Top Trending 100 French Baby Names with Meaning

Enjoy your baby naming experience with our expertly curated list of the Top 100 French Names, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with contemporary charm. Whether you’re seeking a name that exudes sophistication or embodies the romantic allure of French culture, our comprehensive selection is designed to inspire and guide you toward the perfect choice for your little one.

French names have a unique and enchanting quality, often with rich historical and cultural significance. From classic monikers that have adorned generations to modern favorites that reflect evolving trends, our list caters to a diverse range of preferences.

Explore names that evoke the essence of French beauty, from poetic and artistic choices to those inspired by nature and the arts. Whether you’re drawn to names for boys or girls, our compilation features a delightful mix that showcases the linguistic charm and diversity of the French language. Navigating through our list, you’ll discover names that resonate with tradition and contemporary flair, each with its distinctive charm.

Immerse yourself in French elegance as you explore our Top 100 French Names for Babies. Let this resource be your guide in finding a name that not only reflects your admiration for French culture but also suits the unique personality of your precious bundle of joy.

Most Popular French Baby Names:

Name	Origin	Meaning
Brice	French, English, Scottish	Speckled, son of a nobleman
Camille	English, Latin, French	Girl in white, religious attendant
Charlotte	French, English, Old German	Strong and free
Charles	French, German, Teutonic	Strong and manly, free man, farmer
Chloé	French, Greek	Flourishing and blooming
Gabriel	French, Hebrew	God is the strength and hero
Genevieve	French, German, Celtic	Belonging to the tribe or race of women
Josephine	French	God will add or increase
Leo	French, English, Latin, Greek	Bold like a lion
Zoe	French, Greek	Vibrant and full of life

Top Best French Baby Names for Girls:

Discover an enchanting array of popular and distinctive French baby girl names, each imbued with unique meanings, origins, and captivating details.

Aimée:

Origin: French
Meaning: Beloved
Popularity Peaks: Aimee, with its French charm, was quite in vogue during the 1970s and 80s in the United States. In 1976, it secured the 123rd spot on the top 1,000 list for girls. However, over time, it gracefully descended and bid adieu to the top 1,000 in 2016.

Antoinette:

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Praiseworthy
Popularity Peaks: Antoinette, an enduring name, has graced generations. It ranked 990 in 1914 and reached its zenith at 666 in 1960. Despite fading from the top 1,000 in 1989, its elegance remains timeless.

Bernadette:

Origin: French, English, Teutonic
Meaning: Brave as a bear
Popularity Peaks: Bernadette, embodying strength, saw its glory days in 1946, reaching 188th place. While its popularity waned over the years, this name stands as a testament to tradition and courage, last appearing in the top 1,000 in 1993.

Blanche:

Origin: French
Meaning: White and fair
Popularity Peaks: Blanche, an antique gem, sparkled in the early 1900s, peaking at 58th place in 1902. However, it gradually dimmed, vanishing from the top 1,000 by 1965. Could Blanche be poised for a comeback?

Camille:

Origin: English, Latin, French
Meaning: Girl in white, religious attendant
Popularity Peaks: Once a name for boys, Camille transitioned to a female moniker. In 1911 and 1915, it held a spot in the top 1,000 names for boys. For girls, Camille achieved its peak at 238 in 2012, marking a fascinating evolution.

Chanel:

Origin: French, English
Meaning: From the canal or channel
Popularity Peaks: Chanel, a relatively modern name, entered the U.S. top 1,000 in 1973, soaring to 382 in 1991. Embodying a sense of modern elegance, Chanel has made its mark in the naming landscape.

Charlotte:

Origin: French, English, Old German
Meaning: Strong and free
Popularity Peaks: Charlotte, a name steeped in tradition, has maintained its allure for over half a century, consistently securing a spot in the U.S. top 100. A top 10 name since 2014, Charlotte proudly claimed the fourth spot in 2020, echoing strength and freedom.

Chloé:

Origin: French, Greek
Meaning: Flourishing and blooming
Popularity Peaks: Chloé, a name exuding charm, experienced significant popularity from 1998 to 2011. While it slipped from the top 10, it continues to captivate, remaining a beloved choice both in the U.S. and France.

Claire:

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Clear and brightly shining
Popularity Peaks: Claire, a name resonating with clarity and radiance, has adorned the top 500 in the U.S. for over a century. Breaking into the top 100 in 1998, it achieved its pinnacle at 40 in 2016.

Clementine:

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Merciful, Mild
Popularity Peaks: Clementine, a classic name, experienced a resurgence after more than five decades, rejoining the top 1,000 in 2014. Reflecting both mercy and mildness, it continues to make a graceful impact.

Colette:

Origin: French, Greek
Meaning: Victorious and triumphant
Popularity Peaks: Colette, a consistent presence from 1928 to 1986, briefly disappeared before making a triumphant return in 2012, ranking 529 in 2020. A name synonymous with victory, it embodies resilience and strength.

Corinne:

Origin: French, Greek
Meaning: Maiden
Popularity Peaks: Corinne, gracing the top 500 for a century until 1995, remains a timeless choice. With enduring appeal, it continues to hold a place in the top 1,000, showcasing the enduring charm of its meaning, “maiden.”

Danielle:

Origin: French, Hebrew
Meaning: God is the judge
Popularity Peaks: Danielle, reigning as a top 100 name from 1971 to 2004, reached its zenith at 14 in 1987. A name reflecting divine judgment, Danielle’s popularity has left a lasting legacy.

Denise:

Origin: French, Greek
Meaning: Devoted to the wine god, Dionysius
Popularity Peaks: Denise, a top 100 name from 1950 to 1982, experienced a temporary decline in the 1990s. However, it made a spirited return in 2020, claiming the 872nd spot.

Desiree:

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Desired and longed for
Popularity Peaks: Desiree entered the top 1,000 in 1954, soaring to 95 in 1983. Yet, its popularity waned after 2010, and it bid farewell to the top 1,000 as of 2020, leaving behind a legacy of longing.

Dominique:

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Belonging to the Lord
Popularity Peaks: Dominique, a consistent presence from 1966 to 2011, achieved its pinnacle in 1985 at number 83. A name steeped in spiritual significance, Dominique continues to resonate.

Elaine:

Origin: French, Greek, English
Meaning: Bright, shining light
Popularity Peaks: Elaine, radiating brilliance for over a century, stood among the top 100 from 1923 to 1958. In the past decade, it has maintained a steady presence, usually ranking around 700.

Fleur:

Origin: French
Meaning: A flower
Popularity Peaks: Fleur, a name as unique as a flower, doesn’t currently grace the U.S. top 1,000. However, its rarity may hint at a potential upswing in popularity.

Francine:

Origin: French
Meaning: From France or free
Popularity Peaks: Francine, once in the top 500 from 1932 to 1972, faded from the top 1,000 in 1989. While less common today, it remains a nod to freedom and French heritage.

Gabrielle:

Origin: French, Hebrew
Meaning: God is the hero and strength
Popularity Peaks: Gabrielle, gaining popularity in the late 1950s, was a top 100 name from 1990 to 2010. Echoing divine strength, it continues to be a beloved choice both in the U.S. and France.

Genevieve:

Origin: French, German, Celtic
Meaning: Belonging to the tribe or race of women
Popularity Peaks: Genevieve, a well-established name, was in the top 100 from 1909 through 1923. Experiencing fluctuations in popularity, it has once again begun to rise, ranked 169 in 2020.

Giselle:

Origin: French, German, Teutonic
Meaning: A promise or pledge
Popularity Peaks: Giselle, an ancient name, entered the U.S. top 1,000 in 1983, peaking in 2007-2009. Symbolizing grace, it continues to captivate with its timeless elegance.

Jacqueline:

Origin: French, Hebrew
Meaning: The one who comes after or replaces
Popularity Peaks: Jacqueline, a top 1,000 name for over a century, reached 37th place in 1961 and 1964. With an enduring legacy, it stood at 442 in 2020, symbolizing the essence of succession.

Jeanne:

Origin: French
Meaning: God is gracious
Popularity Peaks: Jeanne, a name with centuries of history, was highly popular from the 1920s to the 1970s. Though its popularity has waned, it remains a testament to divine grace.

Jewel:

Origin: French, Portuguese
Meaning: Pretty, precious gemstone
Popularity Peaks: Jewel, once more common in the early 20th century, has seen fluctuations. Returning in 1997 after a hiatus, it once again faded in 2020, leaving behind its legacy of rarity.

Jolie:

Origin: French
Meaning: Pretty
Popularity Peaks: Jolie, a name of timeless beauty, graced the top 1,000 from 1968 to 1974 before resurfacing in 2000. Its most popular year was 2008, resonating with its meaning of prettiness.

Josephine:

Origin: French
Meaning: God will add or increase
Popularity Peaks: Josephine, a vintage name, never loses its charm. From 47th place in 1900 to 86th in 2020, it remains a timeless choice, symbolizing eternal increase.

Juliet:

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Forever young
Popularity Peaks: Juliet, a name with a centuries-old presence, has experienced spikes in popularity. Despite intermittent absences, it soared in 2017, symbolizing eternal youthfulness.

Lorraine:

Origin: French, Latin, Teutonic
Meaning: From the province of Lorraine
Popularity Peaks: Lorraine, once a top 100 name from 1918 to 1948, gradually declined until exiting the top 1,000 in 1996. Despite its descent, it remains a symbol of provincial grace and elegance.

Top Best French Baby Names for Boys:

Discover a collection of timeless and distinct French baby boy names, each with its own rich history, meaning, and captivating origin story.

Antoine

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Praiseworthy and priceless
Peak Popularity: Antoine was a well-loved name in the early 1900s but took a break from popularity in 1912. It made a comeback in 1957 and reached its peak in 1985 at rank 262. However, it slid off the list again in 2014.

Armand

Origin: French, German, Teutonic
Meaning: An army soldier
Peak Popularity: Armand is an ancient name with a strong history. It was a favored choice, ranking 625 in the U.S. in 1900 and staying in the top 1,000 until 1971. While it still holds a place in the top 200 in France, it fell off the U.S. list for good in 1998.

Arthur

Origin: French, Celtic
Meaning: Noble one; bear
Peak Popularity: Arthur, a name of nobility, has been cherished for centuries. It held the 15th spot in the U.S. in 1900 and remained in the top 100 until 1970. In France, Arthur continues to be a beloved choice, even reaching the top 10 in 2017.

Brice

Origin: French, English, Scottish
Meaning: Speckled; son of a nobleman
Peak Popularity: Brice enjoyed consistent popularity from 1959 to 2015, peaking at 459 in 1988. However, it has now slipped from the list. Its variant, Bryce, held stronger ground, lingering in the top 200 until 2018.

Charles

Origin: French, German, Teutonic
Meaning: Strong and manly; free man; farmer
Peak Popularity: Charles is a timeless classic, reigning in the top 100 for over a century. It stood at number 5 in 1900 and maintained a strong presence, ranking 46 in 2020.

Claude

Origin: French, English, Latin
Meaning: Lame, crippled, and limping
Peak Popularity: Claude experienced great popularity in the first half of the 20th century, gradually waning until it left the top 1,000 in 1994.

Denis

Origin: French, Greek
Meaning: Devoted to the wine god, Dionysius
Peak Popularity: Denis peaked in 1952 at rank 277 in the U.S. It faded from the top 1,000 in 1992, becoming less common.

François

Origin: French
Meaning: A man from France or a free man
Peak Popularity: François is more common in France than in the United States, reflecting its origins and meaning.

Frederic

Origin: French
Meaning: A peaceful ruler
Peak Popularity: Frederic held a place in the U.S. top 1,000 until 1979, reaching its peak at 343 in 1915.

Gabriel

Origin: French, Hebrew
Meaning: God is the strength and hero
Peak Popularity: Gabriel, a name with ancient roots, was in the top 25 from 2008–2016 in the U.S. It holds a top 10 position in France.

Gaston

Origin: French
Meaning: From Gascony in southwest France; the foreigner, the guest
Peak Popularity: Gaston, once more popular, was in the top 1,000 until 1936 but is rare today.

Gilbert

Origin: French, German
Meaning: Pledge, promise
Peak Popularity: Gilbert was a classic choice, ranking 146 in 1900 and remaining in the top 200 until 1969. It left the top 1,000 in 2017.

Guy

Origin: French
Meaning: Guide, leader
Peak Popularity: Guy enjoyed popularity in the early 1900s but declined over the last 40 years, falling off the top 1,000 list in 2005.

Hugo

Origin: French, German
Meaning: Intelligence of mind and spirit
Peak Popularity: Hugo, a vintage name, has been in the top 500 since 1979 in the U.S. It’s a top 10 name in France since 1998.

Jacques

Origin: French
Meaning: The one that comes after or replaces
Peak Popularity: Jacques peaked in 1969 in the U.S. at rank 602. It remains a more popular choice in France.

Jean

Origin: French, Celtic, Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious
Peak Popularity: Jean, a classic name, was in the U.S. top 1,000 until 2011. It remains popular in France.

Jules

Origin: French, Greek
Meaning: Forever young
Peak Popularity: Jules reached its highest rank of 422 in 1911 in the U.S. It’s now unique in the U.S. but very popular in France.

Leo

Origin: French, English, Latin, Greek
Meaning: Bold like a lion
Peak Popularity: Leo has remained a strong choice, ranking 46 in 1900 and staying trendy. It’s been in the top 10 in France since 2012.

Louis

Origin: French, German, Teutonic
Meaning: Brave warrior
Peak Popularity: Louis is a timeless name, ranking 26 in 1900 and 260 in 2020. It’s a top 10 name in France since 2006.

Luc

Origin: French
Meaning: The light
Peak Popularity: Luc briefly entered the U.S. top 1,000 in 2002. It’s more common in France.

Marc

Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: Warlike
Peak Popularity: Marc has been popular since the 1930s in the U.S., peaking at 60 in 1970. It remains in the top 1,000.

Final Verdict:

In conclusion, these popular French baby names offer not just a label but a connection to centuries of heritage, meaning, and cultural significance. From the noble Arthur to the courageous Louis, each name carries a story, making it a cherished choice for families worldwide seeking a touch of French elegance and tradition for their little ones.