This list brings together 19 French girl names, running alphabetically from “Valentine” to “Valéska”. Most of these names carry deep roots in Latin, Greek, or other European languages, and many are tied to saints, mythology, or literary figures. Parents in France and beyond turn to names like these when they want something elegant, meaningful, and easy to pronounce for a daughter.

French girl names are given names traditionally used for female children in France, often reflecting the country’s Latin heritage and Catholic history. Many, like Valentine and Véronique, trace back to saints still honored today, while others, like Violaine, were popularized by French writers and artists. This blend of history and artistry gives French names a distinct, timeless charm.

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

Name: the given name itself, shown exactly as it’s spelled and used in France today.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide to help you say each name correctly, with stressed syllables in capital letters.

Meaning: the original meaning behind the name, based on its Latin, Greek, or other linguistic roots.

Description: background on the name’s history, cultural ties, or notable namesakes, so you understand where it comes from.

French girl names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Valentinevah-lahn-TEEN“strong, healthy”
Valérievah-leh-REE“to be strong, valiant”
Vanessavah-neh-SAHpossibly “butterfly”
Véroniqueveh-roh-NEEK“true image”
Victoireveek-TWAHR“victory”
Victorineveek-toh-REEN“victorious”
Violettevee-oh-LET“violet flower”
Virginieveer-zhee-NEE“maiden, pure”
Viviennevee-VYEN“alive, lively”
Vivianevee-VYAHN“alive”
Valentinavah-lahn-tee-NAH“strong, healthy”
Vénusveh-NUSS“love and beauty”
VéraVEH-rah“faith, truth”
Violainevee-oh-LEN“violet”
Vaninavah-nee-NAH“God is gracious”
Verveinevehr-VEN“verbena”
Vellédaveh-leh-DAH“seeress, prophetess”
Vitalievee-tah-LEE“vital, full of life”
Valéskavah-LES-kah“glorious ruler”

Descriptions

Valentine
A classic French name from the Latin Valentinus, associated with Saint Valentine and still a popular choice for girls in France today.
Valérie
A timeless French name rooted in the Latin valere, meaning to be strong, widely used since the mid-20th century.
Vanessa
A name coined by writer Jonathan Swift in the 18th century, later adopted across Europe including France, often linked to the Greek word for butterfly.
Véronique
The French form of Veronica, tied to the legend of Saint Veronica and her cloth bearing Christ’s true image.
Victoire
A straightforward and elegant French name meaning victory, carrying a strong, triumphant feel.
Victorine
A softer, old-fashioned feminine form of Victor, popular in France during the 19th century.
Violette
Named after the delicate purple violet flower, this name evokes charm and modesty and remains a beloved French floral name.
Virginie
The French version of Virginia, derived from Latin virgo, suggesting purity and youthfulness.
Vivienne
A graceful French name meaning full of life, historically linked to Saint Vivian and enduringly fashionable.
Viviane
A variant of Vivienne famous from Arthurian legend as the enchantress known as the Lady of the Lake.
Valentina
The Italian-Latin form of Valentine, also used in France, sharing the same root meaning of strength and vitality.
Vénus
Named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty, a bold and rare choice for a French girl’s name.
Véra
Originally Russian, meaning faith, this short and elegant name has been embraced in France for its simplicity.
Violaine
A poetic French name popularized by playwright Paul Claudel, related to the violet flower and carrying a literary charm.
Vanina
A Corsican pet form linked to Jeanne or Anna, bringing a soft, romantic sound favored in French-speaking regions.
Verveine
An uncommon French nature name taken directly from the fragrant verbena plant, prized for its fresh, herbal charm.
Velléda
An ancient Germanic name meaning seer, popularized in France through 19th-century literature and art depicting a druid prophetess.
Vitalie
A rare but authentic French name meaning full of life, notably borne by the sister of poet Arthur Rimbaud.
Valéska
A Slavic-origin name occasionally used in France, carrying connotations of glory and leadership.
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