When it comes to choosing a name for your little bundle of joy, you can’t beat the elegance and charm of French names, often evoking images of romance, sophistication, and timeless beauty. We have curated a list of 30 French baby names sourced from BabyNames.com, along with their meanings and pronunciation. Whether you’re a francophile or simply seeking a name that carries a touch of je ne sais quoi, these French names are sure to captivate your heart.

Amélie Amelie movie poster with brunette woman smiling

(Ah-meh-lee) female – Meaning “hardworking” or “industrious,” Amélie is a popular French name that symbolizes a strong and determined nature. This name was popularized by the heartwarming 2001 movie starring Audrey Tautou.

Bastien

(Ba-styen) male – Derived from the Latin name Sebastian, Bastien means “venerable” or “revered,” making it a name associated with honor and admiration.

Bijoux

(Bee-zhoo) neutral – A name that means “jewels” is the perfect name for the new jewel in your family! It also conveys a beautiful, colorful, and precious tone to your new baby name.

Camille

(Kah-mee) female – With roots in ancient Roman times, Camille signifies “perfect,” representing grace and beauty.

Céline

(Say-leen) female – Derived from the Latin word for “heaven,” Céline symbolizes celestial beauty and grace.

Éloïse

(Eh-lo-eez) female – This elegant name means “famous warrior” and reflects strength and vitality.

Étienne

(Eh-tyen) male – This name translates to “crown” and represents honor, achievement, and victory.

Félix

(Fey-leeks) male – Derived from the Latin word for “happy” or “prosperous,” Félix is a name that symbolizes joy and good luck.

Gabrielle

(Ga-bree-el) female – A feminine form of Gabriel, Gabrielle signifies “God is my strength,” embodying faith and spiritual fortitude.

Geneviève

(Zhun-vee-ehv) female – Meaning “woman of the family,” Geneviève represents familial ties and a sense of belonging.

Hugo

(Oo-go) male – A name of Germanic origin, Hugo translates to “intelligent” or “bright,” reflecting a keen intellect and wisdom.

Inès

(Ee-nez) female – With Arabic roots, Inès means “holy” or “chaste,” embodying innocence and simplicity.

Jolie

(Zho-lee) female – Meaning “pretty” or “lovely,” Jolie reflects beauty and charm, making it a delightful choice for a baby girl.

Jules

(Zhool) male – Meaning “youthful” or “downy,” Jules symbolizes freshness and vitality.

Laurent

(Loh-rahn) male – Derived from the Latin name Laurentius, Laurent signifies “crowned with laurel,” representing accomplishment and victory.

Léa

(Lay-ah) female – This delightful name means “weary,” representing strength and resilience.

Lucien

(Loo-see-en) male – Derived from the Latin name Lucius, Lucien signifies “light” or “illumination,”  symbolizing enlightenment and knowledge.

Manon

(Ma-noh) female – A diminutive of Marie, Manon translates to “bitter” or “of the sea,” capturing a spirit of independence and determination.

Maxime

(Max-eem) male – A unisex name, Maxime means “greatest” or “most excellent,” conveying a sense of greatness and achievement.

Nathalie

(Na-ta-lee) female – This lovely name means “born on Christmas Day” embodying the joy and blessings associated with the holiday season.

Noémie

(No-eh-mee) female – This name derives from the Hebrew word for “beautiful” or “gentle,” symbolizing joy and happiness.

Olivier

(O-li-vyay) male – Derived from the Latin word for “olive tree,” Olivier symbolizes peace, fertility, and abundance.

Pauline

(Paw-leen) female – A feminine form of Paul, Pauline represents “small,” signifying modesty and simplicity.

Rémi

(Ray-mee) male – Derived from the Latin name Remigius, Rémi translates to “oarsman” or “remedy,” representing strength, determination, and perseverance.

Romain

(Ro-mah) male – Meaning “from Rome” or “Roman,” Romain carries a sense of history, culture, and strength.

Sabine

(Sah-been) female – This name comes from the Latin word for “Sabines,” an ancient Italic tribe, and signifies “from the Sabine region” or “a Sabine woman.”

Théo

(Tay-o) male – A shortened form of Théodore, Théo means “gift of God” or “divine gift,” representing a cherished blessing.

Valérie

(Vah-lay-ree) female – This name derives from the Latin word for “strength” and embodies courage and resilience.

Victoire

(Vik-twahr) female – A name that translates to “victory” or “conqueror,” Victoire represents triumph, success, and determination.

Yves

(Eev-eh) male – A name of Breton origin, Yves signifies “yew wood,” symbolizing strength, determination, and protection.

It is no surprise that French names are considered beautiful and romantic. Picking a French name for your baby is not only a way to use a unique baby name but also a good way to find a name that goes well with your last name. The names mentioned above capture the essence of French culture and heritage. View our full list of French Baby Names for more inspiration!

 

 

Mallory Moss is the co-founder of BabyNames.com and co-host of The Baby Names Podcast. Mallory has a PhD in psychiatric nursing and has written articles for The Huffington Post on names and name trends. She has one grown daughter, Veronica, who lives in Austria.