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