"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
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
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
