The biggest trends in baby names right now are beautiful-sounding, unique choices. That’s why you don’t want to overlook baby names from the romantic language that is French. Many are easy to pronounce and can be shortened to cute nicknames, and most are unlikely to be super-popular when your little one heads to preschool in a few years, making their names one-of-a-kind.
With a sense of mystique, French baby names tend to sound uber-sophisticated. Also, they are often gender-neutral, which is an excellent choice if you don’t want to label your baby from the get-go. Gender-neutral names are also a safe choice if you don’t know your baby’s sex, so expecting mamas can take a pick from this list without waiting till they find out their little one’s gender.
Momtastic’s top picks for French baby names
Alain: The French version of Allen has a familiar ring with a unique twist for your little boy. Add an “e” to the end to make it a French baby name for girls.
Annika: Meaning “grace,” this name is a known but not oversaturated choice for girls.
Augustin: Popular with French parents, a baby name for boys with Latin origins meaning “majestic, dignity, venerable.”
Bastien: An offshoot of the more popular “Sebastian,” this French baby name for boys means one from the ancient city of Sebastia.
Capucine: Who could help but fall in love with this pretty name for girls that closely resembles a favorite French-inspired coffee drink? Although its meaning (cowled monk) probably doesn’t hold much standing with American parents, it’s a chic French name currently popular in Paris.
Clement: From the Latin, meaning mild or merciful, a beautiful French baby name for boys.
Colette: The feminine version of Nicholas, this beautiful French name for girls, has always been a favorite for many.
Coralie: Coralie is a girls’ nature name with a vintage feel. Coralie means “coral” and is a lovely alternative for those considering the famous Cora.
Dior: The perfect moniker for the child of a fashionista, this French baby name for girls comes from the word d’or, or “golden.”
Elodie: Like Melody, but less mainstream. This lovely name for girls rolls right off the tongue, meaning “foreign riches.”
Faustine: No doubt this rare baby girl name will bring your daughter good luck. It’s a feminine, French offshoot of the boys’ name Faust from Latin, meaning “good fortune.”
Fleur: The French word for flower, it’s a beautiful name for your little girl.
Gabin: If you like Gavin, consider the French version for a unique twist!
Kylian: A boy’s name meaning war, strife, or bright-headed. This is a bold choice for your little guy and is pronounced similarly to the Irish name Killian.
Leandre: Leandre is a lyrical boy name that lends well to the nicknames Leo or Andre. Leandre means “lion man” in French.
Luc: Short, sweet, and to the point: Luc is “illumination” or the bringer of light, a perfect choice for the boy who will brighten your life.
Maeva: If you like Maeve, consider the French alternative for something a bit different. This French name for baby girls means “welcome.”
Marielle: Unlike the oversaturated Marie, this longer-form French version of Mary is a unique choice for your little girl.
Mathilde: A version of Matilda, this solid French name for baby girls is related to strength in battle. It was popular among European royalty during the Middle Ages, making it a powerful pick for the modern-day mini-feminist.
Mathis: A version of Matthew, it’s technically of German origin but quite popular in France. Mathis is a name for boys that means “gift of God.”
Océane: Océane is a female name meaning, as you probably guessed, Ocean. This beautiful choice can also be shortened to Cici as a nickname.
Remi: Translating to “oarsman,’ a unisex French baby name with a modern feel.
Solène: This beautiful French name for baby girls means “with dignity” or “solemnity.”
Timeo: “Honor” is the best thing you could name your child after. The name Timeo is popular in France but not in the US, so you can pick this particular one if you are looking for something unique.
Violette: The popular flower name Violet feels even more chic when spelled and pronounced in French.
Take your pick from these elegant and almost musical names and enjoy how they roll off your tongue every time you call your munchkin. Also, in the comment section below, let us know which name you would pick!
