What's Your Name in French: A Comprehensive List of Popular French Names and Their Meanings

Are you curious about French names and their meanings? Perhaps you're searching for the perfect name for your baby or simply fascinated by the rich history and symbolism embedded in French nomenclature. This article offers a comprehensive list of popular French names, from classic choices to modern trends, each accompanied by a detailed explanation of its etymology and significance. Dive into the world of French names and discover the beautiful stories they hold.
1. **Adrien:** Meaning "from Adria," a town in Italy, or "man of the Adriatic Sea." It signifies strength and courage.
2. **Alexandre:** Meaning "defender of mankind," derived from the Greek "Alexandros." It symbolizes leadership and protection.
3. **Antoine:** Meaning "priceless," "invaluable," or "flowery," derived from the Latin "Antonius." It signifies beauty and value.
4. **Arthur:** Meaning "bear" or "strong," derived from the Celtic "Arth." It represents power and strength.
5. **Benjamin:** Meaning "son of my right hand," derived from the Hebrew "ben-yamin." It signifies favoritism and blessing.
6. **Bernard:** Meaning "brave bear" or "strong as a bear," derived from the Germanic "Bernhard." It represents courage and resilience.
7. **Charles:** Meaning "free man" or "manly," derived from the Germanic "Karl." It symbolizes independence and strength.
8. **Clement:** Meaning "merciful" or "lenient," derived from the Latin "Clemens." It signifies kindness and compassion.
9. **David:** Meaning "beloved" or "friend," derived from the Hebrew "David." It symbolizes love and loyalty.
10. **Denis:** Meaning "belonging to Dionysus," the Greek god of wine and revelry. It signifies celebration and joy.
11. **Dylan:** Meaning "son of the sea," derived from the Welsh "Dylan." It signifies strength and determination.
12. **Elias:** Meaning "Yahweh is my God," derived from the Hebrew "Eliyahu." It signifies faith and devotion.
13. **Emile:** Meaning "rival" or "industrious," derived from the Germanic "Emil." It signifies ambition and hard work.
14. **Eric:** Meaning "ever ruler" or "forever king," derived from the Old Norse "Eirikr." It represents power and leadership.
15. **Etienne:** Meaning "crown" or "wreath," derived from the Greek "Stephanos." It symbolizes victory and achievement.
16. **Felix:** Meaning "lucky" or "happy," derived from the Latin "Felix." It signifies good fortune and joy.
17. **Gabriel:** Meaning "God is my strength," derived from the Hebrew "Gavri'el." It signifies faith and protection.
18. **Guillaume:** Meaning "will helmet" or "resolute protector," derived from the Germanic "Wilhelm." It represents strength and determination.
19. **Henri:** Meaning "ruler of the house," derived from the Germanic "Heinrich." It symbolizes authority and leadership.
20. **Hugo:** Meaning "mind" or "intelligence," derived from the Germanic "Hugo." It signifies wisdom and intellect.
21. **Jacques:** Meaning "supplanter" or "he who holds the heel," derived from the Hebrew "Ya'aqov." It signifies determination and success.
22. **Jean:** Meaning "God is gracious," derived from the Hebrew "Yochanan." It signifies faith and mercy.
23. **Jerome:** Meaning "sacred name," derived from the Greek "Hieronymos." It signifies holiness and reverence.
24. **Joseph:** Meaning "God will increase," derived from the Hebrew "Yosef." It signifies prosperity and growth.
25. **Julien:** Meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded," derived from the Latin "Julius." It signifies vitality and energy.
26. **Laurent:** Meaning "laurel" or "victorious," derived from the Latin "Laurentius." It symbolizes achievement and success.
27. **Leo:** Meaning "lion" or "strong," derived from the Latin "Leo." It represents power and courage.
28. **Louis:** Meaning "famous warrior" or "illustrious in battle," derived from the Germanic "Ludwig." It symbolizes strength and valor.
29. **Luc:** Meaning "light" or "brightness," derived from the Latin "Lucus." It signifies enlightenment and inspiration.
30. **Marc:** Meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars," derived from the Latin "Marcus." It represents strength and dedication.
31. **Martin:** Meaning "war god" or "warlike," derived from the Latin "Martinus." It symbolizes strength and courage.
32. **Mathieu:** Meaning "gift of Yahweh," derived from the Hebrew "Matityahu." It signifies blessing and faith.
33. **Michel:** Meaning "who is like God?" derived from the Hebrew "Mikha'el." It signifies power and protection.
34. **Nicolas:** Meaning "victory of the people," derived from the Greek "Nikolaos." It symbolizes triumph and leadership.
35. **Oliver:** Meaning "olive tree" or "peace," derived from the Latin "Olivarius." It signifies peace and tranquility.
36. **Paul:** Meaning "small" or "humble," derived from the Latin "Paulus." It signifies humility and strength.
37. **Pierre:** Meaning "rock" or "stone," derived from the Greek "Petros." It represents strength and stability.
38. **Philippe:** Meaning "lover of horses," derived from the Greek "Philippos." It signifies strength and grace.
39. **Raphael:** Meaning "God has healed," derived from the Hebrew "Rafa'el." It signifies healing and restoration.
40. **Richard:** Meaning "strong ruler," derived from the Germanic "Rihc-hard." It symbolizes power and leadership.
41. **Robert:** Meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory," derived from the Germanic "Hrodberht." It signifies honor and glory.
42. **Romain:** Meaning "from Rome," derived from the Latin "Romanus." It signifies strength and power.
43. **Samuel:** Meaning "God has heard," derived from the Hebrew "Shmu'el." It signifies faith and obedience.
44. **Simon:** Meaning "listener" or "God has heard," derived from the Hebrew "Shimon." It signifies faith and wisdom.
45. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," derived from the Aramaic "T'oma." It symbolizes duality and connection.
46. **Thierry:** Meaning "ruler of the people," derived from the Germanic "Theoderich." It symbolizes leadership and power.
47. **Vincent:** Meaning "conquering" or "victorious," derived from the Latin "Vincentius." It signifies achievement and triumph.
48. **Victor:** Meaning "conqueror" or "victorious," derived from the Latin "Victor." It symbolizes strength and victory.
49. **William:** Meaning "resolute protector" or "will helmet," derived from the Germanic "Wilhelm." It represents courage and determination.
50. **Yves:** Meaning "yew tree" or "archer," derived from the Breton "Iov." It signifies strength and protection.