Classic Names with Enduring Popularity

Feminine Classics

Marie [mah-REE] - Origin: Hebrew, via Latin Maria - Meaning: "Beloved" or "bitter" (disputed) - Cultural notes: The most traditional French name, honoring the Virgin Mary. Often used as a compound first element (Marie-Claire, Marie-France) - Variations: Maria, Mariette, Marion, Marielle - Notable bearers: Marie Curie, Marie Antoinette - International forms: Mary (English), María (Spanish), Maria (Italian)

Jeanne [zhahn] - Origin: Hebrew, via Old French - Meaning: "God is gracious" - Cultural notes: Associated with Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc), symbol of French courage - Variations: Jeannette, Jeannine, Jeanine - Notable bearers: Jeanne d'Arc, Jeanne Moreau - International forms: Joan (English), Juana (Spanish), Giovanna (Italian)

Catherine [kah-teh-REEN] - Origin: Greek - Meaning: "Pure" - Cultural notes: Name of numerous French queens and saints - Variations: Cathérine, Cathy, Catou (familiar) - Notable bearers: Catherine de Médicis, Catherine Deneuve - International forms: Katherine (English), Catalina (Spanish), Caterina (Italian)

Marguerite [mar-geh-REET] - Origin: Greek, via Latin - Meaning: "Pearl" or "daisy flower" - Cultural notes: Royal name, also the French word for daisy - Variations: Margot, Maggie, Margaux - Notable bearers: Marguerite de Valois, Marguerite Duras - International forms: Margaret (English), Margarita (Spanish), Margherita (Italian)

Louise [loo-EEZ] - Origin: Germanic - Meaning: "Famous warrior" - Cultural notes: Feminine form of Louis, popular across all social classes - Variations: Louisette, Lou, Louison - Notable bearers: Louise Michel, Louise de La Vallière - International forms: Louisa (English), Luisa (Spanish/Italian)

Masculine Classics

Jean [zhahn] - Origin: Hebrew, via Greek and Latin - Meaning: "God is gracious" - Cultural notes: The most common French male name for centuries - Variations: Jeannot, Jehan (archaic), Jean-Baptiste, Jean-Pierre - Notable bearers: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jean-Paul Sartre - International forms: John (English), Juan (Spanish), Giovanni (Italian)

Louis [loo-EE] - Origin: Germanic - Meaning: "Famous warrior" - Cultural notes: Name of 18 French kings, epitomizes French royalty - Variations: Ludovic, Clovis (ancient form), Lou - Notable bearers: Louis XIV, Louis Pasteur - International forms: Lewis/Louis (English), Luis (Spanish), Luigi (Italian)

Pierre [pee-AIR] - Origin: Greek, via Latin - Meaning: "Rock, stone" - Cultural notes: Honoring Saint Peter, symbolizes strength and faith - Variations: Pierrot, Pierrick (Breton) - Notable bearers: Pierre Curie, Pierre-Auguste Renoir - International forms: Peter (English), Pedro (Spanish), Pietro (Italian)

François [frahn-SWAH] - Origin: Latin - Meaning: "Free man" or "from France" - Cultural notes: Honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, patriotic choice - Variations: Francis, Francisque, Fanfan (familiar) - Notable bearers: François Ier, François Mitterrand - International forms: Francis (English), Francisco (Spanish), Francesco (Italian)

Michel [mee-SHEL] - Origin: Hebrew - Meaning: "Who is like God?" - Cultural notes: Honoring the Archangel Michael, protector of France - Variations: Michelet, Michou (familiar) - Notable bearers: Michel de Montaigne, Michel Foucault - International forms: Michael (English), Miguel (Spanish), Michele (Italian)