French girl names that start with D span a wide range of styles, from graceful classics like “Danielle” to modern, minimalist choices like “Dune.” This list covers 24 names, showing just how varied and rich this corner of French naming tradition really is. Parents use these names for newborn daughters, and many also appear as inspiration for characters in books, film, and family history research.

French girl names are given names used across France and French-speaking communities, often blending Greek, Roman, biblical, and regional roots into a single naming tradition. Many carry centuries of history, like “Diane,” tied to the Roman goddess of the hunt, or “Djamila,” an Arabic name meaning “beautiful” that reflects France’s diverse heritage. Some, like “Désirée,” even trace back to European royalty.

Below you’ll find the table with each name, its pronunciation, meaning, and description.

Name: the given name itself, spelled the way it’s most commonly used and recognized in France today.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide that shows you how to say each name correctly, even without French language experience.

Meaning: the literal or historical meaning behind the name, so you understand what it originally represented.

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

French girl names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Danielledann-YELL“God is my judge”
Daphnédaf-NAY“laurel tree”
Delphinedel-FEEN“woman from Delphi”
Denisedeh-NEEZ“devoted to Dionysus”
Désiréeday-zee-RAY“desired”
Dianedee-AN“divine”
Dinadee-NAH“judged” or “vindicated”
Dolorèsdoh-loh-RESS“sorrows”
Dominiquedoh-mee-NEEK“belonging to the Lord”
Domitilledoh-mee-TEE“tamed” or “domestic”
Donatiennedoh-nah-syEN“given by God”
Doradoh-RAH“gift”
Dorianedoh-ree-AN“gift”
Dorinedoh-REEN“gift of God”
Dorothéedoh-roh-TAY“gift of God”
Doucedooss“sweet” or “gentle”
Drusilledroo-ZEEL“strong” or “fruitful”
Danaédah-nah-AYfrom Greek mythology
Déborahday-boh-RAH“bee”
Deliadeh-LYAH“from Delos”
Daliadah-LYAH“branch” or “gentle”
Damarisdah-mah-REESS“gentle” or “calf”
Djamilajah-mee-LAH“beautiful”
Dunedewn“sand dune”

Descriptions

Danielle
The French feminine form of Daniel, a graceful classic name that was especially popular through much of the 20th century in France.
Daphné
Rooted in Greek mythology, where the nymph Daphne transformed into a laurel tree; a poetic, nature-inspired favorite in France.
Delphine
An elegant name referencing the ancient Greek city of Delphi, home to the famous oracle; long favored in French literature and film.
Denise
The feminine form of Denis, honoring the Greek god of wine; a mid-century French classic that remains warmly familiar today.
Désirée
A romantic French name meaning “the desired one,” notably carried by a queen of Sweden who was born in Marseille.
Diane
Derived from Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and moon; a timeless name long favored by French nobility and beyond.
Dina
A short, elegant name with biblical roots, used across France in various spellings such as Dinah.
Dolorès
Borrowed from Spanish devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, this name carries a dramatic, romantic flair in French usage.
Dominique
A versatile, traditionally unisex French name honoring Saint Dominic, widely used from the mid-1900s onward.
Domitille
An old Roman name revived through Saint Domitilla; it has seen a fresh resurgence among French parents seeking vintage charm.
Donatienne
The feminine form of Donatien, an old-fashioned French name linked to an early Christian martyr saint from Brittany.
Dora
A short, simple form of names like Dorothée or Théodora, meaning “gift”; warm and enduringly used in France.
Doriane
A modern French coinage blending the sounds of Dora and Ariane, gaining popularity from the late 20th century onward.
Dorine
A charming diminutive of Dorothée, also familiar as the name of a spirited servant character in Molière’s play Tartuffe.
Dorothée
A graceful French classic derived from Greek, historically popular and still used with genuine affection today.
Douce
A rare medieval French name meaning “sweet,” evoking troubadour romance and courtly love tales.
Drusille
An old Roman name with biblical ties, occasionally chosen in France for its unusual, historic sound.
Danaé
Named for the mother of Perseus in Greek myth, a poetic and artistic choice among French families.
Déborah
A biblical name meaning “bee,” borne by a prophetess and judge; well used in France since the mid-20th century.
Delia
A soft, melodic name referencing the Greek island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Dalia
A name of Hebrew origin meaning “branch,” used in France often alongside the related flower name Dahlia.
Damaris
A biblical name from the Book of Acts, occasionally chosen in France for its rare, refined sound.
Djamila
A name of Arabic origin widely used among French families, especially those with North African heritage, meaning “beautiful.”
Dune
A modern, minimalist French name inspired by the natural landscape feature, popular among stylish contemporary parents.
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