50 Old French Baby Names With Meanings
Celebrate tradition with timeless, graceful, and captivating names of Gallic origin.
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Old French baby names hold echoes from long ago, bringing thoughts of brave knights, magical castles, and storytellers to mind. These names show the beauty of the French language and history, reflecting timeless elegance beyond fads. We feel that the French have a Midas touch. Everything they touch turns to gold or stylish due to their chic influence. Even the classic French names bowl us over. And we are not talking about the trendy French names. Instead, we are referring to the Old French names. Old French was the Gallo-Romance dialect continuum from the 9th to the 14th century. Collectively, it was known as Langues d'oïl (1). The most common names of this time are associated with saints and religious figures. Hyphenated names were and are still very popular with the French. These names are composed of two names from the same gender. And the diminutive suffixes (-et) or (–ot) are added to the boys' names, and (–otte) or (–ette) are added to the girls' names. In France, people usually have one or more first and last names. They use one first name in daily life and the other only for official purposes. Unlike English names, there are no middle names. People don't use initials for their second or other first names. While most Old French names have been simplified with phonetic spellings, original Old French names have an element of originality with a stylish twist. From royal courts to rustic villages, these names have graced individuals from all walks of life. Below is our collection of Old French baby names sorted by gender, meaning, and origin. Browse the list and pick an adorable name that best mirrors your child's personality.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Noble | |
| |  Unisex | The act of intentionally setting fire to property | |
| | Unisex | Wealthy protector | |
| | Girl | Name of a sweet singing bird | |
| |  Boy | A blessing | |
| | Unisex | Quality or level of ability or skill | |
| | Boy | A strong huntsman | |
| | Boy | A servant | |
| | Girl | Dweller by the canal; Bottle-maker | |
| | Boy | Wolf's babies; the wise one | |
| | Girl | Melody; a song | |
| | Boy | To hunt; Capture | |
| | Unisex | Bravery; Strength; Fearlessness | |
| | Unisex | A small, sharp, handheld weapon used for stabbing | |
| | Boy | Open; Beloved | |
| | Girl | A foreign individual; Versatile and creative | |
| | Boy | Nobleness | |
| | Girl | The entire universe is symbolized by this name | |
| | Girl | A feminized name which means life; To live | |
| | Boy | Son of Roy or son of the king | |
| | Boy | A person with fiery red hair | |
| | Girl | A person with red-colored locks | |
| | Girl | Blond; Golden | |
| | Unisex | A smith; Someone employed by a smith | |
| | Unisex | A person who resides beside a pit or hollow | |
| | Girl | A person hailing from France | |
| | Boy | A strawberry | |
| | Boy | Strawberries | |
| | Boy | Strawberry; A derivative of Fraise | |
| | Unisex | A free individual belonging to France; wild horse | |
| | Unisex | Desirable one | |
| | Boy | A spear or arrow | |
| | Unisex | A person who inherits or is entitled to inherit property or title | |
| | Unisex | A small island or landmass surrounded by water | |
| | Unisex | Pet form of names with the syllable -gel or -jel | |
| | Girl | Joyous; Member of the Gauts tribe | |
| | Girl | To pour; Stream; Flowing water; Waterfall | |
| | Boy | A surname derived from the German name Luitger; Composed of people and a spear | |
| | Boy | One from the island | |
| | Boy | Occupational name; Stoneworker; Home | |
| | Boy | Song thrush bird; Joy | |
| | Boy | Stoneworker | |
| | Boy | Bad town | |
| | Boy | One who pierces the valley; Hard steel; Rock, Stone; A form of Percival | |
| | Unisex | Wharf | |
| | Unisex | Wild; Fierce; Uncontrolled; Uncivilized | |
| | Unisex | Dispenser of provisions | |
| | Boy | Eagle's claws | |
| | Unisex | Thunder ruler | |
| | Boy | Brave | |
Old French names have a timeless appeal and charm. They reflect France's rich historical and cultural heritage and treasured traditions. Whether it's their tricky yet stylish pronunciation or rich cultural tapestry, Old French baby names are class apart. From names rooted in religion to those steeped in aristocracy, Old French names offer numerous options to suit different preferences. Our list above compiles baby names with meanings to help you find a name that adds a classic touch to your little one's personality.
Infographic: Wondrous Old French Baby Names
Step into a world of timeless charm with old French baby names. Each name carries a rich history and a touch of elegance, connecting your child to a legacy of beauty and culture. Go through the infographic below and choose a name for your newborn that resonates with your beliefs and tastes. Lastly, don’t forget to save and share it with others!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the unique French name?
Examples of unique French baby names include Basile (king, royal), Émilien (the eager, French form of the name Aemilius), Maël (meaning prince or a chief), Pascal (related to Easter and Passover), Valentin (strong and healthy), and Sacha (defender), among others. They are probably unique since they have regal connotations and an old-world charm.
2. What is the meaning of the name "Jacques" in old French?
In Old French, the name Jacques is the French form of Iacobus and bears the meaning ‘God is merciful’ or ‘God will protect.’
3. What are some old French baby names that are gender-neutral?
Some examples of unisex French baby names include Andrea (meaning force or courage), Candide (meaning white), Elalois (meaning desirable), Gene (meaning wellborn), and Lois ( meaning more desirable). They are enchanting and have profound meanings, suitable for boys and girls.
References
- Maintenance and Revitalization of Gallo.
https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/pdf/doi/10.4324/9781315561271-37
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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