If you’re looking for a classic and elegant moniker for your future arrival, you really can’t go wrong with one of these French baby names. Some of the most popular baby names in the world have their origins in France. If you look through your family tree, I bet you’ll find at least one or two of these names make an appearance, even if you don’t have a single bit of French blood running through your veins. Check out our favorite French baby names for both boys and girls!
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Fabulous French Baby Names
We’re breaking this into two lists: boys and girls. Within each list, we’ll share our top 5 favorites, along with their meaning and a few famous people that share each name, then a few more fabulous French baby names for both genders to choose from below each section.
French Baby Names for Boys
Charles- means “manly.” It is a name often used in royalty, with 10 kings of France having the name Charles. Famous people with the name Charles include novelist Charles Dickens, actor Charles Bronson and comic strip creator Charles Schulz.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMrVJu1ANWs/?tagged=charlesdickens
Raymond- means “wise protector.” Famous people with the name Raymond include short story writer Raymond Carver, actor Raymond Burr and musician Ray Charles.
Related: 21 Fabulously Classic Vintage Baby Names for Boys & Girls
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMcFkeZAdYy/?taken-by=official.raycharles
Francois- means“free man.” Famous people with the name Francois include French painter Francois Gerome, French photographer Francois Robineau and ice hockey player Francois Rozenthal.
Andre- means “brave.” Famous people with the name Andre include tennis player Andre Agassi, football player Andre Carter and the rapper known as Dr. Dre, Andre Young.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKrJf85gkaq/?taken-by=agassi
Pierre- means “rock.” It is the variant of the name Peter. Famous people with the name Pierre include French physicist Pierre Curie, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and football player Pierre Warren.
More boys names include:
- Abelard
- Ambroise
- Ames
- Antoine
- Bastien
- Burke
- Currier
- Damond
- Denis
- Emile
- Gaston
- Guillaume
- Henri
- Jacques
- Jourdain
- Juneau
- Lancelot
- Laurent
- Lebron
- Lucien
- Marc
- Marquis
- Mason
- Mathis
- Neville
- Noel
- Olivier
- Pascal
- Percy
- Quincy
- Remy
- Reynard
- Rupert
- Sebastien
- Thierry
- Yves
Girls Names
Natalie-means “born on Christmas.” It is the French version of the Russian name Natalia. Famous people with the name Natalie include actress Natalie Portman, YouTube star Natalie Lynn and news anchor Natalie Morales.
Claire- means “clear, bright.” It is the French version of the Latin name Clara. Famous people with the name Claire include actress Claire Danes, 2005 Miss Wales Claire Evans and cricket player Claire Taylor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMjbn_YgPSb/?taken-by=claire.danes
Celine- means “goddess of the moon.” Famous people with the name Celine include singer Celine Dion, French swimmer Celine Couderc and French actress Celine Lomez.
Helene- Helene is the French variant of the name Helen. In mythology, Helene is the daughter of Zeus, who was abducted, sparking the Trojan War. Famous people with the name Helene include Olympic Helene Madison, federal judge Helene White and pianist Helene Grimaud.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIUHPnhD-Ie/?tagged=helenegrimaud
Jacqueline- Jacqueline means “supplanter.” Famous people with the name Jacqueline include former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, actress Jacqueline Bisset and wrestler Jacqueline Moore.
More girls names:
- Aimee
- Alaina
- Amelie
- Anais
- Angelique
- Ariane
- Avril
- Beatrice
- Belle
- Brielle
- Brigette
- Camille
- Cecile
- Charisse
- Claire
- Coeur
- Dominique
- Eloise
- Giselle
- Julianne
- Lizette
- Magalie
- Margaux
- Melodie
- Micheline
- Mirabelle
- Nicolette
- Ophelie
- Peridot
- Racquel
- Raine
- Sabine
- Sophie
- Therese
- Yvette
- Yvonne
Of course, this is just a small sample of the many, many beautiful & elegant French baby names you have to choose from! You’ll find examples throughout the art world, literature, Hollywood and much more.
I got the English first name and have a French last name. Being from southern Louisiana, French names are quite common!
Wow I have not heard of many of these names. My name is not on your girls list and it’s French. I see Nicolette but not Nicole. :)
These names are SO pretty!! Never thought of them before, but will remember them if I ever have another. heheh
I love French names! I wanted to name my girls Belle or Sophie, but the names never quite fit their personalities.
I love the French language and the names are so beautiful. I named one of my daughters Angelique. I studied French for four years and I always loved the name Angelique.
I do not have a French first name but I do have a French last name. It was a large change to go from Portuguese to French!
This is a fun list of names to consider for your baby! I love unique names.
I’ve always liked the name but weird that I didn’t choose it for my daughter. This is a great list to find a unique and perfect French baby name