10 French Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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You guessed it, the next leg of this series is going to be by culture. Today we are going to look at French names, a perrenial favorite among American parents. If you're looking for something beyond Gabrielle or Vivienne, consider one of the following.

Anais- Anais is the lovely French version of Anne, and most people are familiar with her as the name of author Anais Nin. She's got a quirky cute feel, perfect for the daughter of creative parents.

Axelle- French names aren't known for being rebellious, but Axelle is just that. She has legitimate French roots, though most people will think you just made an addition to Axel. Nevertheless, she is an interesting pick. I'm putting Axelle on my list of future celebrity baby names.

Celestine- If you've read this blog for a while, you will know how much I love Celestine. She's been meantioned in six previous blog posts, which is a lot more than most other names can say. Celestine is absolutely gorgeous. For those of you too afraid to put her in the first name position, make her a middle for a short first name.

Delphine- Delphine means exactly what she sounds like, "dolphin." She's a name I often hear meantioned among the baby name crowd, but I've never encountered one in real life. Though most likely the average Joe on the street has never heard of her.

Francoise- Frances and Francis are on the rise. Francesca and Francisco have hit plauteus. The impeccibly French Francoise has never even broken the top 1000, making her a truely unique pick. Adorable nicknames Frannie and Francie are a bonus.

Leonor- Eleanor is just getting more and more popular, but her exotic variant Leonor is practically unheard of. She lends herself to the nicknames Leo and Leonie, which Eleanor doesn't offer.

Lilou- Lilou is a catch-all nickname for all L names in France, and even non-L names as well (I know a French Amelie called Lilou). She's a whimsical option, and a charming alternative to Lily.

Maelys- Maelys has all the right sounds. She's pronounced (may-LEES)--her long vowels and soft consonants make her a great contendor for parents who love liquidy names. There is normally an umlaut over the e, which makes her kind of tricky for American use. However, that should never be a deal breaker.

Magalie- Part Margaret, part Amelie, Magalie is the best French name you've never heard of. She'd make a great import.

Pomeline- Pomeline wins for my all time favorite guilty pleasure name. I would never use her on my own child, but man is she gorgeous. Pomme (the French word for apple) is a sweet nickname.

Alternatives to Sophia

Sophia is my real name, and I've always hated how popular she's become. She's a beautiful name, but worn by too many girls. Here are some options for alternatives for Sophia, whether you're in love with her sight, sound, or style.

Sight:
Simona- Simona is a beautiful name, but would often get confused for Simone.
Sophronia- Making Sophia even more princessy.
Sosie- I adore Sosie. She makes a great alternative to the nickname Sophie. I like her on her own, buy many see her as a short for Sophia or Josephine.

Sound:
Fiona- She's lost her ogre touch. Go ahead and use her.
Ophelia- Lovely and Shakespearian.
Phoebe- I adore Phoebe. I expect to see her on the rise.

Style:
Bianca- She's got the Latin flair Sophia has, but is way less common.
Josephine- Josephine is great, and has many wonderful nicknames.
Louisa- My latest favorite nicknames for Louisa are Loulie and Lilou.




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Nicknames for Tallulah

Tallulah is a gorgeous name, gaining some recent interest due to celebrities. At first glance, her nickname options seem kind of grim, but Tallulah actually has many choices for you.

Expected:
Lou
Lula
Lulu

Unique:
Tally
Tilly

Unheard of:
Lally
Lilou