Finding the perfect French name for your darling daughter helps evoke her identity and family background. The magical, musical French language brings unique charm and sophistication to girl names French parents and families worldwide appreciate. Giving your precious little one a mellifluous French name connects her with rich French history and dazzling French culture. When seeking the most fitting French name with meaning, understanding name origins along with associated virtues and characteristics brings helpful direction while choosing your child's name. The list below showcases lovely French girls names followed by the significance behind each one.
Thérèse - This name traces its etymology to the Greek name Teresa, meaning "harvester" or "late summer". In French culture, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux epitomizes women of great faith and compassion. Her good works and kindness led Pope Pius XI to name Saint Thérèse the patron saint of foreign missions, highlighting her appeal across cultures.
Aveline - Meaning "hazelnut" in Old French, Aveline carries a delightful association with nature in addition to smooth, elegant sounds. Fair complexioned Northern French maidens with lustrous locks found compliment in the description. The Chestnuts and Chocolate trilogy by Joanne Harris also featured a female protagonist named Aveline, popularizing the name by connecting it with a spirited, likable heroine.
Amélie - This name comes from the French word "aimer" meaning "to love", making it a beautiful name choice full of affection. The popularity of the name skyrocketed thanks to the 2001 film "Amélie" starring Audrey Tautou as an adorably quirky heroine.
Avril - Meaning "April" in French, Avril makes a fresh springtime name. The bursts of color from April flowers and blossoming trees bring to mind the vim and vigor of a little girl entering the spring of her own life.
Bijou - A French term of endearment meaning “jewel”, Bijou channels preciousness and sparkle. The name stands out for its playful, affectionate overtones and lively rhythm.
Capucine - The French word for nasturtium flowers, Capucine calls to mind bright blossoms in warm hues ranging from yellow to vibrant orange. These cheery flowers and the sweet name they inspire spread sunshine wherever they grow.
Céline - This lovely French form of Selene refers to the moon goddess in Greek mythology. The name also brings to mind the mellifluous tones of renowned French-Canadian singer Céline Dion, who continues captivating audiences worldwide with her powerhouse voice.
Chloé - From the Greek name Chloe meaning “green shoot”, Chloé evokes the lush images of plant growth in springtime. The fresh, youthful imagery matches the vivacity of young girls.
Claudette - A French feminine diminutive of Claude stemming from the Latin Claudius, Claudette channels refined femininity. Famed French actress Claudette Colbert cemented it as a glamorous name choice.
Désirée - Meaning “desired” or “longed for” in French, Désirée comes steeped in warmth and affection. The name Désirée conjures up images of welcoming a precious new baby girl into a family wanting a daughter for so long.
Élise - The French form of Elizabeth meaning “my God is bountiful”, Élise beautifully conveys spirituality and faith. With sweet nickname possibilities like Ella or Ellie, the name exudes grace and charm.
Estelle - Sharing origins with the English word “star”, Estelle channels shimmering celestial bodies floating through inky night skies. The name Estelle suggests your daughter will always guide you like a star, both constants and dazzling.
Fleur - Simply meaning “flower” in French, Fleur blooms with fresh-faced femininity. Its bouncy musicality matches the delicacy and beauty associated with flowers.
Guinevere - This name joins French and Celtic roots to mean “white wave” or “fair one”, perfectly capturing porcelain complexions and fair tresses. Tales of Queen Guinevere also spin adventurous stories of romance, bravery and destiny beside King Arthur.
Jacqueline - The French feminine form of Jacques, Jacqueline brings to mind glamorous Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The name epitomizes beauty, elegance and sophistication with a touch of intrigue.
Lilou - Affectionately meaning “lily” in French, Lilou overflows with sweet, sunny disposition. Bubbly nickname potential makes the name fun and lively.
Linette - This name comes from combining the French nickname ending “-ette” with the name Lynn. The resulting title bounces with pep and personality, ideal for a plucky little girl.
Marceline - Feminine form of Marcel, meaning “young warrior”, Marceline packs vim and vigor. The name’s jaunty rhythm calls to mind a brave, spirited female warrior charging forth boldly.
Margaux - Associated with the French winemaking region of Margaux, this fresh name blooms with images of lush vineyards and smooth tannins. Its nickname possibilities like Margo or Maggie give it a friendly twist.
Noëlle - Meaning “Christmas” from the French word Noël, Noëlle twinkles with yuletide merriment. Both joyful and elegant, the name suits a daughter born around the holiday season or for parents wanting some seasonal flair.
Odette - Tracing back to the Old German "Oda" for richness and wealth, Odette channels prosperity and promise. Thanks to Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, the name also suggests graceful beauty much like the prima ballerina Odette gliding across sparkling lakes.
Rosalie - From the Latin rosa meaning “rose”, Rosalie blooms with gentle femininity and charm associated with roses. The seasonal flowers signify new beginnings aligned with your daughter’s future filled with potential waiting to unfold.
Évangeline - Meaning “good news”, Évangeline radiates optimism and light. Longfellow's poem celebrating a woman's search for her lost love popularized this name brimming with hope and emotion.
Violette - Simply from the French word for the purple flower, Violette brings to mind purple's symbolism of charm, uniqueness and creativity. The color perfectly captures your daughter's singular sparkle.
Yvette - Likely stemming from medieval French "yvet" meaning "yew wood", Yvette calls to mind sturdy evergreen trees weathering all seasons. That makes it an enduring name choice for your steadfast daughter always providing shelter and support.
Zélie - Tracing back to the Greek word “zelie” for “zeal”, Zélie energizes with enthusiasm and eagerness. In recent years Pope Francis also canonized French couple Zélie and Louis Martin, emphasizing family devotion associated with the lovely name.
Amélie - Derived from the German word for "work", Amélie also links to the Latin word "ama" meaning "love". The widely beloved 2001 French film "Amélie" helped spur international intrigue in the name by tying it to a charming, quirky lead character.
Avril - Simply the French word for the month "April", Avril makes a fresh springtime name selection. Renowned French painter Pierre Avril also exhibits the name's artistic side.
Babette - The feminine French variation of the Hebrew name Elizabeth, Babette reflects the classic virtue of "God is my oath". Also connects to the French word "babe" meaning girl or baby.
Bernadette - Feminine version of the name Bernard, meaning "brave bear". Made famous by venerated saint Bernadette Soubirous and her divine visions.
Capucine - Whimsical name after the French word for nasturtium flowers with a peppery flavor. Also ties to the brownish orange color capucine.
Céline - French form of an ancient Roman clan name, the noble Caelius family. Singer Céline Dion gives the name beloved familiarity.
Chanel - Originally a French surname, borrowed from the Chanel fashion house. Conjures images of style, refinement and the iconic brand.
Chloé - From the Greek name Chloe meaning "green shoot" and symbolizing new growth of spring. Also connects to the fertility goddess Demeter.
Claudette - The French feminine diminutive of the Roman name Claudius, pointing to "lame, crippled". Though initially pejorative, well-paired with prettier French suffixes.
Clémence - From the French word for clemency, kindness, mercy and mildness. An embodiment of graceful feminine virtues.
Colette - French diminutive for the name Nicole. Brought to prominence by pioneering French novelist and performer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette.
Désirée - From the French word "desirer" meaning to wish, desire or long for. Indicates a precious, welcome new arrival into the world.
Édith - Old English name meaning "prosperity in war" from ed words meaning "riches, fortune" and gyth words meaning "war, battle." Made royal by Edith of Scotland.
Élise - Derived from the biblical name Elizabeth meaning "my God is bountiful". Also associated with kind nobility as in Beethoven's piece "Für Elise".
Esmé - Originally a male name in medieval England later reappropriated as a feminine name in France, used by J.D. Salinger and well-matched to French flair. Derives from French "aime" meaning loved.
Étienne - French feminine form of Stephen meaning "crown". Shares roots with the Greek Stephanos.
Françoise - Simply the French feminine word for someone of French origin or citizenship, Françoise became popular due to medieval royalty.
Geneviève - From Genovefa, patron saint of Paris known for her charitable works and bravery during siege. Means "woman of the people".
Inès - French form of Agnes meaning ‘pure’ or ‘holy’. Tied to virginal Saint Agnes of Rome brutally martyred for her steadfast faith.
Jacqueline - Feminine of Jacques, the French equivalent to James. Popularly associated with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bringing American intrigue.
Jolie - Simply the feminine French word for ‘pretty’. Famously tied to actress Angelina Jolie known for otherworldly beauty.
Josephine - French feminine form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning to "add or increase". Made renowned by Napoleon Bonaparte's beloved Empress Joséphine.
Lilou - Affectionate French nickname roughly translating to “little one” with sweet, youthful charm.
Lucille - The feminine French form of Luke, tracing to Latin lux meaning ‘light’. Associated with grace and brightness.
Magalie - Blends boundaries between the Hebrew name Magdalene and the French word for happiness “gai”. The nickname further shortens to sensuous sounding Maggie.
Noëlle - Lovely feminine name clearly derived from the French word Noel meaning Christmas. Festive child full of joy and good tidings.
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