Old French Girl Names:
Old French girl names are a treasure trove of timeless elegance and sophistication. Rooted in the rich history and culture of France, these names exude charm and grace, making them a popular choice for parents seeking a classic and refined name for their daughters. From royal appellations to quaint village names, Old French girl names offer a diverse range of options that are sure to captivate and inspire.
Many Old French girl names have deep historical significance, with some tracing their origins back to medieval times. These names often carry a sense of nobility and tradition, reflecting the grandeur of French aristocracy. Names like Isabelle, Marguerite, and Genevieve evoke images of opulent chateaus and courtly romance, adding a touch of regal splendor to any child’s moniker.
One of the distinctive features of Old French girl names is their melodic and lyrical quality. With soft vowels and flowing syllables, names such as Amelie, Juliette, and Camille roll off the tongue with a musical cadence that is both pleasing to the ear and aesthetically pleasing. This poetic quality lends an air of sophistication and refinement to these names, making them a popular choice for parents with a taste for the elegant.
Whether you are drawn to the grandeur of historical names or the poetic beauty of melodic appellations, Old French girl names offer a wealth of options for parents seeking a name that is both timeless and enchanting. Explore our curated list of Old French girl names to discover the perfect name for your little princess and embrace the allure of French culture and heritage.
| Name | Origins | Gender | Celebrity Name? | Celebrity Baby Name? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyle | English, Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Lynete | Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Lynnet | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Lyonors | English, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Lysle | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mabrie | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mace | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Maci | English, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Macyn | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Maible | English, French, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Maillard | French, Old French, English | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Maimee | Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Maisi | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Malleson | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mallorey | Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mallorie | English, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mallory | Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Malori | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Malvil | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Malvill | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Manger | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mantel | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| March | English, Old French, Roman Mythology | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Margerie | Greek, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Marjorey | Old French, Scottish, English, Middle Ages | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Marquette | French, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Marriot | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Marybell | Hebrew, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mason | Old French | unisex | Y | Y | Shortlist |
| Massie | Scottish, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mava | African, Native American, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Maviss | Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mayne | French, Persian, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Melecent | French, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Melisende | French, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Melissent | French, Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Mellicent | Old French, English | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Melysande | Old French | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Merivale | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Merrel | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Morin | French, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Morty | Old French, Norman | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Murel | English, Old French, French, Latin | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Nerville | French, Old French, Persian | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Nevall | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Nevyll | English, Persian, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Nevylle | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Niegel | German, Old French, masculine | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Normandy | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Norvill | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Nowel | Old French, Middle Ages | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Nyrell | American, Welsh, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Obey | English, Old French, French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Oriole | Old French, Native American, Chinese | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Orval | French, Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Ouen | French, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Padget | Old French, English | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Page | Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Pagin | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Paige | Old French, English | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Paigett | Old French, English | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Pain | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Parish | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Patten | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Paver | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Paynter | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Pell | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Philliberte | French, Old French, Greek | girl | N | N | Shortlist |
| Pierpont | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Pomeroy | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Porter | Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Prentice | English, Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Prentise | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Prentiss | English, Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Prentyse | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Prewit | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Primrose | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Procter | English, Old French | unisex | Y | N | Shortlist |
| Pruit | English, Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
| Prymrose | Old French | unisex | N | N | Shortlist |
Old-french girls names FAQs
What is the origin of Old French girl names?
Old French girl names originate from the Old French language, which was spoken in parts of what is now France and parts of the British Isles from the 9th to the 14th centuries. These names often have Latin or Germanic roots, reflecting the historical influences on the French language and culture. They may also be influenced by early Christian names, as Christianity was a dominant cultural force during that time.
How have Old French girl names evolved over time?
Old French girl names have evolved through linguistic changes, cultural shifts, and the influence of other languages. As the French language developed from Old French to Middle French and then to Modern French, the pronunciation, spelling, and usage of names changed. Many Old French names have either fallen out of use or have been transformed into their contemporary forms.
Are Old French girl names still used today?
Some Old French girl names are still in use today, either in their original form or in modernized versions. These names may be less common than new, fashionable names but are often chosen for their classic and timeless appeal. They can also be found in literature and historical texts, preserving their usage over time.
What are some characteristics of Old French girl names?
Old French girl names often feature a melodic sound and are typically rich in vowels. They frequently end in "-e" or "-ette," which are diminutive suffixes, and may also contain consonant clusters that are less common in modern French. These names often carry meanings related to nature, virtues, or the qualities admired at the time.
Can Old French girl names be traced back to specific regions?
Yes, some Old French girl names can be traced back to specific regions within France or areas influenced by the Old French language. Regional dialects and languages, such as Norman, Picard, and Occitan, contributed to the variety of names. These regional differences can sometimes be discerned in the spelling and pronunciation of the names.
What influence did the nobility have on Old French girl names?
The nobility had a significant influence on Old French girl names, as names often reflected one's social status and lineage. Noble families would choose names that had been passed down through generations or that were associated with prestigious ancestors. These names would often spread in popularity as the lower classes named their children after members of the nobility.
How do Old French girl names differ from Old French boy names?
Old French girl names often have softer sounds and may end with diminutive suffixes, while boy names might have stronger consonant sounds and end in "-s" or "-x." Girl names frequently connote beauty, grace, and virtue, whereas boy names might emphasize strength and leadership. The gendered characteristics of these names reflect the societal roles and expectations of the time.
What are some common elements found in Old French girl names?
Common elements in Old French girl names include the use of prefixes like "Marie-" (from Mary) and suffixes like "-ette" or "-ine," which are diminutive or feminine markers. Names often contain elements that mean "light," "noble," or "fair." These elements were combined in various ways to create names that conveyed positive attributes.
How did religion influence Old French girl names?
Religion, particularly Christianity, had a profound influence on Old French girl names, with many names being derived from saints or biblical figures. Names such as Marie (Mary) and Jeanne (Joan) were popular due to their religious significance. Feast days and other religious events often inspired the naming of children after particular saints.
Are there any resources for researching the meanings of Old French girl names?
Yes, there are several resources available for researching the meanings of Old French girl names, including historical texts, genealogical records, and academic publications on medieval French culture. Online databases and name dictionaries also provide information on name origins and meanings. Libraries and archives may hold specialized literature that can offer deeper insights into the etymology of these names.