PREGNANCY
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What is not to adore about France? It is a country that is set the trend on every front, from fashion to food to fine art and beyond. And in addition to the fabulous culture France has given us, it is also a font of inspiration in the baby name department. French names for girls and boys are impossibly chic and often have thoughtful meanings to match.
Whether you’re of French descent or are simply a francophile through-and-through, a French baby name will not disappoint. No matter your reasons for seeking out a French name for your bebe, peruse our list of French names for girls and boys—as well as French baby names that work for both genders—and then let us know your favourites in the comments section below!
Amelie: A French girls’ name meaning 'industrious,' it is a strong pick for a baby girl that feels reminiscent of the charming movie by the same name from 2001.
Arlette: This unique French girl name means 'Lion of God,' and lends itself to cute nicknames Arly or Lettie.
Bellamy: This precious girls’ name means 'fine friend,' a sweet legacy to impart on a daughter. You can call her Bella for short.
Brielle: The shortened version of Gabrielle has picked up speed in recent years. It is a unique take on a familiar-sounding girl name meaning 'God is my strength.'
Celine: Giving her the moniker of a world-famous vocal powerhouse cannot be a bad thing. Celine is a popular French baby name with Latin origins meaning 'sky' or 'heavens.'
Colette: Easy to pronounce and spell, but still quintessentially French, this adorable French girls’ name is a version of Nicholas from the Middle Ages. Its meaning is 'necklace' or 'victorious.' You can also call her Coco, which would be très chic.
Elise: This popular French baby name for girls means 'pledged to God.'
Emmeline: Like Pankhurst, the British pioneer of women’s rights. Or, just because it sounds beautiful and has the noble meaning ('work').
Esme: The short-and-sweet French girls’ name means 'esteemed, beloved; emerald' in a modern interpretation. The ancient connotation from the Old French verb esmer translates this name as 'to esteem, to love.'
Estelle: An old-fashioned name having a bit of a revival, Estelle is a lovely French baby girl name that means 'star.'
Genevieve: It is a form of the ancient Genoveva, with family meanings 'wife, woman.'
Jolie: This jovial sounding French baby name for girls is not widely used in France, but is a unique French name nonetheless. It literally translates to 'pretty.'
Josephine: A sweet French name with Greek and Hebrew roots that means 'will grow.' The icing on the cake (or should we say the butter on the baguette?), it has two precious nicknames built in: Josie or Fifi.
Juliette: It is hard to ignore the Romeo and… connotations, making this love-oriented name a beautiful pick for a baby girl. In French, Juliette means 'young' and 'downy,' which is soft and sweet for Baby Girl.
Liana: The name of a tropical vine and also a shortened version of more common picks Elliana and Juliana, this is a pretty French baby name for your little one.
Lucille: In honor of the great American comedienne Lucille Ball, or just because this lovely, roll-off-the-tongue French baby name for girls has the bright and hopeful meaning ('light').
Rosalie: This French name for girls means 'beautiful rose' and sounds just as lovely as its meaning. This classic French nature name is a beautiful pick for a modern baby girl.
Sylvie: 'From the forest' to your home… an enchanted-feeling French baby name with a fresh and spritely feel.
Alain: The French version of Alan, with Celtic roots and a trifold meaning: harmony, stone, noble. Some connotations of Alain also include the meaning 'handsome.'
Antoine: A bold French boys’ name meaning 'highly praiseworthy.' You can impart the same moniker on a baby girl by altering the ending to Antoinette.
Beau: Beau is a unique French boys’ name meaning 'handsome.'
Basile: A noble name for boys meaning 'royal, kingly,' it will be perfect for your petit prince!
Benoit: In French it means 'blessed;' derived from the Latin another translation is the 'one who says the good.' Either way, it is a feel-good name that is not common for baby boys, and lends easily to nicknames Ben or Benny.
Gabin: A sidestep from the more popular Gavin, the common French version is a place name borrowed from the Italian 'of Gabii'—a city in central Italy. It is currently in the top 20 names for boys in France.
Gaetan: Another place name for boys, this less-popular pick means 'of Gaeta'—another Italian city—and is a lovely choice if you are looking for a more unique French baby name for boys.
Julien: A popular French baby name for boys, Julien is believed to be derived from the Greek for 'downy bearded' or 'soft haired.'
Laurent: A French boys’ name from the Roman surname Laurentius, with Old Greek influences giving it the meaning 'bright and shining one.' Fashion-minded parents cannot ignore the nod to Yves St. Laurent, which only makes it even more of a chic choice for a baby boy.
Lucien: Meaning 'light,' it is a centuries-old French baby name that might take family and friends some getting used to in the pronunciation department, but is well worth it.
Marceau: In lieu of a classic Marc, consider the elegant French riff on the classic name that translates to 'little warrior.'
Mathis: A cool French baby name if you are naming your baby after a Matthew in the family, this moniker for boys means 'Gift of God.'
Maxim: This Latin-derived French boys’ name means 'greatest,' and is a nice alternative to the more common Maxwell or Max.
Olivier: If you are a fan of Oliver, consider the popular French take which adds some flair with its extra syllable. Olivier means 'olive tree' and sounds a bit more dramatic than the English version.
Rainier: A very cool French baby name for boys meaning 'strong counselor.' He will absolutely be the only one on the playground with this unique name.
Thierry: It means 'the power is mighty' or 'the ruler of the people,' making this French boys’ name just as bold in meaning as it is in sound.
Valentin: A darling pick for a baby boy this French name translates to 'strong' and 'healthy.' It is also reminiscent of the famed St. Valentine...making it an irresistibly love-filled name for your little one.
Andre: The French form of Andrew is growing in popularity for boys and girls. Despite translating to 'masculine and manly,' it also has the meanings 'warrior' and 'brave' which applies to both genders.
Blaise: This beautiful French baby name sounds like the English word 'blaze,' giving it a fiery feel for a boy or girl. The actual meaning is not too exciting—'to lisp, stutter'—but that does not mean it is not the perfect French name for your baby.
Paris: A trendy place name that pays homage to France’s capital, Paris is a beautiful and increasingly popular pick for baby boys and girls.
Remi: Meaning 'oarsman' or 'remedy,' this French baby name has a harmonious quality for team-players-to-be. It is used as a unisex name in France and abroad.
Simone: Rounding out our list is a classic French baby name for boys and girls, the French version of Simon means 'harkening' and has a beautiful sound to match its cheerful meaning.
For francophiles and non-francophiles alike, there are seemingly infinite beautiful French baby names for girls and boys. However, you have plenty of options outside France’s borders. Take a look at some of our other favourite baby names:
Picking a parfait baby name is one of the most important things to do before your bebe’s arrival. But, just as crucial: Picking out the perfect baby bed. Find out what makes SNOO Smart Sleeper the safest, smartest baby cot...and learn more about how SNOO aids sleep for babies—and their tired parents—every night!
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
