Old Fashioned French Girls Names

Many old fashioned English names for girls actually came from France. But there are still beautiful old fashioned French girls names that are forgotten or rare in the English speaking world.

So if you are looking for a lovely but unusual vintage name for your baby girl check out this guide to old fashioned French girls names.

There are adorable names inspired by :

• Queens & Royalty
• French Heroines
• Flowers & Nature
• Beloved Saints.

PLUS classic girls names from the regions of Brittany and Aquitaine who traditionally spoke their own languages and super sweet short names.

Queens & Royalty

French princesses set the fashion for names in France and on marriage, across Europe but the French versions keep that special je ne sais quoi ..

• Blanche
• Constance
• Éléonore
• Félicité
• Isabeau
• Mathilde
• ​Melisende
• Sybille
• Yolande

Blanche

Borne by Blanche of France, a beloved 14th-century princess famed for her immense generosity and devotion to the arts of Paris.

Constance

A classic favorite of early French queens, it represents unwavering loyalty, immense strength, and a steadfast, royal grace.

Éléonore

Meaning "shining light." Eleanor was made popular in England and Scotland by French princesses but the original version Éléonore came from a powerful French queen.

Félicité

Meaning "good fortune." An aristocratic name that evokes a sunny, joyful spirit and an effortlessly elegant, courtly charm.

Isabeau

Popular among medieval princesses and famously celebrated as the beautiful, resilient subject of the troubadour song La Belle Isabeau.

Mathilde

A German name Frenchified by a princess who became the powerful Queen of Burgundy, blending soft elegance with steel-willed courage.

Melisende

The French version of Millicent, made famous by the crusader Queen of Jerusalem and celebrated in France's finest medieval romance poems.

Sybille

Borne by three inspiring French princesses who ruled as powerful regents of Normandy, Anjou, and Jerusalem with immense wisdom.

Yolande

Borne by Yolande of France, a 15th-century Duchess of Savoy who ruled as a brilliant regent, beloved for her political wit and courage.

French Heroine Names

Some of the most beautiful old fashioned French girls names were inspired by great heroines of history and literature ...

• ​Clelie
• Corinne
• Delphine
• Eloise
• Eugenie
• Geneviève
• Héloïse
• Laureline
• ​Manon
• Madeleine
• ​Violaine

Clelie

The great romantic heroine of French 17 Century literature who escapes kidnapping, battles and shipwreck to be reunited with her love but only after swimming the Tiber.

Corinne

The celebrated, free-spirited poetess of Madame de Staël's novel who chose her art and independence over high society.

Delphine

A heroine of French literature renowned for her independent spirit and generous protection of others from injustice.

Eloise / Héloïse

Pronounced eh-loh-EEZ. A legendary 12th-century writer famed for her intelligence, beautiful writing and lifelong devotion against the odds to the man she loved.

Eugenie

Historically borne by Empress Eugénie, a champion of women's education, social reform, and artistic talent.

Geneviève

Pronounced zohn-vee-EV. The fearless patron saint of Paris who rallied her city with calm courage during an invasion.

Laureline

Pronounced loh-reh-LEEN. A brilliant, time-traveling space heroine who saves the universe using her quick wit and logic.

Manon

Pronounced mah-NOHN. A free-spirited country girl turned glamorous operatic heroine who fiercely follows her own desires.

Madeleine

The iconic, small-but-mighty French schoolgirl who bravely faces tigers, appendicitis and the big world without fear.

Violaine

Pronounced vee-oh-LENN. A dramatic stage heroine celebrated for her profound, beautiful capacity for unconditional love.

Cute Little French Girls Names

Some cute vintage French names like Lulu did make it to Britain and the States but other super sweet French girls names remained rare :

• Lisette
• Lison
• Mimie
• Minette
• Miquette
• Nanette
• Ninon
• Titine
• Zaza
• Zélie

Lisette

Pronounced lee-ZET. A sweet, vintage diminutive of Élisabeth meaning "pledged to God," full of crisp, antique charm.

Lison

Pronounced lee-ZOHN. A darling historic French pet name for Louise or Élisabeth, meaning "renowned warrior" or "godly."

Mimie

Pronounced mee-MEE. A playful Belle Époque diminutive of Marie ("beloved") or Michelle, bursting with cozy retro warmth.

Minette

Pronounced mee-NET. A precious vintage diminutive meaning "faithful defender" (from Wilhelmina) or affectionately, "kitty."

Miquette

Pronounced mee-KET. An old-fashioned, delicate diminutive for Marie or Michèle, historically carrying the beloved meaning "star of the sea."

Nanette

Pronounced nah-NET. A spunky, retro French diminutive of Anne, meaning "grace." It carries a lovely, energetic vintage vibe.

Ninon

Pronounced nee-NOHN. A historic, poetic diminutive of Anne, meaning "grace," long favored by French writers and artists.

Titine

Pronounced tee-TEEN. A delightfully eccentric, rare antique pet name for Clémentine, meaning "merciful" or "gentle."

Zaza

Pronounced zah-ZAH. A lively, rhythmic diminutive of Isabelle or Élisabeth, meaning "pledged to God," full of eccentric flair.

Zélie

Pronounced zay-LEE. A bright, popular 19th-century short form of Azélie, meaning "solemn," carrying a chic vintage energy.

French Flower Names

France like most countries has pretty girls names inspired by flowers and nature. Many of them will be familiar but have their own French twist ...

• ​Aurore
• Aveline
• ​Camélia
• Flora / Florette
• Fleur
• Jacinthe
• Liliane / Lilou
• Marguerite
• Rosette
• Violette

For more floral inspiration check out these Scottish flower names for girls.

Aveline

Pronounced av-LEEN. Meaning "hazelnut." A charming, rustic woodland name that suggests a natural, earthy elegance.

Camélia

Pronounced kah-may-LYAH. Inspired by the lush, exquisite winter-blooming flower that represents deep admiration and beauty.

Flora / Florette

Pronounced floh-RAH / floh-RET. Meaning "flower." Florette adds a delicate, sweet French twist to the classic Roman goddess name.

Fleur

Pronounced flurr. The literal French word for "flower." It is beautifully simple, chic, and effortlessly elegant.

Jacinthe

Pronounced zhah-SANT. Meaning "hyacinth." It evokes the intoxicating scent and vivid purple-blue blooms of early spring.

Liliane / Lilou

Pronounced lee-LYAHN / lee-LOO. Variants of "lily," symbolizing purity. Lilou is a popular, playful, and modern French pet name.

Marguerite

Pronounced mar-guh-REET. Meaning "daisy." A classic, sun-drenched flower name that feels both regal and beautifully rustic.

Rosette

Pronounced roh-ZET. Meaning "little rose." A sweet, vintage diminutive that brings a fresh, charming energy to a classic bloom.

Violette

Pronounced vee-oh-LET. Meaning "violet." It evokes the dainty, sweet-scented purple woodland flower full of modest charm.

French Names Inspired By Saints

France like Britain and Ireland had its own beloved saints whose names became very popular for baby girls :

• ​Ada
• Adela
• ​Apolline
• Belina
• Celine
• Clotilde
• Colette
• ​Eulalie
• Philomène
• ​Sainte

Ada

Borne by a 7th-century French abbess, beloved for her devotion not only to God but to supporting other women and for ever hopeful spirit.

Adela

A 7th-century princess who gave up her royal wealth to build a sanctuary of peace and learning, known for her deep, quiet wisdom.

Apolline

Pronounced ah-poh-LEEN. A legendary healer remembered for her fierce, unshakeable courage and her comfort to those in pain.

Belina

Pronounced beh-LEEN-ah. A young shepherdess from Champagne celebrated for her fierce independence, bravery, and pure heart.

Celine

Pronounced seh-LEEN. Celebrated for her boundless maternal warmth, she was a nurturing soul who anchored her family with love.

Clotilde

Pronounced kloh-TEELD. A historic queen who used her gentle grace and immense patience to soften a fierce king and unite a nation.

Colette

A 14th-century mystic who lived simply, loved animals, and was famous for her joyful, comforting words to anyone in distress.

Eulalie

Pronounced oo-lah-LEE. A young girl whose spirit was so bright and pure that witnesses said a white dove flew from her toward the sky.

Philomène

Pronounced fee-loh-MENN. A princess who chose her own destiny over a crown, remembered as a loyal, powerful friend to the forgotten.

Sainte

Pronounced sahnt. Meaning "holy," this rare name honors the collective spirit of all women who lived with grace and devotion.

Girls Names From Brittany

Most people in Britanny spoke Breton right into the 20th Century. Breton is much closer to Welsh than to French and its beautiful vintage names have a different feel to elsewhere in France :

• Armelle
• Arzhela
• Asenora
• ​Azenor
• Enora
• ​Gwenn
• ​Maïwenn
• Maelle
• ​Nolwenn
• ​Rozenn
• Senara
• ​Sterenn
• ​Yvanna

Armelle

Pronounced ar-MELL. Breton for "bear-princess." A noble, melodic name that blends rustic woodland strength with elegant charm.

Arzhela

Pronounced ar-ZHEL-ah. A crisp Celtic form of Angela ("messenger"). It feels grounded, historical, and beautifully unique.

Asenora

Pronounced ah-sen-OR-ah. A royal medieval name of Breton princesses. It possesses a grand, poetic, and timeless gravity.

Azenor

Pronounced ah-zeh-NOR. Named after a legendary seafaring saint. It sounds fluid, deep, and hauntingly beautiful.

Enora

Pronounced eh-NO-rah. A sweet Breton name meaning "honor." Airy and celestial, it feels remarkably modern yet ancient.

Gwenn

Pronounced gwen. Meaning "white" or "pure." A minimalist, powerful name that captures the stark beauty of the Celtic coast.

Maïwenn

Pronounced my-WEN. A lovely blend of Marie and Gwenn ("pure"). It is a lyrical, fresh, and distinctly Breton classic.

Maelle

Pronounced mah-EL. Meaning "princess." It is incredibly chic, breezy, and popular in France for its soft, musical strength.

Nolwenn

Pronounced nol-WEN. Meaning "holy white." It feels forest-deep, mystical, and rich with the folklore of old Brittany.

Rozenn

Pronounced roh-ZEN. The Breton form of Rose. The "-enn" ending makes it feel like a romantic, wild rose blooming in the wind.

Senara

Pronounced seh-NAR-ah. Linked to coastal legends of saints and mermaids, this name has an enchanting, storybook lilt.

Sterenn

Pronounced steh-REN. A rare and poetic Breton name meaning "star." It offers a sharp, sophisticated celestial choice.

Yvanna

Pronounced ee-VAN-nah. Linked to the sacred yew tree. A spirited, elegant name that carries a sense of timeless vitality.

Girls Names From Aquitaine

Aquitaine was the great Duchy of southern France which had its own language Occitan and was famous for its romantic poets, musicians and story tellers in medieval times ...

• ​Aenor
• Aliénor
• Alais
• ​Azalaïs
• ​Estelle
• Felicé
• Marieta
• ​Mireille

Aenor

Pronounced ah-eh-NOR. A beautiful medieval Occitan name likely meaning "wished-for child," borne by Eleanor of Aquitaine's mother.

Aliénor

Pronounced ah-lyay-NOR. The orginal Occitaine name of the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine who became Queen of France & England was literally named "another Aenor" after her mother.

Alais

Pronounced ah-LAY. A sweet, melodic medieval Occitan variant of Alice, evoking the grace of southern courtly romance.

Azalaïs

Pronounced ah-zah-lah-EES. The romantic Occitan form of Adelaide, beautifully celebrated by legendary medieval troubadours.

Estelle

Pronounced es-TEL. Meaning "star" in Occitan. It perfectly captures the radiant, sun-drenched spirit of southern France.

Felicé

Pronounced fay-LEE-seh. A joyful, elegant name meaning "happy" or "fortunate," echoing with a light, poetic charm.

Marieta

Pronounced mah-ryee-TAH. A lovely, lyrical Occitan diminutive of Marie, meaning "little Mary," full of warmth and sweetness.

Mireille

Pronounced mee-RAY. Meaning "to admire." A gorgeous, classic southern name that radiates a vibrant, poetic elegance.

And there you go, 70 beautifully old fashioned French girls names with plenty that are rare outside France.

For more inspiration check out my other baby name lists and follow me on Pinterest.