There are nearly 200 countries across the globe, but only one can say it has led the world in tourism for the past 30 years. And no, it’s not the United States. It’s not Mexico, Italy, or the United Kingdom, either.
Believe it or not, the most visited country in the world is France, and it’s not even close.
In fact, France welcomes more than 117 million annual international tourists, according to the World Population Review, which is nearly 30 million more visitors than Poland, the next closest at 88.5 million.
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With so many people taking in what France has to offer every year, it’s no surprise to see a lot of those tourists taking French culture, heritage, and even naming conventions back to their home country.
I mean, just take a look at all the common French names that are also popular in other parts of the world.
Whether you’re looking for common French names that are popular worldwide or international names that French parents tend to use often, we’re going to share 60 of our best baby name ideas for you below!
Most Common French Names Since 1900 (Baby Boy Edition)
Thanks to annual data released by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), Americans will always have accurate and up-to-date information on what the most popular baby names are in the U.S.
But if you wanted to know what the most common French names are, then you would have to turn to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), which releases similar data every year.
In fact, they’ve been releasing this data every year since 1900. And anyone with internet access can view it, meaning parents everywhere can find inspiration for baby names, no matter what country they’re in.
With that said, let’s take a look at the 10 most common French names for boys over the past 125 years.
10. Marcel
Popularity in France: 470,146 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Marcel is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Marcel is derived from the Roman name Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus, meaning “little warrior.”
Similar Common French Names: Marcus, Mark, Marcellin, Marco, Martel, Maxim, Martin, Martius, Marlon, Marino.
9. Jacques
Popularity in France: 483,167 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Jacques is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Jacques is derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning “supplanter.” It is the French form of Jacob or James.
Similar Common French Names: Jacob, Jack, Jaime, Jim, Jago, Jay, Javier, Jaxon, Jasper, Jean.
8. Alain
Popularity in France: 506,983 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Alain is of Celtic origin.
Derivation: The name Alain is derived from the name Alan, which likely means “handsome” or “little rock.”
Similar Common French Names: Alan, Allen, Alec, Alden, Alaric, Arlen, Alvin, Aylwin, Alyn, Abel.
7. René
Popularity in France: 516,162 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: René is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name René comes from the Latin renatus, meaning “reborn.”
Similar Common French Names: Renato, Renaud, Reynard, Renzo, Rory, Renny, Russell, Ronan, Raoul, Raphael.
6. Louis
Popularity in France: 535,819 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Louis is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Louis is derived from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning “famous warrior.”
Similar Common French Names: Ludwig, Lewis, Louie, Luigi, Lukas, Lyle, Leo, Lancelot, Lucas, Lawson.
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5. Philippe
Popularity in France: 538,712 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Philippe is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Philippe is derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning “lover of horses.”
Similar Common French Names: Philip, Filippo, Felipe, Phelan, Finley, Phoenix, Philemon, Philo, Pierce, Peter.
4. André
Popularity in France: 712,248 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: André is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name André is derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning “manly” or “brave.”
Similar Common French Names: Andrew, Anders, Andreas, Anton, Antonin, Adrian, Addison, Aiden, Arden, Amos.
3. Michel
Popularity in France: 820,560 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Michel is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Michel is derived from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning “who is like God?”
Similar Common French Names: Michael, Micah, Mitchell, Mikael, Misha, Maxim, Miles, Miguel, Myron, Moses.
2. Pierre
Popularity in France: 892,384 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Pierre is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Pierre is derived from the Greek word petros, meaning “rock” or “stone.”
Similar Common French Names: Peter, Pedro, Piers, Piotr, Patrice, Percival, Pascal, Palmer, Paxton, Paris.
1. Jean
Popularity in France: 1,911,457 baby boys with this name since 1900
Origin: Jean is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Jean is the French form of John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.”
Similar Common French Names: John, Jonathan, Johan, Joan, Jonah, Sean, Ian, Evan, Ivan, Jean-Paul.
Most Common French Names Since 1900 (Baby Girl Edition)
Much like it does with common French names for boys, the INSEE has been releasing an annual list of the most common French names for girls since 1900. And the results are published online for all to see!
Looking at data for 2023, you’d be surprised at how many names the US and France share in common. For example, Emma was the second-most popular girls name in the US, but also ranked No. 5 in France.
Another interesting example is Isabella, which was the seventh-most popular girls name in the US last year. While it didn’t rank inside the top 10 in France in 2023, it does rank in the top 10 since 1900.
In fact, here are the other common French names for girls that rank inside the top 10 since 1900.
10. Anne
Popularity in France: 364,082 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Anne is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Anne is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning “grace” or “favor.”
Similar Common French Names: Anna, Annie, Annette, Annabel, Annika, Anya, Annelise, Alicia, Alina, Antonia.
9. Sylvie
Popularity in France: 364,623 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Sylvie is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Sylvie comes from the Latin Silvia, meaning “from the forest” or “woods.”
Similar Common French Names: Silvia, Sylvia, Sylvan, Sylvana, Sylvester, Selene, Sophia, Serena, Sabrina, Sybil.
8. Jacqueline
Popularity in France: 372,422 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Jacqueline is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Jacqueline is the French feminine form of Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
Similar Common French Names: Jaclyn, Jackie, Jacinta, Janice, Julia, Juliette, Jessica, Jillian, Joanna, Jocelyn.
7. Isabelle
Popularity in France: 378,272 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Isabelle is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Isabelle is a French form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
Similar Common French Names: Isabel, Isabella, Belle, Bella, Elsie, Elizabeth, Elise, Ivy, Imogen, Iris.
6. Nathalie
Popularity in France: 382,978 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Nathalie is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Nathalie is derived from natalis, meaning “birth” or “Christmas.”
Similar Common French Names: Natalie, Natalia, Natasha, Nadine, Nancy, Nessa, Nora, Nina, Nevaeh, Noelle.
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5. Catherine
Popularity in France: 394,699 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Catherine is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Catherine is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning “pure.”
Similar Common French Names: Katherine, Katrina, Katia, Caitlin, Katie, Karen, Catriona, Cassidy, Christina, Clara.
4. Monique
Popularity in France: 399,616 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Monique is of Greek and Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Monique is the French form of Monica, meaning “advisor” or “unique.”
Similar Common French Names: Monica, Mona, Marie, Melanie, Marianne, Marissa, Miranda, Melinda, Mabel, Mercy.
3. Françoise
Popularity in France: 401,427 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Françoise is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Françoise is the French feminine form of Francis, meaning “Frenchman” or “free one.”
Similar Common French Names: Frances, Francine, Franny, Florence, Flora, Fiona, Felicity, Fern, Faith, Freya.
2. Jeanne
Popularity in France: 564,247 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Jeanne is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: Jeanne is the French feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
Similar Common French Names: Joan, Jane, Janice, Joanna, Jennifer, Janette, Jeanette, Joy, Julie, Judith.
1. Marie
Popularity in France: 2,231,347 baby girls with this name since 1900
Origin: Marie is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: Marie is derived from the Hebrew name Maryam, meaning “bitterness” or “beloved.”
Similar Common French Names: Maria, Mary, Miriam, Maura, Molly, Maris, Melissa, Matilda, May, Marguerite.
Common French Names With French Origins
The French language is the second-most popular Romance language. As with all Romance languages, it originated from Vulgar Latin, the colloquial form of Latin spoken by common people in the Roman Empire.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Latin spoken in the region that is now France gradually evolved, and was largely influenced by local dialects and languages, such as the Celtic Gaulish.
It was also heavily influenced by the Germanic Frankish language, which was brought by the Franks who invaded the area. Today, it’s spoken by 320+ million people worldwide, including 220+ million natives.
With that said, let’s take a look at some common French names that originated from the French language.
10. Étienne
Origin: Étienne is of Greek and French origin.
Derivation: The name Étienne is the French form of the Greek name Stephanos, meaning “crown” or “garland.”
Similar Common French Names: Stephen, Stefan, Esteban, Stephanus, Stefano, Stellan, Elias, Elijah, Everett, Emile.
9. Mathieu
Origin: Mathieu is of Hebrew and French origin.
Derivation: The name Mathieu is the French form of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning “gift of God.”
Similar Common French Names: Matthew, Matthias, Matias, Matteo, Mason, Marcus, Mitchell, Max, Micah, Magnus.
8. Loïc
Origin: Loïc is of Breton origin.
Derivation: Loïc is a Breton form of the name Louis, meaning “famous warrior.”
Similar Common French Names: Louis, Leo, Leon, Logan, Luca, Levi, Lyle, Landon, Lancelot, Lysander.
7. Gauvain
Origin: Gauvain is of Welsh and Old French origin.
Derivation: The name Gauvain is the French form of Gawain, a legendary knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend. It is derived from the Welsh name Gwalchgwyn, meaning “white hawk” or “hawk of the plain.”
Similar Common French Names: Gawain, Gavin, Galen, Gael, Gareth, Guy, Gideon, Gabriel, Garland, Graham.
6. Guillaume
Origin: Guillaume is of French and Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Guillaume is the French form of William, derived from the Germanic elements wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection), meaning “resolute protector.”
Similar Common French Names: William, Wilhelm, Liam, Willem, Wilson, Walter, Gaspard, Gabriel, Gilbert, Guy.
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5. Adrienne
Origin: Adrienne is of French and Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Adrienne is the French feminine form of Adrian, derived from Hadrianus, meaning “from Hadria,” a town in northern Italy.
Similar Common French Names: Adriana, Adria, Andrea, Alice, Arianne, Annette, Amélie, Amandine, Audrey, Aimée.
4. Maëlys
Origin: Maëlys is of Breton origin.
Derivation: Maëlys is derived from the Breton name Maël, meaning “chief” or “prince,” with the feminine suffix -ys.
Similar Common French Names: Maëlle, May, Melody, Melissa, Mia, Maeve, Malia, Madeleine, Margot, Marielle.
3. Capucine
Origin: Capucine is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Capucine comes from the French word for “nasturtium,” a type of flower.
Similar Common French Names: Camille, Clementine, Clarisse, Colette, Celeste, Chloe, Calla, Coraline, Cassidy, Celine.
2. Soline
Origin: Soline is of Latin and French origin.
Derivation: Soline is derived from the Latin name Sollemnia, meaning “solemn” or “dignified.”
Similar Common French Names: Selene, Serena, Soleil, Sofia, Simone, Sylvia, Stella, Saskia, Sadie, Sabrina.
1. Margaux
Origin: Margaux is of French origin.
Derivation: Margaux is a variant of the name Margot, itself a diminutive of Marguerite, which comes from the Greek margarites, meaning “pearl.”
Similar Common French Names: Margot, Margaret, Megan, Maeve, Maisie, Madison, Miranda, Maris, Marissa, Melody.
Common French Names Inspired By Cities & Landmarks in France
France, located in Western Europe, is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the east, Spain and Adorra to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
It covers an area of approximately 643,801 square kilometers (248,573 square miles), making it the largest country in the European Union and the third-largest in Europe, after Russia and Ukraine.
Aside from being large in area, France is home to an estimated 68 million people, making it the second most populous country in the European Union (EU), behind Germany with more than 84 million people.
Let’s take a look at 10 common French names inspired by popular French destinations and landmarks.
10. Paris
Origin: Paris is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Paris comes from the famous figure in Greek mythology, Prince Paris of Troy.
Similar Common French Names: Troy, Perseus, Pallas, Phoenix, Phineas, Paxton, Patrick, Pascal, Philip, Pierce.
Significance: Located in the northern part of central France, Paris is the capital city and one of the most visited cities in the world. It is renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, as well as its cultural influence in art, fashion, and cuisine.
9. Lourdes
Origin: Lourdes is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Lourdes is derived from the French town where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in visions.
Similar Common French Names: Lucy, Lucia, Lucille, Louisa, Lilith, Lydia, Lena, Leah, Lila, Lana.
Significance: Situated in the southwestern region of France at the foot of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is a major pilgrimage site. It became famous for the Marian apparitions witnessed by Saint Bernadette in 1858, and it attracts millions of religious visitors each year, especially to its sacred healing waters.
8. Calais
Origin: Calais is of French and Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Calais is also a geographic name for a port city in France and in Greek mythology, Calais was a son of Boreas.
Similar Common French Names: Callahan, Caleb, Callum, Carlisle, Carter, Carlin, Cato, Cassius, Charles, Chester.
Significance: Located in northern France on the coast of the English Channel, Calais is best known as a major port city and the closest French point to England. It has historical significance due to its role in WWII and its ferry services to the UK, making it a key transportation hub.
7. Lyon
Origin: Lyon is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Lyon is derived from the Latin word leo, meaning “lion.”
Similar Common French Names: Leo, Leon, Lionel, Leander, Levi, Logan, Lance, Lysander, Lennox, Lorcan.
Significance: Positioned in southeastern France, Lyon is the third-largest city and is famed for its rich history, particularly in silk production and Roman heritage. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known for its gastronomy and vibrant cultural scene.
6. Marseille
Origin: Marseille is of Greek origin.
Derivation: Marseille is named after the French port city, originally founded by the Greeks as Massalia.
Similar Common French Names: Marcus, Marshall, Mason, Marlowe, Malcolm, Marcel, Max, Magnus, Matthias, Mario.
Significance: Located on the southern coast of France along the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the country’s second-largest city and one of the oldest, with over 2,600 years of history. It is a bustling port city famous for its diverse culture, ancient harbor, and vibrant arts scene.
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5. Versailles
Origin: Versailles is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Versailles is from the famous French palace and gardens, meaning “plowed land.”
Similar Common French Names: Victor, Vincent, Vernon, Vance, Valen, Vaughn, Virgil, Valerio, Valentin, Vega.
Significance: Just outside Paris, Versailles is famous for the opulent Palace of Versailles, once the royal residence of French kings, including Louis XIV. The palace and its elaborate gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and symbolize the grandeur of French absolute monarchy.
4. Montpellier
Origin: Montpellier is of French origin.
Derivation: Montpellier is the name of a historic city in southern France, possibly derived from “mount of strength.”
Similar Common French Names: Monty, Montgomery, Maurice, Matteo, Marcel, Marcus, Martin, Merrick, Malcolm, Maverick.
Significance: Situated in southern France near the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier is known for its historical medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and warm climate. The city boasts one of the world’s oldest medical schools, and its cultural festivals attract many visitors.
3. Lille
Origin: Lille is of French origin.
Derivation: Lille is named after the northern French city, meaning “the island.”
Similar Common French Names: Lila, Lilian, Lily, Lisette, Lorraine, Livia, Leona, Lydia, Lauren, Lana.
Significance: Located in northern France near the Belgian border, Lille is known for its vibrant Flemish heritage, impressive architecture, and lively markets. It has grown into a major cultural and economic center with a strong industrial past and contemporary art scene.
2. Rennes
Origin: Rennes is of French origin.
Derivation: Rennes is named after the city in Brittany, France, with roots in the name of an ancient Celtic tribe.
Similar Common French Names: Renée, Roland, Rhett, Roderick, Roman, Raoul, Rupert, Rachel, Riley, Roxanne.
Significance: The capital of the Brittany region in northwestern France, Rennes is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural vibrancy. It’s famous for its student population, historical half-timbered houses, and the annual music festival “Trans Musicales.”
1. Saint-Denis
Origin: Saint-Denis is of French and Greek origin.
Derivation: Saint-Denis is named after the patron saint of France, Denis, meaning “follower of Dionysius.”
Similar Common French Names: Denis, Dennis, Dean, Dominic, Damon, Damian, Dante, Desmond, David, Dylan.
Significance: Located just north of Paris, Saint-Denis is home to the famous Basilica of Saint-Denis, a significant historical and religious site where French kings were buried. It’s a culturally diverse suburb known for its rich history and the Stade de France, the nation’s largest stadium.
Common French Names Inspired By French Celebrities
France is home to a rich collection of film, music, and literature, and many of its stars transcend national boundaries to gain global fame, ultimately playing a significant role in shaping French culture and society.
For example, the French film industry, exemplified by the Cannes Film Festival, holds a central place in cultural identity, with French actors and directors contributing to the rise of France as a hub for innovation.
You also can’t forget about the fashion industry, with designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent shaping not only French fashion but also the global perceptions of creativity, luxury, and imagination.
With that said, here are 10 common French names inspired by some of the biggest French celebrities.
10. Joan (Joan of Arc)
Origin: Joan is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Joan is a feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
Similar Common French Names: Jane, Jean, Joanna, Joanne, Janet, Jocelyn, Judith, Julia, Juliet, Jennifer.
Significance: Joan of Arc, known as the “Maid of Orléans,” was a peasant girl who, during the Hundred Years’ War, led the French army to several key victories. She was captured, tried for heresy, and executed at 19, but later canonized as a saint. She remains a national heroine and symbol of French unity and resilience.
9. Gustave (Gustave Eiffel)
Origin: Gustave is of Scandinavian origin.
Derivation: The name Gustave comes from the Old Norse Gautstafr, meaning “staff of the Goths.”
Similar Common French Names: Gustav, August, Augustus, Gabriel, Gregory, Graham, Grant, Garrison, Gerard, Griffin.
Significance: Gustave Eiffel was a French civil engineer most famous for designing the Eiffel Tower, which has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. He also contributed to the construction of the Statue of Liberty’s framework, cementing his legacy in iconic architecture and engineering.
8. Voltaire
Origin: Voltaire is of French origin.
Derivation: Voltaire is a pen name taken by the French writer, originally from a family nickname.
Similar Common French Names: Victor, Valentin, Vernon, Vincent, Virgil, Vaughn, Vance, Vasco, Vander, Vidal.
Significance: Voltaire was a leading figure of the French Enlightenment, known for his sharp wit, criticism of the Catholic Church, and advocacy for civil liberties, freedom of religion, and free speech. His works, including Candide, remain influential for their philosophical ideas and critique of authority.
7. Hugo (Victor Hugo)
Origin: Hugo is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Hugo is derived from the Germanic hug, meaning “mind” or “spirit.”
Similar Common French Names: Hugh, Huxley, Howard, Harvey, Holden, Harrison, Hank, Horace, Hector, Heath.
Significance: Victor Hugo was one of France’s most famous novelists and poets, best known for Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. His works often address themes of justice, morality, and the struggles of the poor, making him a major literary and political figure in French history.
6. Claude (Claude Monet)
Origin: Claude is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Claude is derived from the Latin Claudius, meaning “lame” or “crippled.”
Similar Common French Names: Claudius, Claudia, Clark, Clement, Clayton, Clint, Conrad, Casper, Cyril, Caleb.
Significance: Claude Monet was a founder of the French Impressionist movement, known for his landscape paintings that focused on light and color. Works like Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise revolutionized art, and his innovative style remains influential in modern art.
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5. Chanel (Coco Chanel)
Origin: Chanel is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Chanel comes from the French word for “channel” or “pipe.” It became popular due to the influence of Coco Chanel.
Similar Common French Names: Charlotte, Cherie, Chelsea, Chantal, Charlene, Camilla, Chloe, Clarisse, Cecile, Celeste.
Significance: Coco Chanel was a fashion designer who transformed women’s fashion by introducing modern, stylish yet practical clothing, such as the Chanel suit and the little black dress. Her brand, Chanel, remains one of the most iconic in fashion history, known for timeless elegance and luxury.
4. Hubert (Hubert de Givenchy)
Origin: Hubert is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Hubert is derived from the Germanic elements hug (mind) and beraht (bright), meaning “bright mind” or “intellect.”
Similar Common French Names: Hugh, Herbert, Harvey, Hector, Henry, Huxley, Horace, Hayden, Hans, Howard.
Significance: Hubert de Givenchy was a French fashion designer known for his refined, elegant style and his close association with Audrey Hepburn, for whom he designed some of her most iconic looks. His haute couture house, Givenchy, became a symbol of Parisian chic and luxury.
3. Brigitte (Brigitte Bardot)
Origin: Brigitte is of Celtic origin.
Derivation: The name Brigitte is derived from the Celtic goddess Brigid, meaning “strength” or “exalted one.”
Similar Common French Names: Bridget, Britt, Brianna, Bella, Bianca, Beatrice, Blair, Brooke, Bernadette, Blanche.
Significance: Brigitte Bardot was an actress, singer, and model who became an international sex symbol in the 1950s and 1960s, starring in films like And God Created Woman. She later became a passionate animal rights activist, dedicating her life to advocating for animal welfare.
2. Victor (Victor Wembanyama)
Origin: Victor is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Victor is derived from the Latin word victor, meaning “conqueror” or “victor.”
Similar Common French Names: Vincent, Vance, Vernon, Valerio, Vaughn, Vasco, Valentin, Virgil, Vander, Vidal.
Significance: Victor Wembanyama is a French professional basketball player known for his remarkable height (7’4″) and versatility on the court. Widely regarded as a generational talent, he became a global sensation after being the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
1. Zinédine (Zinédine Zidane)
Origin: Zinédine is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Zinédine is derived from the Arabic Zayn al-Dīn, meaning “beauty of the faith.”
Similar Common French Names: Zayn, Zain, Zainal, Zakaria, Zephyr, Zahir, Zeke, Zayd, Zion, Zavier.
Significance: Zinédine Zidane is a retired French footballer and manager who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Known for his skill and vision, Zidane won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France and later had a successful coaching career, winning multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Common French Names Inspired By French Presidents
The president of France, also known as president of the French Republic, was established in 1848 with the creation of the Second Republic following the February Revolution that overthrew King Louis-Philippe.
The first French president was Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. However, he declared himself Emperor and dissolved the presidency in 1852, marking the end of the Second Republic.
The modern office of the French president as it is known today began with the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958 under Charles de Gaulle, who sought to provide France with a strong executive branch.
Since the establishment of the Fifth Republic, France has had several notable presidents. Let’s take a look at some common French names inspired by these presidents!
10. Emmanuel (Emmanuel Macron)
Origin: Emmanuel is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Emmanuel is derived from the Hebrew name Immanuel, meaning “God is with us.”
Similar Common French Names: Manuel, Emanuele, Ethan, Elias, Ezra, Elijah, Everett, Ethan, Emmett, Evan.
Significance: Emmanuel Macron has served as President of France since May 2017. A centrist politician and former investment banker, Macron is the youngest president in French history, focusing on economic reform, labor laws, and positioning France as a key player in European Union politics.
9. François (François Hollande)
Origin: François is of Latin origin.
Derivation: François is the French form of Francis, meaning “Frenchman” or “free one.”
Similar Common French Names: Francis, Franco, Franklin, Frank, Freddy, Fletcher, Felix, Finn, Fabian, Forrest.
Significance: François Hollande served as President of France from 2012 to 2017. A member of the Socialist Party, his presidency was marked by economic challenges, terrorist attacks in Paris, and controversial labor reforms, but he did not seek re-election due to low approval ratings.
8. Nicolas (Nicolas Sarkozy)
Origin: Nicolas is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Nicolas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, meaning “victory of the people.”
Similar Common French Names: Nicholas, Niko, Nico, Nikolai, Nathan, Nate, Neil, Noel, Nash, Newton.
Significance: Nicolas Sarkozy served as President of France from 2007 to 2012. A member of the center-right party, he focused on economic reform, security issues, and foreign policy, notably intervening in the Libyan Civil War. His presidency faced criticism for austerity measures and economic instability.
7. Valéry (Valéry Giscard d’Estaing)
Origin: Valéry is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Valéry is derived from the Latin valere, meaning “to be strong” or “healthy.”
Similar Common French Names: Valerie, Valentina, Valeria, Violet, Vivienne, Vanessa, Veronica, Vienna, Vera, Veda.
Significance: Valéry Giscard d’Estaing served as President of France from 1974 to 1981. Known for modernizing French society, he introduced progressive reforms, such as legalizing abortion and lowering the voting age to 18, but lost re-election due to economic downturns.
6. Georges (Georges Pompidou)
Origin: Georges is of Greek origin.
Derivation: Georges is the French form of George, derived from the Greek georgos, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
Similar Common French Names: George, Gregory, Gerard, Gabriel, Geoffrey, Garth, Gareth, Gerald, Griffin, Gage.
Significance: Georges Pompidou was President of France from 1969 until his death in 1974. He focused on modernizing France’s economy and industry, but his presidency was cut short by illness. Pompidou is remembered for continuing Charles de Gaulle’s policies and overseeing the creation of the modern art-focused Pompidou Center in Paris.
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5. Charles (Charles de Gaulle)
Origin: Charles is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Charles is derived from the Germanic Karl, meaning “free man.”
Similar Common French Names: Carl, Charlie, Chase, Christian, Conrad, Curtis, Clinton, Colton, Caleb, Carter.
Significance: Charles de Gaulle served two terms as President of France, first from 1959 to 1969. He was a key figure in France’s liberation during WWII and founded the Fifth Republic, establishing a strong presidential system. De Gaulle’s leadership shaped modern French politics and foreign policy, focusing on national independence.
4. Vincent (Vincent Auriol)
Origin: Vincent is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Vincent comes from the Latin vincere, meaning “to conquer” or “prevail.”
Similar Common French Names: Victor, Vance, Vaughn, Vernon, Valerio, Valentin, Vasco, Virgil, Valen, Vidal.
Significance: Vincent Auriol was President of France from 1947 to 1954, serving as the first president of the Fourth Republic. A member of the French Socialist Party, Auriol helped guide post-war France through reconstruction and the early years of European integration.
3. Léon (Léon Blum)
Origin: Léon is of Latin and Greek origin.
Derivation: Léon is derived from the Latin leo, meaning “lion.”
Similar Common French Names: Leo, Leonard, Lionel, Lennox, Leander, Lorenzo, Lawson, Lysander, Levi, Lance.
Significance: Léon Blum served as Prime Minister of France during the Third Republic, notably from 1936 to 1937 and again briefly in 1938 and 1946–1947. Though not a president, his Popular Front government is famous for implementing significant social reforms like paid vacations and a 40-hour workweek.
2. Félix (Félix Gouin)
Origin: Félix is of Latin origin.
Derivation: Félix is derived from the Latin felix, meaning “happy” or “fortunate.”
Similar Common French Names: Felix, Felixio, Franco, Fabian, Finn, Fenton, Forrest, Fletcher, Francis, Franklin.
Significance: Félix Gouin briefly served as Acting President of the Provisional Government of France from 1946 to 1947, following Charles de Gaulle’s resignation. He was instrumental in overseeing the transition from the Provisional Government to the establishment of the Fourth Republic.
1. Gaston (Gaston Doumergue)
Origin: Gaston is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Gaston is derived from the Germanic word gast, meaning “guest” or “stranger.”
Similar Common French Names: Gaspard, Gideon, Gilbert, Graham, Garrison, Grady, Gunther, Gavin, Griffin, Gareth.
Significance: Gaston Doumergue served as President of France from 1924 to 1931 during the Third Republic. He is remembered for his moderate leadership and for maintaining political stability in a period marked by social unrest and frequent changes in government.
Which of Those Common French Names Was Your Favorite?
France is a lot of things. It’s the largest country in the EU by area, the second-largest country in the EU by population, and has been the most visited country in the world with the most tourists for 30 years straight.
Not only that, but people around the globe have been fascinated by French culture and society for centuries. From the way they dress to their music, literature, film, musicals, and other entertainment.
With that said, it’s no surprise to see some of the most common French names do some traveling of their own as parents all over the world find solace in the elegant and sophisticated aura French names provide.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Baby Name Generator for More Baby Name Ideas!
But if common French names aren’t your cup of tea, then don’t worry. We publish hundreds of unique baby name ideas every week at our Mamas Uncut blog, so you can always find some inspiration there!
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Baby Name Generator
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