French baby names are having a moment—and Olivia Culpo's pick shows exactly why
Romantic, refined, and rich in meaning, the name Colette (a diminutive of Nicole, meaning 'people of victory') feels effortlessly elegant. Paired with Annalise, a name with roots in grace and devotion, the choice struck a chord for its beauty and its emotional resonance.
While the celebrity moment made headlines, it's part of a broader wave we're seeing everywhere: the quiet rise of French-inspired baby names that feel timeless, poetic, and deeply meaningful.
The rise of romantic French baby names
Names like Margot, Eloise, Camille, and Colette are undeniably having a moment. These names often carry a lyrical softness that feels gentle and feminine while remaining strong. They strike a balance between vintage charm and modern minimalism, making them especially appealing to today's parents.
Parents are revisiting the past with a fresh perspective. Names like Margot and Eloise have steadily climbed the charts over the past decade, signaling a shift toward revival names that blend tradition with trend. French names in particular carry a certain romantic nostalgia—calling to mind cobblestone streets, literary heroines, and timeless fashion icons—while still feeling rooted and strong.
In a fast-moving world, these names bring a sense of calm and thoughtfulness. A sense of story. Of softness. Of soul.
Related: 'Old people baby names' are the 2025 trend we didn't know we needed
Colette as a symbol of strength
Colette sounds delicate, yet its meaning—'victory of the people'—embodies quiet power. And for Olivia Culpo, who has spoken candidly about her struggles with endometriosis and fertility, the name likely carries even more emotional weight.
Parenthood often begins long before a baby is born. It begins in the waiting rooms, in the procedures, in the quiet prayers. For many families—especially those who've faced loss, challenges, or uncertainty—naming a child becomes a deeply symbolic act. A way to honor the past while hoping for the future.
Choosing a name like Colette reflects resilience and grace alongside beauty. This is a strength that stands firm with quiet confidence. Culpo's choice captures what many parents seek today: names that are emotionally grounded and quietly powerful, whether for their meaning or sound.
Beautiful French baby names to consider
If you're drawn to the elegance of names like Colette, here are 40 more romantic French names—20 for girls and 20 for boys—to inspire your list. Each one carries its own unique note of charm, strength, or softness.
French baby girl names:
Esmé – 'Beloved'; light and lyrical
Odette – 'Wealth'; graceful and classic
Sylvie – 'From the forest'; nature-inspired and gentle
Anaïs – 'Grace'; vibrant and fresh
Geneviève – 'Tribe woman'; regal and romantic
Elodie – 'Foreign riches'; melodic and modern
Camille – 'Attendant'; chic and unpretentious
Manon – 'Bitter'; simple yet strong
Delphine – 'Dolphin'; aquatic and elegant
Lucienne – 'Light'; vintage and luminous
Margot – 'Pearl'; playful yet polished
Céline – 'Heavenly'; celestial and sleek
Chloé – 'Blooming'; fresh and youthful
Noémie – 'Pleasantness'; sweet and serene
Vivienne – 'Alive'; timeless and spirited
Josette – 'God will add'; delicate and classic
Colette – 'Victory of the people'; refined and resilient
Amélie – 'Hardworking'; dreamy and determined
Renée – 'Reborn'; grounded and graceful
Léonie – 'Lioness'; bold and beautiful
French baby boy names:
Étienne – 'Crown'; noble and sleek
Lucien – 'Light'; artistic and poetic
Théo – 'Gift of God'; short and sweet
Olivier – 'Olive tree'; warm and classic
Henri – 'Ruler of the home'; old-world charm
Julien – 'Youthful'; soft yet strong
Marceau – 'Warlike'; modern and edgy
Benoît – 'Blessed'; gentle and grounded
Remy – 'Oarsman'; fashionable and fresh
Laurent – 'From Laurentum'; elegant and cool
Gaspard – 'Bringer of treasure'; rare and radiant
Mathis – 'Gift of God'; stylish and spirited
Florent – 'Blooming'; romantic and rare
Pascal – 'Easter child'; vintage with a twist
Romain – 'From Rome'; worldly and rich
Anselme – 'Divine protection'; soulful and unique
Cédric – 'Kind and loved'; classic and familiar
Loïc – 'Famed warrior'; compact and strong
Armand – 'Soldier'; bold and distinctive
René – 'Reborn'; timeless and tender
French baby names offer a quiet magic that touches on meaning, sound, and feeling all at once. They speak to resilience and grace. To softness and strength.
Sometimes, a name like Colette expresses what words alone cannot.
Related: The most unique celebrity baby names
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