Traditional French Baby Names

By: Jennifer Flaten

French baby names have a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them warm and charming, especially the names for baby girls. If you have French ancestry, a French name is a great way to honor your family. If you aren't French but you're interested in pretty baby names, a French name can provide an elegant mix of meaning and beauty.

French Baby Names for Girls

  • Aimée: Loved
  • Aurore: Dawn
  • Amber: This name derives from the precious petrified stone.
  • Angelique: The French form of Angela, it means angel.
  • Annette: The French form of Ann, it means favored by grace.
  • Antionette: A form of Antonia, it means flourishing or praiseworthy.
  • Ariane, Arianne, Arielle: All of these are a form of Ariel, meaning of Lioness of God.
  • Babette: The French form of Barbara, it means stranger.
  • Bernadette: The French form of Bernadine, it means brave as a bear.
  • Cachet: Prestigious
  • Camille: Young 
  • Capucine: Nasturtium
  • Claire Claire, Clara: Clear
  • Marianne: A combination of Marie, meaning bitter, and Anne, favored by grace. This name has a special meaning in French culture, as it is emblematic of the French ideals of liberty, brotherhood and equality.
  • Renée: Reborn

French Baby Names for Boys

  • Aimé: The masculine form of Aimée, it also means loved.
  • Auguste, Augustin, Augustus: Noble
  • Alaire: Joyful
  • Alexandre: Defender of mankind
  • Amato: Loved
  • Benjamin: Youngest
  • Beau, Beauregard: Handsome
  • Benoît or Benedict: Blessed
  • Chevelier: Horseman
  • Demont: Mountain
  • Etienne: The French form of Stephen, it means crown or garland.
  • Gervaise: Honorable
  • Noël: Christmas
  • Olivier, Oliver: Olive tree
  • René: The masculine form of Renée, it also means reborn
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