My first week in a French primary school, I met three Emma /ɛ.ma/, two Chloé /klo.e/, one Léa /le.a/, and approximately 97 little girls named something ending in -ie. At one point the teacher said « Emma, viens au tableau » and two Emmas and one Ella all stood up at the same time.
That’s when I realised: if you want to follow French life, books, or Netflix series without getting lost, you need a solid mental map of real French girl names. Not just Amélie because you saw one movie once.
So here’s your yak-approved, very long, very practical reference list.
Quick Primer On French Girl Names
A few things you notice when you eavesdrop on French playgrounds (purely for linguistic research, of course):
- Lots of short names (often 2 syllables or less)
- Many names ending in -a, -ie, -ine, -elle
- Strong mix of:
- Modern trendy names (Jade, Mila, Lina, Aya)
- Solid classics (Marie, Claire, Julie, Sophie)
- Retro grandma-chic (Jeanne, Suzanne, Madeleine, Yvonne)
- Multicultural & international (Inès, Lina, Sara, Naïma, Aïcha)
- Modern trendy names (Jade, Mila, Lina, Aya)
In the tables below you’ll see:
- French form
- IPA (France French pronunciation)
- A quick English “vibe” so you remember them
Use it for naming characters, babies, video-game heroes, or imaginary French neighbours who keep borrowing your sugar.
Modern Headliners: Super Popular French Girl Names
These are the names you’ll hear constantly in schools, playgrounds, and WhatsApp parent groups.
| French Name | IPA | Vibe / Meaning |
| Emma | /ɛ.ma/ | ultra-popular, simple, international |
| Jade | /ʒad/ | modern, sharp, gemstone name |
| Chloé | /klo.e/ | sweet, fashionable, Greek origin |
| Léa | /le.a/ | short, bright, biblical “Leah” |
| Lina | /li.na/ | very trendy, soft and international |
| Mila | /mi.la/ | modern, cute, Slavic origin |
| Alice | /a.lis/ | classic-but-trendy, literary |
| Anna | /a.na/ | timeless, international |
| Rose | /ʁoz/ | floral, elegant, classic |
| Inès | /i.nɛs/ | extremely popular, chic, from Inés |
| Romy | /ʁo.mi/ | short, cool, modern |
| Annaelle / Anaëlle | /a.na.ɛl/ | modern, soft, Breton-influenced |
| Lou | /lu/ | very short, unisex, trendy |
| Lola | /lɔ.la/ | playful, modern, popular |
| Zoé | /zo.e/ | energetic, bright, Greek “life” |
| Louna | /lu.na/ | soft, modern, moon-adjacent vibe |
| Jeanne | /ʒan/ | very classic, recently fashionable again |
| Julia | /ʒy.lja/ | international, elegant |
| Juliette | /ʒy.li.ɛt/ | romantic, literary |
| Elisa | /e.li.za/ | gentle, internationally friendly |
| Manon | /ma.nɔ̃/ | very French, casual, cute |
| Clémence | /kle.mɑ̃s/ | classic, calm, “clemency” |
| Agathe | /a.ɡat/ | vintage-modern, gemstone (agate) |
| Sarah | /sa.ʁa/ | biblical, widely used |
If you want a girl character who sounds like she’s actually going to school in France right now, this section alone will keep you busy.
Elegant French Classics That Never Go Out Of Style
These names feel like French from any decade: books, films, family gatherings with way too much cheese.
| French Name | IPA | Vibe / Meaning |
| Marie | /ma.ʁi/ | the French classic of all classics |
| Claire | /klɛʁ/ | clear, bright, elegant |
| Sophie | /sɔ.fi/ | gentle, “wisdom” |
| Julie | /ʒy.li/ | very common, friendly, 80s–now |
| Camille | /ka.mij/ | unisex but mostly feminine today |
| Caroline | /ka.ʁɔ.lin/ | classic, slightly formal |
| Charlotte | /ʃa.lɔt/ | royal, popular, international |
| Amélie | /a.me.li/ | sweet, whimsical, movie-famous |
| Hélène | /e.lɛn/ | classic, slightly old-fashioned |
| Isabelle | /i.za.bɛl/ | elegant, very French |
| Émilie | /e.mi.li/ | common, soft, bookish |
| Lucie | /ly.si/ | bright, from “light” |
| Pauline | /po.lin/ | 80s–90s classic, still used |
| Audrey | /o.dʁe/ | English-origin but fully naturalised |
| Sandrine | /sɑ̃.dʁin/ | very 70s–90s France |
| Valérie | /va.le.ʁi/ | classic, strong “aunt name” |
| Nathalie | /na.ta.li/ | extremely French, solid |
| Véronique | /ve.ʁɔ.nik/ | older generation, long-form |
| Laurence | /lɔ.ʁɑ̃s/ | feminine in French, classic |
| Nadège | /na.dɛʒ/ | unique, very French sound |
Perfect for naming mums, aunts, teachers, bosses, neighbours, or characters in anything set from the 1960s to now.
Short & Sweet French Girl Names (Playground Favourites)
Modern France is obsessed with short names that are easy to yell from a balcony.
| French Name | IPA | Vibe / Meaning |
| Léa | /le.a/ | already seen: mega popular, short |
| Lou | /lu/ | unisex, very trendy |
| Lya / Lia | /lja/ | cute, modern, international |
| Ava | /a.va/ | international, glamorous |
| Eva | /e.va/ | simple, widely used |
| Lila | /li.la/ | floral, light, modern |
| Nina | /ni.na/ | short, soft, artistic |
| Maé | /ma.e/ | modern, airy, gentle |
| Zoé | /zo.e/ | zippy, easy to remember |
| Noa | /no.a/ | unisex, short, soft |
| Aya | /a.ja/ | very popular, Arabic origin |
| Hana | /a.na/ or /a.na/ (H often silent) | simple, international variants |
| Alma | /al.ma/ | vintage-modern, soulful |
| Léna | /le.na/ | trendy, bright |
| Lina | /li.na/ | seen above: super popular |
| Enora | /e.nɔ.ʁa/ | Breton-flavoured, soft |
| Tess | /tɛs/ | sharp, very short, modern |
| June | /dʒun/ (often /ʒun/ French-ified) | English-origin, stylish |
| Iris | /i.ʁis/ | floral, refined |
| Jade | /ʒad/ | again: modern, gemstone |
If it fits on a tiny backpack label in one go, it’s probably in this section.
Vintage Grandma-Chic Girl Names Making A Comeback
Names that used to belong to great-grandmothers and are now worn by babies with oversized cardigans and tiny leather shoes.
| French Name | IPA | Vibe / Meaning |
| Jeanne | /ʒan/ | ultra-French, Joan-of-Arc energy |
| Suzanne | /sy.zan/ | sweet, old-fashioned, musical |
| Yvonne | /i.vɔn/ | very vintage, strong character |
| Madeleine | /ma.də.lɛn/ | cake, nostalgia, warmth |
| Colette | /kɔ.lɛt/ | literary, retro, stylish |
| Odette | /ɔ.dɛt/ | ballet, swans, vintage charm |
| Berthe | /bɛʁt/ | very old-school, rural vibes |
| Germaine | /ʒɛʁ.mɛn/ | strongly grandma, almost comic |
| Fernande | /fɛʁ.nɑ̃d/ | old-fashioned, dramatic |
| Paulette | /po.lɛt/ | petite, retro, cute |
| Raymonde | /ʁɛ.mɔ̃d/ | deeply vintage |
| Huguette | /y.ɡɛt/ | very “great aunt” name |
| Marguerite | /maʁ.ɡ(ə).ʁit/ | flower, literary charm |
| Blanche | /blɑ̃ʃ/ | “white,” vintage chic |
| Léonie | /le.o.ni/ | old name back in style |
| Joséphine | /ʒo.ze.fin/ | imperial, retro, classy |
| Apolline | /a.pɔ.lin/ | soft, poetic, slightly rare |
| Violette | /vjo.lɛt/ | floral, gentle vintage |
| Édith | /e.dit/ | retro, linked to Édith Piaf |
Perfect for historical novels, period dramas, or hipster Parisian babies whose parents own at least one vintage record player.
International & Multicultural Girl Names Common In France
France is very mixed, and you’ll hear a lot of names from Arabic, African, Spanish, Portuguese, and English origins, all spoken with a French accent.
| French Name | IPA | Origin / Vibe |
| Sara / Sarah | /sa.ʁa/ | biblical, widely used |
| Aïcha | /a.i.ʃa/ | Arabic origin, very common |
| Naïma | /na.i.ma/ | Arabic origin, soft and melodic |
| Yasmine | /jaz.min/ or /jɑs.min/ | “jasmine,” popular |
| Samira | /sa.mi.ʁa/ | Arabic origin, elegant |
| Laila / Leïla | /lɛj.la/ | Arabic origin, very popular |
| Sofia | /sɔ.fja/ | international, romantic |
| Fatima | /fa.ti.ma/ | classic Arabic name |
| Layana / Liyana | /li.ja.na/ | modern, melodic |
| Carmen | /kaʁ.mɛn/ | Spanish origin, strong |
| Maria | /ma.ʁja/ | international, religious |
| Bianca | /bjɑ̃.ka/ | Italian/Spanish flavour |
| Kiara / Chiara | /kja.ʁa/ | Italian/English mix, modern |
| Diana | /djɑ.na/ | classic, international |
| Salma | /sal.ma/ | Arabic origin, soft & calm |
| Nour | /nuʁ/ | Arabic “light,” used for girls |
| Louna | /lu.na/ | modern, has a “Luna” vibe |
| Malika | /ma.li.ka/ | Arabic “queen” |
| Amira | /a.mi.ʁa/ | Arabic “princess/leader” |
These names show up a lot in big cities, suburbs, and multicultural schools.
Name Traps, Spelling Surprises, And Other Yak Observations
A few things that confuse learners (and occasionally other French people):
- Accent marks matter
- Zoé /zo.e/ vs. Zoe (often still /zo.e/, but the accent is standard in French)
- Anaïs /a.na.is/ (the two dots, tréma, break the sound)
- Maëlys /ma.e.lis/ (yes, you pronounce the -ë-)
- Zoé /zo.e/ vs. Zoe (often still /zo.e/, but the accent is standard in French)
- Names with nasal vowels
- Jeanne /ʒan/ (that nasal an)
- Manon /ma.nɔ̃/
- Ninon /ni.nɔ̃/
- Jeanne /ʒan/ (that nasal an)
- English names with French pronunciation
- Wendy /wɛn.di/ often becomes /wɑ̃.di/ or /wɛn.di/ with a French accent
- Jessica /ʒe.si.ka/ (yes, that first sound is /ʒ/)
- Kelly /ke.li/, Sandy /sɑ̃.di/, Cindy /sɛ̃.di/ etc.
- Wendy /wɛn.di/ often becomes /wɑ̃.di/ or /wɛn.di/ with a French accent
- Era signals
- Cindy, Sandy, Kelly, Jennifer, Vanessa → strong 80s–90s France energy
- Emma, Jade, Mila, Lina, Inès → very 2000s–2020s
- Cindy, Sandy, Kelly, Jennifer, Vanessa → strong 80s–90s France energy
- Double names & hyphens
- Marie-Claire /ma.ʁi klɛʁ/
- Anne-Sophie /an sɔ.fi/
- Jeanne-Marie /ʒan ma.ʁi/
These sound formal, sometimes quite Catholic, usually older generations but still used.
- Marie-Claire /ma.ʁi klɛʁ/
Mini Dialogues (Names In Real-Life French)
Dialogue 1
– comment elle s’appelle, ta fille ?
/kɔ.mɑ̃ ɛl sa.pɛl ta fij/
What’s your daughter’s name?
– elle s’appelle Inès.
/ɛl sa.pɛl i.nɛs/
Her name is Inès.
Dialogue 2
– vous avez choisi un prénom ?
/vu.za.ve ʃwa.zi œ̃ pʁe.nɔ̃/
Have you chosen a first name?
– oui, on hésitait entre Jeanne et Rose, mais on a pris Rose.
/wi ɔ̃ ne.zi.tɛ ɑ̃tʁ ʒan e ʁoz mɛ ɔ̃ a pʁi ʁoz/
Yes, we were hesitating between Jeanne and Rose, but we chose Rose.
Dialogue 3
– c’est un prénom plutôt classique ou moderne ?
/se tœ̃ pʁe.nɔ̃ ply.to kla.sik u mɔ.dɛʁn/
Is it a rather classic or modern name?
– plutôt moderne, elle s’appelle Mila.
/ply.to mɔ.dɛʁn ɛl sa.pɛl mi.la/
More modern, her name is Mila.
Quick Reference: 40 Go-To French Girl Names
A compact list you can grab when you just need “a good French girl name” right now.
| French Name | IPA | Style |
| Emma | /ɛ.ma/ | ultra-popular |
| Jade | /ʒad/ | modern, gemstone |
| Chloé | /klo.e/ | trendy classic |
| Léa | /le.a/ | short, bright |
| Inès | /i.nɛs/ | super chic |
| Mila | /mi.la/ | very current |
| Lina | /li.na/ | soft, trendy |
| Zoé | /zo.e/ | energetic |
| Alice | /a.lis/ | classic-modern |
| Rose | /ʁoz/ | floral classic |
| Manon | /ma.nɔ̃/ | very French |
| Lou | /lu/ | unisex, cool |
| Jeanne | /ʒan/ | grandma-chic |
| Juliette | /ʒy.li.ɛt/ | romantic |
| Camille | /ka.mij/ | classic |
| Lucie | /ly.si/ | gentle, bright |
| Marie | /ma.ʁi/ | eternal classic |
| Claire | /klɛʁ/ | clear, elegant |
| Sophie | /sɔ.fi/ | timeless |
| Charlotte | /ʃa.lɔt/ | royal, popular |
| Anaïs | /a.na.is/ | very French |
| Lila | /li.la/ | light, floral |
| Nina | /ni.na/ | artistic |
| Tess | /tɛs/ | sharp, modern |
| Iris | /i.ʁis/ | floral, refined |
| Yasmine | /jaz.min/ | multicultural |
| Sara | /sa.ʁa/ | international |
| Aïcha | /a.i.ʃa/ | Arabic origin |
| Naïma | /na.i.ma/ | soft, melodic |
| Sofia | /sɔ.fja/ | international chic |
| Joséphine | /ʒo.ze.fin/ | vintage classy |
| Violette | /vjo.lɛt/ | floral retro |
| Apolline | /a.pɔ.lin/ | poetic |
| Suzanne | /sy.zan/ | vintage-sweet |
| Colette | /kɔ.lɛt/ | literary |
| Blanche | /blɑ̃ʃ/ | vintage chic |
| Ava | /a.va/ | global, modern |
| Eva | /e.va/ | simple, strong |
| Hana | /a.na/ | international |
| Alma | /al.ma/ | soulful, retro-modern |
Five-Minute Practice Plan With Names
- Pick five names from different sections (one trendy, one classic, one vintage, one short, one multicultural).
- Say them out loud with the IPA until they feel natural in your mouth.
- Make full sentences with elle s’appelle… /ɛl sa.pɛl/:
- elle s’appelle Zoé.
- elle s’appelle Joséphine.
- elle s’appelle Zoé.
- Invent two “baby announcement” sentences:
- on a appelé notre fille Jade. /ɔ̃ a a.pe.le nɔtʁ fij ʒad/
- on a choisi le prénom Inès. /ɔ̃ a ʃwa.zi lə pʁe.nɔ̃ i.nɛs/
- on a appelé notre fille Jade. /ɔ̃ a a.pe.le nɔtʁ fij ʒad/
- Read the mini dialogues as if you’re at a French maternity ward trying to remember everyone’s chosen name and pretending you’re not crying at how cute they all are.
Naming The Future, French-Style (Yak’s Final Word)
Once you have these names in your mental toolbox, French stops being just verbs and articles and starts feeling like a living world full of Emmas, Inès, Manon, Jeanne, Lina, and Alma arguing over who stole whose pencil case.
You’ll recognise names in books, in films, in conversations on the métro, and you’ll be able to pick exactly the right vibe for your characters, your stories, or your very real tiny human.
And if you’re ever stuck, you can do what half of France seems to do:
« On l’appelle Emma. Comme ça, elle aura toujours quelqu’un avec le même prénom dans sa classe. »
“We’ll call her Emma. That way, she’ll always have someone with the same name in her class.”