- Jean – The French form of John.
- Thérèse – Beloved saint’s name.
- Michel – The French Michael, meaning “who is like God?”
- Noémie – Meaning “pleasantness.”
- Benoît – Meaning “blessed.”
- Geneviève – Patron saint of Paris.
- Bernadette – A saintly and vintage name.
- Célestin – Meaning “heavenly.”
- Évangéline – A poetic religious name.
French Names Inspired by Food & Wine 🍷
- Champagne – Luxurious and bubbly.
- Brie – Like the creamy cheese.
- Rémy – A nod to the famous cognac.
- Clémentine – Sweet and citrusy.
- Madeleine – Like the buttery pastry.
- Anis – A spice-inspired name.
- Olivier – Meaning “olive tree.”
- Cerise – Meaning “cherry.”
- Basile – Derived from “basil.”
- Raisin – A quirky choice (means “grape”).
French Names with Vintage Charm 🕰️
- Odette – Elegant and old-fashioned.
- Gisèle – Meaning “pledge,” a vintage gem.
- Huguette – A retro French name.
- Gilbert – Meaning “bright pledge.”
- Fernand – A classic from the early 1900s.
- Suzanne – A name with timeless grace.
- Maurice – Meaning “dark-skinned.”
- Yvonne – A vintage floral name.
- Gérard – Strong and traditional.
- Jeannette – A diminutive of Jeanne.
French Names Inspired by Places 🗺️
- Paris – Romantic and cosmopolitan.
- Lyon – A strong city name.
- Avignon – After the historic French town.
- Bretagne – The French word for “Brittany.”
- Normand – From the Normandy region.
- Toulouse – Artistic and vibrant.
- Alsace – A unique regional name.
- Cannes – Glamorous like the film festival.
- Bordeaux – Sophisticated like the wine region.
- Marseille – A bold, coastal-inspired name.
French Names Meaning “Love” & “Light” 💖
- Aimé – Means “beloved.”
- Amour – Literally means “love.”
- Lumiére – Meaning “light.”
- Claire – Bright and clear.
- Lucien – Derived from “light.”
- Aurélie – Meaning “golden light.”
- Philomène – Means “loved one.”
- Chéri – Means “darling.”
- Solène – Derived from “sun.”
- Esme – Means “esteemed” or “loved.”
French Names for Twins 👫
- Léo & Léa – A perfect matching pair.
- Jules & Julie – Similar yet distinct.
- Noé & Noémie – Harmonious and sweet.
- Louis & Louise – The ultimate royal twin names.
- Raphaël & Raphaëlle – A lyrical duo.
- Antoine & Antoinette – Classic and balanced.
- Théo & Théo – Unisex and modern.
- Gabriel & Gabrielle – A strong biblical pair.
- Mathis & Mathilde – Matching in rhythm.
- Enzo & Zoé – Short and stylish together.
French Names with Musical & Artistic Flair 🎶
- Harmonie – Meaning “harmony.”
- Melodie – The French spelling of “melody.”
- Raphaël – A name tied to Renaissance art.
- Claude – Inspired by Monet.
- Édith – After Édith Piaf, the iconic singer.
- Serge – Like composer Serge Gainsbourg.
- Céleste – Meaning “heavenly,” poetic and musical.
- Aria – A lyrical name.
- Lucian – Meaning “light,” artistic and bright.
- Paloma – Inspired by Picasso’s daughter.
French Names with Strong Meanings 💪
- Valentin – Meaning “strong, healthy.”
- Blaise – Means “to stammer,” but associated with strength.
- Arsène – Meaning “virile.”
- Guy – Means “guide” or “leader.”
- Hector – A heroic name.
- Roland – Meaning “famous land.”
- Gaëtan – Means “from Gaeta,” symbolizing resilience.
- Maxime – Means “the greatest.”
- Alain – Meaning “little rock.”
- Thibault – Means “brave people.”
French Names Inspired by Colors 🎨
- Blanche – Meaning “white.”
- Noir – Means “black,” bold and stylish.
- Rose – Classic and feminine.
- Bleu – The French word for “blue.”
- Violette – A floral color name.
- Rouge – Means “red,” daring and unique.
- Émeraude – Means “emerald.”
- Perle – Meaning “pearl,” elegant and timeless.
- Or – Means “gold,” luxurious.
- Argent – Means “silver,” sleek and modern.
French Names for Animal Lovers 🐾
- Loup – Means “wolf.”
- Renard – Means “fox.”
- Colombe – Means “dove.”
- Aigle – Means “eagle.”
- Léopard – Bold and wild.
- Dauphin – Means “dolphin.”
- Pantera – A fierce choice.
- Ours – Means “bear.”
- Pinson – Means “finch.”
- Cygne – Means “swan,” graceful and poetic.
French Names Ending with “-ette” (Feminine & Sweet) 🎀
- Annette – A vintage charmer.
- Lisette – A delicate floral name.
- Juliette – Romantic and timeless.
- Georgette – A chic retro name.
- Yvette – Meaning “yew tree.”
- Suzette – Sweet and playful.
- Paulette – Meaning “small.”
- Claudette – A feminine twist on Claude.
- Antoinette – Regal and classic.
- Bernadette – Saintly and strong.
French Names Ending with “-on” (Strong & Masculine) ⚔️
- Simon – Meaning “he has heard.”
- Nicolas – A timeless classic.
- Antoine – The French form of Anthony.
- Guillaume – The French William.
- Augustin – Meaning “great.”
- Benjamin – Meaning “son of the right hand.”
- Adrien – Meaning “dark one.”
- Maxim – A short, strong name.
- Florian – Meaning “flowering.”
- Sébastien – Meaning “venerable.”
French Names for the Modern Parent 🌍
- Zayn – A trendy, cross-cultural pick.
- Naël – Short and stylish.
- Lylou – A modern invented name.
- Maëlys – A melodic contemporary choice.
- Kenza – Meaning “treasure,” popular in France.
- Noham – A fresh twist on Noah.
- Léonie – A chic update to Léa.
- Elyna – A modern French variation of Elena.
- Timéo – A trendy boy’s name.
- Alix – A sleek, unisex option.
With 220+ French baby names to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your little prince or princess! Whether you prefer classic, modern, or unique names, French naming traditions offer endless inspiration.