This list brings together 34 French girl names, running alphabetically from “Sabine” to “Shana.” Most carry roots in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Arabic, or regional French dialects like Breton, and many blend graceful sound with meaningful history. Parents turn to names like these when they want something classic yet distinct, whether for a birth announcement, a family tree, or simply the joy of exploring French naming traditions.

French girl names are given names traditionally used across France, often shaped by centuries of religious, literary, and regional influence. Many, such as “Solange” and “Séraphine,” carry meanings tied to grace, nature, or devotion, while others reflect France’s diverse cultural mix, including Arabic-origin names like “Samia” and “Sirine.” One notable example is “Simone,” long associated with prominent French writers and artists, showing how these names often carry cultural weight beyond their sound.

Below you’ll find the table with names, pronunciations, meanings, and descriptions.

Name: the given name itself, presented in its standard French spelling, including any accents you’ll want to use correctly.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing you how to say each name aloud, with stressed syllables marked in capital letters.

Meaning: the literal or historical meaning behind each name, helping you understand the sentiment or symbolism it carries.

Description: extra context on each name’s origin, popularity, or cultural associations, giving you a fuller picture before you choose or use it.

French girl names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Sabinesa-BEENRelating to the Sabines
Salomésa-lo-MAYPeace
SanaSA-naBrilliance, radiance
Sandrinesahn-DREENDefender of mankind
Sarahsa-RAHPrincess, noblewoman
Scarlettskar-LETBright red
SelmaSEL-maPeaceful, protected
SalmaSAL-maPeaceful, safe
Samiasa-MEE-aElevated, sublime
Séraphinesay-ra-FEENFiery, burning ones
Servaneser-VANServant (of God)
Séverinesay-veh-REENStrict, severe
Sibyllesee-BEELProphetess
Sidoniesee-doh-NEEFrom Sidon
Sirinesee-REENEnchanting, siren-like
Simonesee-MONOne who hears
Sixtineseeks-TEENSixth
Solangeso-LAHNZHSolemn, dignified
Solèneso-LENSolemn, dignified
Solennso-LENSolemn, sacred
Sorayaso-RAH-yaStar cluster (Pleiades)
Sophieso-FEEWisdom
StellaSTEL-laStar
Stéphaniestay-fa-NEECrown, crowned one
Suzannesoo-ZANLily
Suzelsoo-ZELLily
Suzonsoo-ZOHNLily
SwannswahnSwan
Sylvaineseel-VENOf the forest
Sylvieseel-VEEOf the forest
Sylvianeseel-vee-ANOf the woods
Sterennsteh-RENStar
Sélinesay-LEENMoon
ShanaSHA-naBeautiful

Descriptions

Sabine
An elegant, ancient-feeling name referring to the Sabine people of early Italy; it has been used quietly but steadily in France for centuries.
Salomé
Rooted in the Hebrew word for peace, this dramatic biblical name carries an air of mystery and has enjoyed a stylish revival in France.
Sana
A soft, luminous name of Arabic origin meaning brightness or splendor, popular among French families with North African heritage.
Sandrine
A classic French diminutive of Alexandra, this warm and friendly name was especially popular from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Sarah
A timeless biblical name meaning princess, Sarah has remained one of France’s most enduringly popular girls’ names for generations.
Scarlett
Originally English, this vivid color name has crossed into French use in recent years, often linked to its bold, cinematic feel.
Selma
A gentle, flowing name with Arabic and Scandinavian roots, chosen in France for its soft sound and international feel.
Salma
A melodic Arabic name meaning safety or peace, commonly given in French Maghrebi families and increasingly heard more broadly.
Samia
An Arabic name suggesting someone lofty or exalted in character, used across France within North African communities.
Séraphine
Inspired by the seraphim of religious tradition, this ornate name evokes warmth and celestial grace, popular in 19th-century France and again today.
Servane
A distinctly Breton name with devotional roots, carrying a humble and gentle meaning tied to faithful service.
Séverine
The feminine form of Séverin, this name softened over time into a stylish, slightly retro choice associated with 1970s French cinema.
Sibylle
Drawn from the sibyls, legendary oracle women of Greek and Roman myth, this name has an air of wisdom and mystery.
Sidonie
Referring to the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon, this graceful, old-fashioned name has seen a fashionable comeback among French parents.
Sirine
A melodious name of Arabic origin evoking beauty and charm, widely used in contemporary France.
Simone
The feminine form of Simon, Simone is a strong, sophisticated name long associated with French intellectual and artistic figures.
Sixtine
A rare, striking name referencing the Latin word for sixth, best known through the Sistine Chapel, occasionally chosen for its regal uniqueness.
Solange
A quintessentially French name suggesting solemnity and grace, made internationally familiar through art and music.
Solène
A softer variation on Solange, Solène became one of France’s favorite modern names thanks to its smooth, gentle sound.
Solenn
A Breton name carrying a sense of dignity and reverence, common in Brittany and beyond.
Soraya
A Persian and Arabic name referring to the Pleiades constellation, admired for its poetic, starry meaning.
Sophie
A beloved classic derived from the Greek word for wisdom, Sophie has remained one of France’s most consistently popular names.
Stella
A luminous Latin name meaning star, favored in France for its simplicity and warmth across languages.
Stéphanie
The feminine counterpart to Stéphane, this name suggests honor and achievement, and was hugely popular in late 20th-century France.
Suzanne
A graceful biblical name meaning lily, long a staple of French naming tradition and still cherished today.
Suzel
An Alsatian diminutive of Suzanne, this charming regional name carries the same delicate meaning of lily.
Suzon
A tender, old-fashioned diminutive of Suzanne, evoking countryside charm and gentle femininity.
Swann
A unisex French name inspired by literature, evoking the elegance and grace of the swan.
Sylvaine
The feminine form of Sylvain, this nature-rooted name conjures images of woodland and greenery.
Sylvie
A soft, nature-inspired classic meaning of the forest, widely popular in France throughout the mid-20th century.
Sylviane
A fuller variant of Sylvie, carrying the same forest-linked meaning with a slightly more formal feel.
Sterenn
A poetic Breton name meaning star, treasured in Brittany for its lyrical, nature-inspired sound.
Séline
A dreamy variant linked to the Greek moon goddess Selene, chosen in France for its soft, celestial quality.
Shana
A gentle name often used as a stylish variant tied to beauty and grace, favored for its light, airy sound.
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