Choosing a name is a deeply personal decision, and in France, the history and beauty of names reflect both tradition and modern trends. Whether you’re curious about French culture, expecting a baby, or just interested in names, this list of 100 popular French female names will give you insight into France’s most cherished names. Each name carries a unique charm, and many are steeped in centuries of history.
Check out The 100 most popular French male names
Here’s a mix of traditional, modern, and timeless names that have been popular in France:
- Emma – A timeless favorite, derived from the Germanic word for “whole” or “universal.”
- Louise – Meaning “renowned warrior,” Louise is a classic French name.
- Jade – Inspired by the precious green stone, Jade is a modern and fashionable name.
- Alice – This name comes from the Germanic word meaning “noble.”
- Chloé – A sweet, trendy name that means “blooming” in Greek.
- Lina – A simple, elegant name meaning “tender” or “delicate.”
- Léa – Short, sweet, and derived from the Hebrew word for “weary.”
- Manon – A French diminutive of Marie, meaning “beloved.”
- Camille – This unisex name means “young ceremonial attendant.”
- Inès – A French variation of Agnes, meaning “pure.”
- Rose – As beautiful and classic as the flower itself.
- Élise – Derived from Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
- Sofia – Meaning “wisdom,” it’s a name that transcends borders.
- Julia – A Roman name meaning “youthful.”
- Margaux – A sophisticated variation of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
- Sarah – A Hebrew name meaning “princess.”
- Anna – Simple yet elegant, meaning “grace.”
- Clara – A Latin name meaning “bright” or “famous.”
- Lola – Playful and fun, meaning “sorrow” (from Dolores).
- Lucie – Derived from the Latin word “lux,” meaning “light.”
- Charlotte – Meaning “free man,” this name is a timeless classic.
- Zoe – A Greek name meaning “life.”
- Pauline – A diminutive of Paul, meaning “small.”
- Célia – From the Latin word “caelum,” meaning “heaven.”
- Mathilde – Meaning “mighty in battle.”
- Nina – A short and sweet name with various cultural meanings.
- Ava – Meaning “life” or “bird,” depending on the origin.
- Isabelle – Meaning “God is my oath,” a longer version of Élise.
- Maëlle – A Breton name meaning “chief” or “prince.”
- Adèle – Meaning “noble” or “kind.”
- Gabrielle – Meaning “God is my strength.”
- Elena – A bright, graceful name meaning “shining light.”
- Amélie – Derived from Amelia, meaning “hard-working.”
- Marie – A timeless classic that means “bitter” or “beloved.”
- Catherine – A regal name meaning “pure.”
- Mélanie – From the Greek word “melania,” meaning “black” or “dark.”
- Elodie – A melodic name meaning “foreign riches.”
- Léna – A shortened version of Helena, meaning “bright” or “shining.”
- Élodie – Similar to Elodie, meaning “wealthy.”
- Ariane – Meaning “most holy” from Greek mythology.
- Viviane – Meaning “alive.”
- Florence – A name derived from Latin, meaning “flourishing” or “prosperous.”
- Aurélie – A glowing name meaning “golden.”
- Céline – Meaning “heavenly.”
- Oceane – Inspired by the ocean, representing vastness and depth.
- Maéva – A Polynesian name meaning “welcome.”
- Fanny – Short for Frances, meaning “free.”
- Yasmina – A variation of Jasmine, meaning “gift from God.”
- Sabrina – A name inspired by Celtic mythology, meaning “boundary.”
- Estelle – A starry name meaning “star.”
…and 50 more:
- Amandine
- Noémie
- Violette
- Marguerite
- Hélène
- Valentine
- Audrey
- Sandrine
- Madeleine
- Caroline
- Sylvie
- Odile
- Laurence
- Coralie
- Laure
- Justine
- Solène
- Gaëlle
- Anaïs
- Eve
- Thérèse
- Julie
- Mireille
- Fabienne
- Geneviève
- Joséphine
- Diane
- Isis
- Colette
- Lucienne
- Nathalie
- Dominique
- Jeanne
- Monique
- Simone
- Bernadette
- Agathe
- Béatrice
- Eloise
- Rosalie
- Marlène
- Christelle
- Adeline
- Delphine
- Elisabeth
- Sabine
- Patricia
- Aurore
- Renée
- Victoire
The Charm of French Names
Many French female names come with fascinating histories and deep meanings. Whether inspired by literature, saints, or nature, French names are more than just words—they carry stories, elegance, and a cultural richness that makes them timeless.
Do any of these names inspire you? Which one would you choose?