This list brings together 29 French girl names, running alphabetically from “Pauline” to “Photine.” Many of these names share the same starting letter but come from different roots, ranging from Latin virtue words to biblical figures and nature-inspired terms. Parents use names like these when searching for something distinctly French, whether they want a name that feels classic and timeless or one that stands out for its rarity.

French girl names are first names given to female children in France, shaped by centuries of Latin, Greek, biblical, and regional influence. Many carry deep symbolic meaning, such as “Pascale,” tied to Easter, or “Perle,” the French word for pearl. Some, like “Perrine,” even owe part of their popularity to beloved literary and animated characters.

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

Name: the French first name itself, shown exactly as it’s written and used in France today.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing you how to say each name correctly out loud.

Meaning: the original sense or root behind the name, so you understand what it symbolizes.

Description: background on the name’s history, popularity, or cultural ties, helping you see why it might suit your search.

French girl names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Paulinepoh-LEENsmall, humble (feminine of Paul)
Paulettepoh-LETlittle Paul
PaulePOHLsmall, humble
Patriciapa-tree-SYAHnoble, of noble birth
Perrinepeh-REENrock (feminine of Pierre)
Philippinefee-lee-PEENlover of horses
Pénélopepeh-neh-LOPassociated with faithfulness
Priscillepree-SEELancient, venerable
Palomapa-loh-MAdove
Pascalepas-KALborn at Easter
Pascalinepas-ka-LEENborn at Easter
PiaPEE-ahpious, devout
Pierrettepyeh-RETlittle rock
PeggyPEH-gheepearl (via Margaret)
PetraPEH-trahrock
Prudenceproo-DAHNScaution, wisdom
Providenceproh-vee-DAHNSforesight, divine care
PerlePEHRLpearl
Paolapah-OH-lahsmall, humble
Patiencepa-SYAHNSpatience
Philomènefee-loh-MENloved, friend of strength
Pétronillepeh-troh-NEErock (from Peter)
PrunePRUENplum
Perrettepeh-RETlittle rock
Pâquerettepahk-RETdaisy
Pervenchepehr-VAHNSHperiwinkle
PriscaPREES-kahancient, venerable
Pomelinepom-LEENpossibly little apple
Photinefoh-TEENlight, radiant

Descriptions

Pauline
A timeless French name derived from the masculine Paul, popular since the 19th century and still a common choice for French girls today.
Paulette
A charming diminutive of Paule that was especially fashionable in France during the early-to-mid 20th century.
Paule
The direct feminine form of Paul, once a stylish choice among French families in the mid-20th century.
Patricia
A name of Latin origin shared across many European languages, it enjoyed strong popularity in France during the 1950s and 60s.
Perrine
A distinctly French name that gained wide recognition thanks to the classic novel and anime “En Famille,” whose heroine is named Perrine.
Philippine
The elegant feminine counterpart to Philippe, historically used among French nobility and still given to girls today.
Pénélope
Borrowed from Greek mythology’s famously loyal wife of Odysseus, this name has become fashionable in France in recent decades.
Priscille
The French rendering of the biblical name Priscilla, valued for its soft sound and classic roots.
Paloma
Of Spanish origin meaning dove, this name crossed into France and gained popularity partly through singer Paloma Faith and artist Paloma Picasso.
Pascale
A popular mid-century French name feminizing Pascal, traditionally given to girls born around Easter.
Pascaline
A softer, less common variant of Pascale carrying the same Easter-season association.
Pia
A short, simple name of Latin origin used across Europe, including France, for its gentle meaning and easy pronunciation.
Pierrette
A traditional diminutive of Pierre popular in the early 20th century, evoking rustic French charm.
Peggy
An English pet name for Margaret that was adopted in France and especially fashionable in the mid-1900s.
Petra
A feminine form of Peter used occasionally in France, sharing its meaning with the ancient rock-carved city in Jordan.
Prudence
One of several French virtue names, historically chosen for the quality of careful, wise judgment it represents.
Providence
A rare French virtue name reflecting trust in divine guidance, more common historically than it is today.
Perle
The straightforward French word for pearl, used as a delicate first name symbolizing purity and preciousness.
Paola
The Italian feminine form of Paul, occasionally used in France, especially in regions with Italian heritage.
Patience
A gentle virtue name once popular among French Protestant families for the quality of enduring calmly.
Philomène
Linked to the early Christian Saint Philomena, this name was widely used in Catholic France in past generations.
Pétronille
An old French name derived from Petronilla, once associated with a legendary daughter of Saint Peter.
Prune
A modern, fruit-inspired French first name that became stylish in the early 2000s for its short, playful sound.
Perrette
A rustic diminutive of Perrine, famous as the milkmaid in La Fontaine’s fable about counting one’s chickens before they hatch.
Pâquerette
A whimsical French flower name referring to the common daisy, used mainly by earlier generations.
Pervenche
A poetic French name borrowed from the periwinkle flower, admired for its soft blue color and rarity as a first name.
Prisca
A biblical name shared with a companion of Saint Paul, used sparingly but consistently in France.
Pomeline
A rare, distinctly French name thought to derive from “pomme” (apple), occasionally chosen for its unique sound.
Photine
Named after Sainte Photine, a French Catholic figure, this name meaning light is used occasionally in devout families.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.