210 Cool Old French Names with Meanings

Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason.

However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.

We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it.

How can you avoid that? Do some research and check out some popular old french baby names to get a better idea.

Auriane– “golden”

Cléméntine– “gentle”

Liana– “to climb like a vine”

Clothilde– “famous in battle”

Colette– “people of victory”

Charley– “free man”

Corinne– “beautiful maiden”

Mallory– “ill-omened”

Cosette– “victorious”

Elaine– “sunray”

Delphine– “dolphin”

Justice– “doing right by the law”

Edwige– “female warrior”

In the past, some parents have named their children after celebrities or fictional characters. Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical.

Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.

Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child that they opt for a one-word baby name.

And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.

In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity.

Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion.

So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome old french baby names.

Julie– “downy”

Elodie– “might”

Emeline– “hardworking”

Louise– “famous warrior”

Aida– “noble”

Jolie– “pretty”

Esmée– “beloved”

Adele– “nobility”

Fabienne– “bean grower”

Bernadette– “brave like a bear”

Faustine– “fortunate one”

Clara– “bright”

Floriane– “flowering”

Old French Names

Diane– “divine”

Frédérique– “peaceful ruler”

Dominique– “of the Lord”

Géraldine– “one who rules with a spear”

Fae– “fairy”

Héloïse– “healthy”

Francine– “from France”

Felicity– “happiness”

Inès– “pure”

Francesca– “free man”

Joelle– “God will be willing”

Fleur– “flower”

Josette– “God will increase”

Floria– “flowering”

Popular Old French Names

Laetitia– “joy”

Harriett– “keeper of the hearth”

Laure– “victorious”

Helene– “shining one”

Léna– “she that allures”

Holly– “shrub”

Léonie– “lion”

Ila– “from the island”

Lilou– “lily”

Isabelle– “God is my oath”

Lisette– “pledged to God”

Lucie– “light”

Maëlle– “chief”

Old French Names

What are some of the cutest old french baby names?

Jules– “youthful”

Maëlys– “leader”

Katherine– “pure”

Margaux– “pearl”

Kay– “clear”

Marguerite– “daisy”

Monique– “wise”

Mathilde– “battle mighty”

Muriel– “sea”

Ninette– “grace”

Théa– “goddess”

Sybille– “oracle”

Salomé– “peace”

Romane– “Roman”

Rochelle– “like a rock”

More Baby Names:

Tips for Naming Your Babies

There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives.

There are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name.

These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.

If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:

1.       Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.

It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.

Here are some popular old french baby names out there:

Thérèse– “summer”

Raphaëlle– “fighter”

Thara– “abundance”

Marie-Claire– “wished for a child”

Pierrette– “stone”

Noëlie– “day of birth”

Solange– “religious”

Philomène– “loved one”

Perla– “pearl”

Ombeline– “bright spirit”

Nélia– “stroke of the sun”

Paulette– “humble”

Olive– “olive”

Naëlle– “God has given”

Olympe– “olympian”

Octavie– “of eight”

2.       Do not skip lovely old french baby names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.

Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names.

They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought provoking is the game these days.

How would you like these old french baby names:

Pauline– “little”

Ocèane– “ocean”

Odette– “rich”

Noémie– “pleasant”

Nadège– “hope”

Yvonne– “shrub”

Violette– “viola”

Zéli– “solemn”

Véronique– “who brings victory”

Solène– “solemn”

Yolanthe– “strong”

Tiphane– “appearance of the Lord on Earth”

Sirine– “content”

Theoline– “one who sings”

3.       Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.

SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name. However, it is important that you do not make it weird.

Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.

Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:

Colette

Meaning: “Victorious and triumphant”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Victorious and triumphant.

Spelling and variations: Kollette, Kolette, Collette, Colletta, Collett, Collete.

Famous people with this name: Robin Tunney Colette Kathleen Marmet.

Genevieve

Meaning: “Belonging to the tribe”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Belonging to the tribe.

Spelling and variations: Gwenevieve, Gwenivive, Janeva, Jenevieve, Jennavieve.

Famous people with this name: Patron Saint of Paris.

Giselle

Meaning: “A promise”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means A promise.

Spelling and variations: Ghisel, Ghisele, Ghisella, Ghiselle.

Famous people with this name: American singer Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter.

Jacqueline

Meaning: “The one who comes after”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means The one who comes after.

Spelling and variations: Jacalin, Jacalyn, Jackaline, Jackalinne.

Famous people with this name: American pro wrestler Jacqueline DeLois Moore.

Jeanne

Meaning: “God is gracious”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means God is gracious.

Spelling and variations: Jean, Jeane, Jeanette, Jeanetta.

Famous people with this name: American author Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston.

Jewel

Meaning: “Pretty”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Pretty.

Spelling and variations: Jeul, Jewell, Jewella, Jewelle, Joule.

Famous people with this name: Canadian actress Jewel Staite.

Michelle

Meaning: “Who is like”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Who is like.

Spelling and variations: Mitchelle, Mychelle, Myshell, Myshella, Shelli, Shelly.

Famous people with this name: . Lauren Michelle Jauregui Morgado

Monique

Meaning: “A wise counselor and advisor”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means A wise counselor and advisor.

Spelling and variations: Mo, Mona, Moneek, Moneeque, Moni .

Famous people with this name: Monique Lhuillier.

Pauline

Meaning: “Petite and small”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Petite and small.

Spelling and variations: Paula, Pauleen, Paulene, Paulette, Paulie.

Famous people with this name: Vin Diesel – Pauline Sinclair.

Renée

Meaning: “reborn”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means reborn.

Spelling and variations: Ranae, Ranay, Ranee, Ren, Renae, Renai.

Famous people with this name: Renee O’Connor.

Simone

Meaning: “Hearkening”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Hearkening.

Spelling and variations: Cymone, Samone, Shimona, Shimonah, Simeona.

Famous people with this name: John Legend -Luna Simone Stephens.

Nicolette

Meaning: “A victory of the people”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means A victory of the people.

Spelling and variations: Nicki, Nicole, Nicolett, Nicoletta, Nicollett.

Famous people with this name: American singer Halsey (Ashley Nicolette Frangipane).

Noel

Meaning: “at Christmastime”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means at Christmastime.

Spelling and variations: Noël, Noela, Noelani, Noele, Noeleen.

Famous people with this name: English author Mary Noel Streatfeild.

Odette

Meaning: “Praise God”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Praise God.

Spelling and variations: Oddete, Oddetta, Odelia, Odelle, Odessa.

Famous people with this name: American actor Mark Ruffalo – Odette Rufallo.

Jolie

Meaning: “Pretty”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Pretty.

Spelling and variations: Joely, Jole, Jolee, Joleen.

Famous people with this name: American actress and director Angelina Jolie.

Josephine

Meaning: “God will add”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means God will add.

Spelling and variations: Fifine, Fina, Finetta, Finette, Hosefa, Jo, Joetta.

Famous people with this name: Princess of Belgium Joséphine Caroline Marie Albertine.

4.       Crossing your favorite old french baby names on the feedback on friends and family members.

Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion. You will hardly find old french baby names that everybody would like.

Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.

Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:

Anaïs– “grace” in French.

Elania– “bright and shining light”

Michelle– “who is like God”

Astrid– “strength”

Lucille– “light”

Aurore– “golden”

Vivienne– “life”

Capucine– “cowl”

Célestine– “heavenly”

Arielle– “lion of God”

Clarisse– “shining and gentle”

Claudette– “enclosure”

Elle– “she”

Clémence– “merciful”

5.       Do a little research and find what is out there.

Research is important step for the first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick.

You will be all good once you do a little internet research. You will also be able to find some great old french baby names that you might consider now or in the future.

Here are some common baby names examples to help you:

Juliet

Meaning: “Forever young”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Forever young.

Spelling and variations: Giuletta, Juiana, Jules, Julette, Julia, Julie, Julieta.

Famous people with this name: American actress Juliet Tablak.

Lorraine

Meaning: “From the province of Lorraine”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means From the province of Lorraine.

Spelling and variations: Lorrain, Lorrayne, Lorrie, Lors, Louraine.

Famous people with this name: American actress Lillian Lorraine.

Lourdes

Meaning: “From the town of Lourdes in France”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means From the town of Lourdes in France.

Spelling and variations: Lordecita, Lordes, Lorde Lourde, Lourdetta.

Famous people with this name: Maria de Lourdes Viliers “Mia” Farrow.

Louise

Meaning: “Brave warrior”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Brave warrior.

Spelling and variations: Aloisa, Aluisa, Eloisa, Eloise.

Famous people with this name: American musician Aretha Louise Franklin.

Lucie

Meaning: “Illuminating and light”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Illuminating and light.

Spelling and variations: Lucee, Lucette, Lucia, Lucia, Luciana, Lucienne.

Famous people with this name: Lucie Mannheim.

Madeleine

Meaning: “high tower”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means high tower.

Spelling and variations: Madilyn, Madlen, Madline, Madlyn, Madoline.

Famous people with this name: American actress Madeleine M. Stowe.

Mallory

Meaning: “Unfortunate and unlucky”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Unfortunate and unlucky.

Spelling and variations: Maliri, Mallary, Mallauri, Mallerey, Mallery.

Famous people with this name: American soccer player Mallory Diane Pugh.

Corinne

Meaning: “Maiden”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Maiden.

Spelling and variations: Korinne, Korina, Koreen, Karynna.

Desiree

Meaning: “Desired and longed for”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Desired and longed for.

Spelling and variations: Desirae, Desaree, Desarae, Dezaree.

Famous people with this name: American singer and voice actor Desirée Goyette.

Dominique

Meaning: “Belonging to the Lord”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Belonging to the Lord.

Spelling and variations: Domanique, Domanke, Domeineque.

Famous people with this name: Dominique Caine.

Elaine

Meaning: “Bright”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Bright.

Spelling and variations: Alaina, Alaine, Alayna, Alayne.

Famous people with this name: American actress Elaine Hendrix.

Manon

Meaning: “Bitter”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Bitter.

Spelling and variations: Manen, Manin, Mannon, Marion.

Famous people with this name: Casanova Manon Balletti.

Margot

Meaning: “Like a pearl”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Like a pearl.

Spelling and variations: Margaux, Margeaux, Margo, Marguerite, Margaret.

Famous people with this name: diarist Anne Frank – Margot Betti Frank.

Marie

Meaning: “Star from the sea of bitterness”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Star from the sea of bitterness.

Spelling and variations: Maree, Maria, Mariah, Mariane, Mariel, Marielle .

Famous people with this name: Queen consort of Louis XVI of France Marie Antoinette.

Patrice

Meaning: “Noble”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Noble.

Spelling and variations: Pat, Patie, Patrease, Patrece, Patreece.

Famous people with this name: Patrice.

6.       Consider the names of the subsequent children.

Maybe, you are first time parents and figuring out some cool old french baby name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.

7.       Avoid the names with bad meanings.

Baby names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid.

Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.

Here are some of the cool old french baby names with meanings:

Adrienne– “from the city of Hadria”

Charlotte– “free”

Natalie– “birthday of the Lord”

Annette– “gracious”

Claire– “clear”

Antoinette– “priceless one”

Avril– “April”

Béatrice– “she who makes me happy”

Madelyn– “woman from Magdala”

Sophie– “wise”

Céline– “heavenly”

Josephine– “God will increase”

8.       Pick up good people’s names from history.

The name of person has an effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history.

You can consider this as well. I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past.

I bet you’d find some awesome and useable old french baby names if you look into it.

We have a small list of old french baby names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:

Bernadette

Meaning: “Brave as a bear”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Brave as a bear.

Spelling and variations: Bernita, Bernetta, Bernardette, Bernadina, Bernadene.

Famous people with this name: American actor and singer Bernadette Peters.

Fleur

Meaning: “A flower”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means A flower.

Spelling and variations: Fleura, Fleure, Fleurette, Fleurine, Fleury, Flora.

Famous people with this name: Fleur Fenton Cowles.

Francine

Meaning: “Fleur Fenton Cowles”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Fleur Fenton Cowles.

Spelling and variations: Franceen, Francene, Frances, Francesca.

Famous people with this name: American novelist Francine Sandra Rivers.

Gabrielle

Meaning: “God is the hero and strength”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means God is the hero and strength.

Spelling and variations: Gabbrielle, Gabbryel, Gabby.

Famous people with this name: American novelist Gabrielle Zevin.

Blanche

Meaning: “White and fair”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means White and fair.

Spelling and variations: Blanchette, Blanch, Blanca, Bianca.

Famous people with this name: illustrator Blanche McManus.

Camille

Meaning: “Girl in white”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Girl in white.

Spelling and variations: Camilla, Camia, Camiel, Camile, Camilia.

Famous people with this name: Camille Marie Filfiley.

Famous people with this name: actor Corinne Calvet.

Danielle

Meaning: “God is the judge”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means God is the judge.

Spelling and variations: Daniela, Danyelle, Danella, Danelle.

Famous people with this name: American singer Danielle Bradbery.

Denise

Meaning: “Dionysius”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Dionysius.

Spelling and variations: Danice, Daniece, Danise, Denece.

Famous people with this name: American actor Denise Lee Richards.

Chanel

Meaning: “channel”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means channel.

Spelling and variations: Chanal, Chaneel, Chanei, Chanele, Chane.

Famous people with this name: Chanel Cresswell.

Charlotte

Meaning: “Strong and free”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Strong and free.

Spelling and variations: Charo, Char, Charla, Lotta, Carline.

Famous people with this name: Princess of the U.K. Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Chloé

Meaning: “Flourishing and blooming”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Flourishing and blooming.

Spelling and variations: Cloe, Cloy, Kloe, Chloee, Cloeie, Khloe.

Famous people with this name: American author Chloe Gayle Rose.

Aimée

Meaning: “Beloved”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Beloved.

Spelling and variations: Aime, Aimey, Aimee, Aimia, Aimie, Aimy, Aimya .

Famous people with this name: American actor Aimee Carrero.

Antoinette

Meaning: “Praiseworthy”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Praiseworthy.

Spelling and variations: Antonetta, Antonella, Antonine, Antonia.

Famous people with this name: Consort of Louis XVI Marie Antoinette.

Claire

Meaning: “Clear and brightly shining”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Clear and brightly shining.

Spelling and variations: Claireen, Claireta, Clairice, Clairissa, Clairita, Clarabel.

Famous people with this name: American novelist Claire Zulkey.

Clementine

Meaning: “Merciful”

Origin: French.

Description: French origin and its means Merciful.

Spelling and variations: Klementynne, Klementine, Klementina, Clemette.

Famous people with this name: Ethan Hawke Clementine Jane Hawke.

9.       Make sure the first and second names fit with each other.

This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.

Check out old french baby names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:

Manel– “God is with us”

Odile– “wealthy”

Ninon– “grace”

Maïwenn– “loved”

Neva– “radiance”

Nicolette– “people’s victory”

Morgana– “brilliant”

Nadeleine– “ray of hope”

Modeste– “modest”

Maïa– “drop of the sea”

Lune– “moon”

Mireille– “miracle”

Maeva– “welcome”

Mirabelle– “a great beauty”

Ma– “head”

10.   Avoid names with too many syllables.

Baby names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.

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About Muhammad Bilal

Bilal is BS computer science student. He is learning programming and coding. Branding and marketing are his other interests. When he isn't working, he loves indoor games.