Baby Names

Bonjour, Mon Amour! 40+ of Our Favorite French-Inspired Baby Names

written by LIZZIE GOODMAN
french baby names"
french baby names
Source: Busy Puzzle | Etsy
Source: Busy Puzzle | Etsy

They don’t call it the “language of love” for no reason! The French language is known for sounding beautiful, thanks to its organization of consonants and vowels throughout. Just take a stroll down a Parisian street and try not to have a smile on your face listening to the conversations around you—even if you don’t understand a word.

If you’re struggling to dream up the perfect name for your little one, consider taking a cue from the French—those ultra sophisticates—and choose a baby name that’s elegant, timeless, and undeniably cool. With celestial roots, literary ties, and everything in between, our favorite French baby names offer something for every parent seeking a sweet moniker for their new “bébé.”

Read on for more than 45 of our favorite French-inspired baby names that are perfect for your newest family member.

French Names for Baby Boys

Andre

Meaning: The French version of the classic Andrew, Andre is a classic pick that means “strong and manly.”

Similar Names: Andrew, Adrien

Antoine

Meaning: Brought to our list by the hunky, complicated character in Emily in Paris, Antione Lambert, this name holds the meaning of “highly praiseworthy.”

Similar Names: Antonio, Anthony

Bastian

Meaning: A nickname to the ever-popular Sebastian, Bastian has character enough to stand on its own.

Similar Names: Sebastian, Seb, Baz

Henri

Meaning: Pronounced “ahn-ree,” this traditional name is a close cousin to the popular American name Henry. It means “estate ruler.”

Similar Names: Henry, Henrik

Jules

Meaning: A French play on the Latin Julius, Jules means “youthful, soft, and downy,” according to Nameberry.

Similar Names: Julian, Julius, Giuliano

French baby names
Source: @trinitysierra

Louis

Meaning: Pronounced “loo-EE,” this beloved French name carries a quiet strength. It means “renowned warrior.”

Similar Names: The Americanized Louis (loo-is), Louie, Lou

Marcel

Meaning: Think beyond Ross’ pet monkey in Friends. In France, this darling name means “little warrior.”

Similar Names: Marcellus, Marcus

Matthieu

Meaning: A French spelling of the well-known Matthew, Matthieu means “gift of god.”

Similar Names: Matthew, Mathias

Olivier

Meaning: Pronounced “oh-live-ee-aye,” this variation of the popular Oliver means “olive tree.”

Similar Names: Oliver, Ollie, Olavi

Remi

Meaning: An adorable name choice, Remi means “oarsman.”

Similar Names: Remy, Remington

More French Baby Names for Boys

  • Adélard
  • Alphonse
  • Benoit
  • Claude
  • Gabriel
  • Jean
  • Luc
  • Lucien
  • Pierre
  • Raphael
  • Théo
  • Thierry

French Names for Baby Girls

Adele

Meaning: Nudged into the global spotlight by its British namesake, Adele has long been a beloved name in France. The name means “noble.”

Similar Names: Adelaide, Adela, Ada

Anais

Meaning: Pronounced “ahn-a-eese,” this beautiful name is impossible to separate from the French essayist and novelist Anais Nin. This beloved moniker means “grace.”

Similar Names: Anna, Anya, Anastasia

Antoinette

Meaning: It may be difficult to hear this name and not think of the last Queen of France prior to the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette. Just like its masculine counterpart, the regal and refined title means “highly praiseworthy.”

Similar Names: Antonia

Camille

Meaning: A popular pick throughout the country, Camille means “young ceremonial attendant.”

Similar Names: Camilla

Céline

Meaning: A French version of the lovely Celeste, the names share a celestial meaning: “heavenly.”

Similar Names: Selena, Celeste

Cosette

Meaning: A main character in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, Cosette is a French name that means “little thing.”

Similar Names: Colette

French baby names
Source: @thosegarciagirls

Esme

Meaning: Pronounced “ez-may,” this darling name means “beloved.” Esme may also be used as a sweet diminutive of the longer Esmerelda.

Similar Names: Esmae

Gisele

Meaning: Meaning “pledge,” this moniker was popularized by supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

Similar Names: Giselle

Juliette

Meaning: Meaning “little Julia,” this well-known moniker has endless notable namesakes, from one-half of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers to Lupin‘s mysterious do-gooder to a classic Gossip Girl troublemaker and beyond.

Similar Names: Juliet, Julia, Jules, Julie

Sabine

Meaning: It’s tough to consider Sabine (pronounced Sah-been) without bringing to mind Milan Kundera’s effortlessly cool artist in The Unbearable Lightness of Being. 

Similar Names: Sabina, Sabrina

Sylvie

Meaning: Another Emily in Paris-inspired inclusion—this time the main character’s headstrong boss—this chic name means “from the forrest.”

Similar Names: Sylvia

Vivienne

Meaning: A French form of Vivian, this classic simply means “life.”

Similar Names: Viviana, Vivi, Viv

More French Inspired Baby Girl Names

  • Abrielle
  • Adeline
  • Agathe
  • Béatrice
  • Elodie
  • Genevieve
  • Henriette
  • Monique
  • Odette
  • Simone
  • Sophie
  • Zoe
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