This list brings together 22 French girl names, running from “Babette” to “Brune.” You’ll find a mix of classic royal names, saintly names with deep roots, and modern imports that French parents use today for birth certificates, family trees, and naming inspiration.

French girl names are first names given to female children in France, shaped by centuries of Latin, Germanic, Greek, and regional influence. Many carry the legacy of saints, like Bernadette of Lourdes, while others echo literature, such as Bérénice from Racine’s famous tragedy.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.

Name: the French given name itself, shown in its standard spelling so you can see exactly how it’s written.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing you how to say each name out loud, stressed syllables included.

Meaning: the name’s original meaning and language of origin, helping you understand where it truly comes from.

Description: background on the name’s history, notable bearers, or cultural context, giving you a fuller picture before you choose it.

French girl names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Babettebah-BETDiminutive of Élisabeth, “God is my oath”
Bahiabah-YAH“Beauty, splendor” (Arabic)
Balbinebal-BEEN“Stammerer” (Latin)
Barbarabar-bah-RAH“Foreign woman” (Greek)
Bathildebah-TEELD“Bold in battle” (Germanic)
Bayabah-YAH“Radiant, beautiful” (Arabic)
Béatricebay-ah-TREES“She who brings happiness” (Latin)
Bénédictebay-nay-DEEKT“Blessed” (Latin)
Benoîtebuh-NWAHT“Blessed” (French, feminine of Benoît)
Bérengèrebay-rahn-ZHAIR“Bear spear” (Germanic)
Bérénicebay-ray-NEES“Bringer of victory” (Greek)
Bernadettebair-nah-DET“Brave as a bear” (Germanic)
BertheBAIRT“Bright, famous” (Germanic)
Bertillebair-TEE“Bright strength” (Germanic)
Bibianebee-bee-AHN“Full of life” (Latin)
BillieBEE-lee“Resolute protector” (feminine of William)
BlancheBLAHNSH“White, pure” (French)
Blanchetteblahn-SHETDiminutive of Blanche, “little white one”
Blandineblahn-DEEN“Mild, gentle” (Latin)
Bleuennbluh-EN“White, fair” (Breton)
Brigittebree-ZHEET“Exalted one” (Irish/Gaelic)
BruneBROON“Brown-haired” (French)

Descriptions

Babette
A charming French pet form of Élisabeth, popularized worldwide by the short story and film “Babette’s Feast.”
Bahia
A softly musical name of Arabic origin that has become common among French families of North African heritage.
Balbine
A rare, old-fashioned French name from Latin balbus, linked to an early Roman martyr venerated since the Middle Ages.
Barbara
A classic name of Greek origin long used in France, borne by Saint Barbara, patron of miners and firefighters.
Bathilde
An authentic French royal name carried by Saint Bathilde, a former slave who rose to become queen of the Franks.
Baya
A short, luminous name of North African origin that is widely used within French Maghrebi communities.
Béatrice
An elegant name from Latin beatrix, famous as Dante’s muse and guide in the Divine Comedy.
Bénédicte
The French feminine form of Benedict, evoking grace and blessing tied to the monastic tradition of Saint Benedict.
Benoîte
A traditional French name meaning “blessed,” the direct feminine equivalent of Benoît, used since medieval times.
Bérengère
A regal medieval French name borne by Berengaria of Navarre, queen consort to Richard the Lionheart.
Bérénice
A dramatic, literary name popularized by Racine’s tragedy “Bérénice,” rooted in an ancient Greek royal name.
Bernadette
Feminine form of Bernard, made famous by Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, whose visions shaped a major pilgrimage site.
Berthe
An old-fashioned French name recalling Berthe au Grand Pied, mother of Charlemagne, now enjoying a vintage revival.
Bertille
A soft, vintage French name related to Bertha, carried by a seventh-century saint and abbess.
Bibiane
French form of Vivian/Bibiana, honoring a Roman martyr saint and evoking vitality and energy.
Billie
A trendy, breezy import gaining popularity among younger French parents for its modern, androgynous feel.
Blanche
A timeless French name meaning “white,” historically borne by queens and princesses across medieval Europe.
Blanchette
An affectionate old French diminutive of Blanche, evoking storybook charm and gentle innocence.
Blandine
Derived from Latin blandus, this name honors an early Christian martyr of Lyon celebrated for her quiet courage.
Bleuenn
A Breton name meaning “fair” or “flower,” increasingly used across France beyond its Brittany origins.
Brigitte
A strong, elegant name popularized in France by actress Brigitte Bardot, rooted in the Irish goddess and saint Brigid.
Brune
A simple, old French name originally describing a dark-haired girl, now a rare and distinctive vintage choice.
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