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French baby names are admired worldwide for their elegance, charm, and timeless appeal. Whether inspired by history, literature, saints, or nature, French baby names carry a sense of sophistication and culture. Parents often choose French names not only for their beautiful sound but also for the deep meanings they hold. From classic boy names to graceful girl names and popular French surnames, this guide offers a rich collection of options rooted in France’s heritage.
French Boy Names with Meanings
French boy names reflect strength, tradition, and style. Many of these names have origins in Latin, Germanic, or biblical roots but carry a uniquely French identity.
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Adrien – Means “from Hadria,” a classic and elegant name.
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Alain – Symbolizes harmony and rock.
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Alexandre – A French form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men.”
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Antoine – Derived from Anthony, meaning “priceless.”
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Armand – Means “soldier” or “warrior.”
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Augustin – Refers to someone “majestic” or “venerable.”
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Benoît – Meaning “blessed,” a traditional French name.
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Bernard – Stands for “brave as a bear.”
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Charles – A royal name meaning “free man.”
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Christophe – Means “bearer of Christ.”
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Damien – Derived from “to tame” or “subdue.”
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Denis – Associated with the god of wine, Dionysius.
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Dominique – Meaning “belonging to the Lord.”
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Edmond – Means “prosperous protector.”
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Étienne – French form of Stephen, meaning “crown.”
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Félix – Stands for “lucky” or “fortunate.”
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Florent – Refers to “flowering” or “flourishing.”
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François – Means “Frenchman” or “free.”
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Gaston – Symbolizes “guest” or “stranger.”
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Gérard – Means “spear strength.”
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Guillaume – French form of William, meaning “resolute protector.”
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Henri – Classic name meaning “home ruler.”
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Hugo – Represents “mind” or “spirit.”
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Jacques – French form of James, meaning “supplanter.”
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Jean – Means “God is gracious.”
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Jules – Derived from Julius, meaning “youthful.”
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Laurent – Refers to “from Laurentum,” linked with laurel trees.
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Léon – Means “lion,” symbolizing strength.
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Louis – Royal name meaning “famous warrior.”
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Luc – French form of Luke, meaning “light.”
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Marc – Refers to Mars, the god of war.
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Mathieu – French form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
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Michel – Means “who is like God?”
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Nicolas – Represents “victory of the people.”
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Noël – Meaning “Christmas” or “born at Christmas.”
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Olivier – Refers to “olive tree,” symbol of peace.
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Pascal – Connected to Easter or “Passover.”
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Philippe – Means “lover of horses.”
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Pierre – French form of Peter, meaning “rock.”
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Raphaël – Means “God has healed.”
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Raymond – Symbolizes “wise protector.”
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René – Refers to “reborn.”
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Roland – Means “famous land.”
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Sébastien – Derived from Sebastos, meaning “venerable.”
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Simon – Means “he has heard.”
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Théodore – Refers to “gift of God.”
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Thierry – Stands for “ruler of the people.”
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Tristan – Symbolizes “sad” or “bold knight.”
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Victor – Represents “winner” or “conqueror.”
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Yves – Refers to “yew wood” or “archer.”
French Girl Names with Meanings
French girl names are admired for their romance, femininity, and soft tones, often reflecting grace and beauty.
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Adèle – Means “noble” or “kind.”
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Adrienne – Feminine of Adrien, meaning “from Hadria.”
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Aimée – Represents “beloved.”
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Alix – Means “noble” or “of noble kind.”
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Amélie – Refers to “hardworking” or “industrious.”
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Anaïs – Symbol of grace, linked to Anne.
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Angélique – Means “angelic.”
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Annette – A diminutive of Anne, meaning “grace.”
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Aurélie – Refers to “golden.”
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Beatrice – Means “bringer of joy.”
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Bernadette – Feminine of Bernard, meaning “brave as a bear.”
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Brigitte – Inspired by the goddess of strength.
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Camille – Represents “helper” or “attendant.”
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Caroline – Means “free woman.”
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Cécile – Symbolizes “blind to one’s own beauty.”
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Chantal – Refers to “stone” or “singing.”
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Charlotte – Feminine of Charles, meaning “free woman.”
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Claire – Means “bright” or “clear.”
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Colette – Refers to “victory of the people.”
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Danielle – Means “God is my judge.”
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Delphine – Refers to “dolphin.”
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Denise – Linked to Dionysius, god of wine.
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Édith – Means “prosperous in war.”
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Élise – Short form of Elisabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
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Emmanuelle – Represents “God is with us.”
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Esme – Means “esteemed” or “beloved.”
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Eugénie – Stands for “well-born.”
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Fabienne – Refers to “bean grower.”
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Fleur – Simply means “flower.”
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Françoise – Feminine of François, meaning “Frenchwoman.”
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Gabrielle – Feminine of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.”
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Geneviève – Means “woman of the race.”
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Hélène – Refers to “torch” or “light.”
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Isabelle – Means “God is my oath.”
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Jacqueline – Feminine of Jacques, meaning “supplanter.”
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Joséphine – Refers to “God will increase.”
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Juliette – Diminutive of Julie, meaning “youthful.”
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Laure – Refers to the laurel tree.
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Louise – Feminine of Louis, meaning “renowned warrior.”
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Lucie – Means “light.”
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Madeleine – Symbolizes “woman from Magdala.”
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Margaux – A form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
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Marie – Classic name meaning “beloved” or “wished-for child.”
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Monique – Refers to “advisor” or “wise counselor.”
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Nathalie – Means “birthday of the Lord.”
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Noémie – Represents “pleasantness.”
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Océane – Refers to “ocean.”
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Renée – Means “reborn.”
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Simone – Feminine of Simon, meaning “he has heard.”
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Valérie – Means “strength” or “health.”
Most Common French Surnames or Last Names
French surnames often reflect heritage, professions, or geographical roots, carrying history through generations.
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Martin – Derived from Mars, symbolizing warlike spirit.
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Bernard – Refers to “brave as a bear.”
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Dubois – Means “from the woods.”
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Thomas – Symbolizes “twin.”
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Robert – Stands for “bright fame.”
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Richard – Refers to “powerful ruler.”
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Petit – Means “small” or “little.”
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Durand – Represents “enduring” or “steadfast.”
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Leroy – Refers to “the king.”
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Moreau – Means “dark-skinned” or “swarthy.”
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Simon – Symbolizes “listener.”
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Laurent – Derived from laurel trees.
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Michel – Means “who is like God?”
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Garcia – Of Spanish origin but widely used in France.
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David – Stands for “beloved.”
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Bertrand – Means “bright raven.”
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Roux – Refers to “red-haired.”
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Vincent – Symbolizes “conquering.”
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Fournier – Refers to a “baker” or “furnace keeper.”
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Girard – Means “spear strength.”
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Chevalier – Symbolizes “knight.”
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Blanc – Refers to “white” or “fair.”
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Fontaine – Means “fountain” or “spring.”
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Perrot – Derived from Pierre, meaning “rock.”
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Adam – Symbolizes “earth” or “man.”
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Perrin – Diminutive of Pierre, meaning “little rock.”
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Gauthier – French form of Walter, meaning “ruler of the army.”
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Barbier – Refers to a “barber.”
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Payet – Symbolizes “countryman.”
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Leclerc – Means “clerk” or “scribe.”
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Lambert – Refers to “bright land.”
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Bonnet – Symbolizes a “hat” or “cap maker.”
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Dupont – Means “from the bridge.”
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Marchand – Refers to a “merchant.”
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Guillot – Diminutive of Guillaume, meaning “resolute protector.”
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Masson – Refers to a “stonemason.”
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Granger – Symbolizes “farm overseer.”
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Clément – Means “merciful” or “gentle.”
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Chauvin – Refers to “bald.”
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Renard – Means “fox.”
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Paris – Refers to someone from Paris.
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Collet – Derived from “neck” or “collar.”
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Benoît – Means “blessed.”
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Poirier – Refers to a “pear tree.”
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Georges – Stands for “farmer.”
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Moulin – Means “mill” or “miller.”
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Olivier – Refers to the “olive tree.”
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Baron – Symbolizes nobility or rank.
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Poulain – Means “foal” or “young horse.”
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Renaud – Represents “counsel power.”
FAQs on French Baby Names
What makes French baby names unique?
French baby names are unique because they combine historical significance, soft sounds, and elegant meanings rooted in culture and tradition.
Are French baby names popular worldwide?
Yes, French baby names are highly popular across the globe due to their sophistication and timeless appeal.
Do French baby names have religious origins?
Many French names have Christian or biblical roots, especially those linked to saints and biblical figures.
Can French surnames be used as first names?
Yes, several French surnames like Laurent, Noël, and Renard are also used as stylish first names.
Are French baby girl names more feminine sounding?
Yes, French girl names are often considered romantic and graceful, reflecting beauty and charm.
French baby names offer parents an elegant blend of history, culture, and modern style. Whether selecting a boy’s name, a girl’s name, or exploring surnames, these names carry meanings that are timeless and full of charm. They remain a favorite choice for families seeking sophistication and tradition in their baby’s name.
