442 Magnifique French Baby Names & Meanings

If you’re searching for the perfect French name for your baby, here’s our ultimate list of French names. Très magnifique!

Bienvenue to your first stop on the voyage to find the best French names for your baby.

If you’re seeking a name that exudes elegance, charm, and a touch of je ne sais quoi, you’ve come to the right place.

French baby names are a popular choice all over the world—and it’s not hard to see why.

Who wouldn’t want to pick their child’s name from the land of the croissant, beret, and the French fry?

(Okay, okay. We know. The french fry is as French (or as not French) as French kissing—the activity that may have got you into this whole baby thing, to begin with.)

We’ve put together a list of French baby names that cover all areas, from the popular to the exotic.

Bonne chance avec ton choix!

In this article: 📝

What is a popular French name?
What’s a good French name for a girl?
French girl names that end with “ette”
What is a French name for a boy?
Gender-neutral French names
What are some rare French names?
What is the most beautiful French name?
What is a cute French name?
What French name means “love”?
What French name means “hope”?
What French name means “God”?

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What is a popular French name?

It may be that you and your partner spent a particularly romantic trip in Paris, or that you have a love of French food, wine and fashion.

Perhaps your heritage springs from one of the many French-speaking countries in the world.

Or maybe you just want your baby’s name to sound magnifique.

That’s also fine.

Whatever brought you to French baby names, you’ll be sure to come out the other side with a name that has the sweetness of a pastry, the creativity of a French painter, and the beauty of the rolling countryside.

And think of all the famous holders of French names that precede them.

From writers to artists, scientists to saints, your child will definitely be in good company.

So, you might be asking what are the most common French names?

Well, let’s find out with our list of the most popular names in France.

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What is a popular French girl name?

So what are some popular French names for girls?

Well these are some popular French baby names for girls, so you’re sure to find your perfect match in no time:

Chanel: If you want a name that reflects French style, Chanel is the way to go. Of course, one of the most obvious connotations is designer Coco Chanel, but this name’s claim to fame doesn’t stop there. From models to actors to saints, this name is popular with many prestigious bearers of it. It means “canal” or “channel”—so whether you’re looking for a name that has the romance of European canals, or see your baby as a passage to a more blissful existence, this name is an ideal choice.
Colette: The perfect combination of popular and pleasing to the ear, Colette is simply a winning name. As in, the Colette name meaning is “victorious”. When that little bundle arrives, you will definitely feel like you’ve been awarded first place. Another tidbit? It is derived from the common boy’s name Nicholas, so if this name has familial significance, there’s even more reason to go for this winner.
Fleur: A name that oozes freshness, Fleur simply means “flower”. The metaphor of your child in bloom is one that is hard to pass up. What’s more, this is a pretty unique name—so if you’re looking for something that will make your little one stand out from the crowd, this is it. A cute variation is Fleurette which means “little flower”.
Juliette: Sweet, sophisticated and oh-so-French, Juliette means “youthful” or “child of Jove”. The ette on the end is the diminutive form, essentially turning the name into “little Julia”—so if you yourself are a Julia and you want the perfect name for your Mini Me, this may just be it.
Lucille: This is the perfect name for your little ray of sunshine. Why? Because it means “light”. Need we say more? Of course, this is the perfect name if you’re a fan of the comedienne Lucille Ball. It also shortens to Lucy, turning the connotations endless.

What is a popular French boy name?

What could be cuter than attaching a popular French name to your bouncing boy?

Here are a few French baby names for boys, with some background info:

Alphonse: If you’re looking for a name that will equip your little one with all the tools he needs to face anything the world throws at him, this name is perfect. It means “ready for battle”. It was also the full name of Al Capone—so it will give your son some serious street cred. But don’t worry. That’s far from the only connotation. It’s also been worn proudly by writers, politicians and foodies, to name a few.
Chandler: Okay. This one is pretty hard not to associate with a certain 90s sitcom, but before you box it too quickly, it might be worth looking a little further into its meaning. It means “maker of candles”. What a wonderful thought that your little one will be bringing light into the world.
Gilbert: So this one’s a total classic, meaning “famous pledge”. As a very popular boy’s name in the first half of the 20th century, it comes complete with a range of variations to suit every taste: Bert, Bertie, Gil, Gill, Gilley—you choose your particular brand of this versatile vintage masterpiece.
Quentin: A name that perfectly blends an old world charm with a modern flair, Quentin has been in the popular group for decades. It derives from the Latin meaning “fifth”, but this doesn’t have to only equate to the fifth born. Maybe your anniversary is in the fifth month? This name would be a rather special way to honour that.
Lamar: Meaning “of the sea”, this is an ideal name for an ocean-loving family. And, if you’re a fan of the extraordinary actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr, this could be a pretty awesome shout out to her.

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