66 Medieval French Names That Are Timelessly Tasteful

Joan Agie
Feb 16, 2024 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Jul 15, 2022
Edited by Vikhaash Sundararaj
Fact-checked by Aditi Gupta
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The Medieval Festivals of Henne Bont - Participants in the grand parade in costume



France is enthralling region expanding from the snow-capped Alps to the Riviera coast to the famed Eiffel Tower in Paris, the 'City of Lights and Love.'

France is not only famous among travelers, but it is also a home to some of the world's most talented craftspeople, authors, chefs, and painters. As France is famed for its sensitive and delicate language, ancient French names prove an excellent choice for naming your child.

There are various reasons why you should give your child a French name. It might be to commemorate your family's ancestry, the country's history, or just everything France stands for.

However, several names, such as Capucine, Lancelot, and Océane, are not available in English. If you enjoy the beauty of French words, you'll appreciate these unusual French names and their meanings.

Medieval French Last Names

Have a look at some of the medieval French last names which may use well as per your requirements.

Abadie (French origin), meaning 'abbey or family chapel,' makes such a classy name.

Alarie (French origin), meaning 'all-powerful,' is a simple and common name.

Allard (French origin), meaning 'noble,' is a flawless English name.

Anouilh (French origin), meaning 'slow worm,' makes an attractive English name.

Archambeau (French origin), meaning 'bold, daring,' is what you've been searching for.

Auclair (French origin), meaning 'clear,' sounds classy for any category.

Bellamy (French origin), meaning 'beautiful friend,' is a unique English name.

Berger (French origin), meaning 'shepherd,' is what you've been looking for.

Bisset (French origin), meaning 'weaver,' would make a perfect fit for an early King.

Blanchet (French origin), meaning 'blond, pure,' is a simple and easy-to-pronounce first name.

Bonfils (French origin), meaning 'good son,' is a common name.

Durand (French origin), meaning 'enduring,' sounds so European.

Medieval French Town Names

France is famed for its gorgeous medieval towns and villages found across the country. With their historical architecture and rich customs, these venues will transport you back in time.

So keep reading if you're planning a trip to France and want to see some of the country's greatest medieval towns and villages. The top sites to visit during your vacation are listed below.

Avignon, located in the Provence area of France along the Rhône, is noted for its fascinating history, especially as it was formerly home to several Catholic Popes from 1309-1377.

Carcassonne, because of its many medieval monuments, this hilltop city in southern France is a famous tourist attraction.

Colmar, located near the German border, is densely packed with archaic and classical structures.

Conques is a village in the Aveyron region, in the south-central section of France. Pilgrims originally flocked to this area, searching for a haven where they could live comfortably in expressing themselves.

Dinan has a lovely clock tower that visitors may climb to gain breathtaking panoramic views of the region.

Eguisheim is a tiny town in the Alsace wine region famed for its narrow lanes adorned with flower-covered cottages and stores with wooden balconies.

Èze is located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, which borders the Ligurian Sea. Apart from its many attractive beaches, there are several more sites in this historic coastal town. The Nietzsche Path, for example, is a route that snakes through the nearby cliffs and provides panoramic views of the sea.

Lacoste, in southeastern France, is a popular summertime vacation spot due to its beautiful scenery.

Laon, as the seat of the Aisne department, was formerly a vital strategic hub in France, and it was here that the Battle of Laon took place.

Les Baux-de-Provence, located near the Alpilles, is a must-see for all art enthusiasts. The Mas de la Dame, a vineyard featured in several works of art, including those by Vincent Van Gogh, is located here.

Saint-Malo, located in Brittany, has high old walls that guard its borders. During Medieval Ages, these walls were built to assist defend the city against regular attackers such as pirates.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, located in southern France, was named for Saint Remigius and is recognized for its tropical environment, especially the Mistral, a powerful wind that blows here between the winter and early spring.

Troyes is a charming town in France's Grand East region, with narrow lanes and colorful timbered homes. Troyes also has several Gothic cathedrals, including the Troyes Basilica.

Vitré is a small commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department recognized for its significant cultural treasures.

Yvoire, although its tiny size, is rich in history. The village, which overlooks Lake Geneva, is known for its restored medieval mansions and architecture.

Gender Neutral Medieval French Names

 What could be more fashionable and stylish than a unisex French name?

 For individuals worldwide, French names are particularly delicate and elegant. Furthermore, French baby names have deeper connotations that may offer your boy or girl an exquisite personality.

 This list of gender-neutral names includes some popular and unusual French baby names appropriate for either gender. It also offers some historic French names that you might wish to consider while naming your child. French unisex names, in particular, have an old-school elegance that comes through when said aloud.

Adel (French origin), meaning 'noble' or 'elite,' is another version of Adel and can be traced to as early as the 14th century.

Adele (French origin), meaning 'nobility,' is a popular modern name today.

Ames (French origin), meaning 'friend,' would make a wonderful name in old French culture.

Aramis (French origin), meaning 'from France,' is a unique modern name.

Avignon (French origin), meaning 'the one who came from France,' is a simple name.

Axel (French origin), meaning 'my father is peace,' is a great Feminine name related to old French culture.

Beau (French origin), meaning 'beautiful,' makes a wonderful feminine fit for a second name.

Blaise (French origin), meaning 'speech impediment,' is such a graceful old feminine French name.

Chandell (French origin), meaning 'a candle,' makes an attractive fit in old French.

Charnell (French origin), meaning 'burial place,' is a perfect fit as a is a feminine name.

Elie (French origin), meaning 'the Lord is my God,' is a very cute feminine name in old French.

Jade (French origin), meaning 'a precious stone,' is a favorite feminine name choice in old French.

Jeryn (French origin), meaning 'the chosen one,' is a feminine name that makes a wonderful fit.

Cite medieval of Carcassonne in France.

Popular Medieval French Names

In recent years, medieval French names have grown in popularity. Today's infant boy and girl names are selected from the classic French names of yesteryear. However, medieval French names are still popular today, and they are frequently used to celebrate French heritage or to name a kid who speaks French.

However, they have also become a popular option for parents to name their children after 'Game Of Thrones' characters and historical individuals from the French Revolution. It was frequently quite inventive and theatrical, and it also revealed a great deal about a person's personality.

Medieval French or Norman French names are a wonderful way to commemorate your ancestors while also demonstrating your appreciation for the language and culture. During the Middle Ages, the most widespread language spoken in France was Medieval French.

Today, choosing names from this era is fashionable to give your baby's name a medieval atmosphere and also sound unique. If you're stuck for ideas, check out this list of popular medieval French baby names.

Aalis (French origin), meaning 'noble', is a great male name related to old French culture.

Amé (French origin), meaning 'loved,' is the old French form of aime.

Cateline (French origin), meaning 'pure,' is the medieval French form of Catherine.

Charles (French origin), meaning 'free man', is a popular French name. Charles the Great was a popular Frankish king.

Cyrano (Greek origin), meaning 'from Cyrene', is another popular Frankish name.

Estienne (French origin), meaning 'crown,' is the medieval French form of Stephan.

Eudes (French origin), meaning 'wealth,' was the masculine name of an eighth century French saint.

Geoffroi (French origin), meaning 'peace,'  is the medieval French form of Geoffrey.

Gosse (French origin), meaning 'good,' is the medieval French form of gozze.

Isabeau (French origin), meaning 'God's promise,' is the Medieval French variant of Isabel.

Johanne (French origin), meaning ''God is gracious,' is the Old French form of Iohannes.

Onfroi (French origin), meaning 'peaceful,' is the French form of Humphrey.

Roland (French origin), meaning 'famous land,' is an attractive masculine name.

Vauquelin (French origin), meaning 'exotic,' is the medieval French form of Walchelin.

Medieval French Family Names

France is a country filled with stunning landmarks, world-class art and architecture, and world-class museums. In addition, their language, French, is regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic in the world, and classic French surnames are well-known.

Surnames in French have their origins in jobs, patriarchal names, and localities. Continue reading the given names which is a collection of some of the most beautiful French family names.

Anouilh (French origin), meaning 'slow worm,' is derived from the Catalan (southern French) term anull.

Archambeau (French origin), meaning 'bold and daring,' is a great name.

Arsenault (French origin), meaning 'workshop,' is a unique masculine name.

Aubert (French origin), meaning 'noble-bright,' is a famous masculine name.

Auch (French origin) is someone who looks after livestock at night and will have this surname.

Auger (French origin), meaning 'noble spear.' This masculine surname was taken from the French personal name Auger, derived from Adalgarius.

Auguste (French origin), meaning 'favored with good omens.' The masculine surname is derived from the Latin word Agostino, which is taken from the human name Agostino.

Bassett (French origin), meaning 'short.' This name might describe a short person or someone from poor beginnings.

Bastarache (French origin), meaning 'border house'. This is a topographic term given to someone who lives near a border.

Bastien (French origin), meaning 'from sebaste,' is a great name.

Baudelaire (French origin), meaning 'small sword,' is pronounced as Boh-deh-lair.

Bazin (French origin), meaning 'royal.' This French surname derives from the word basil.

Main image credit: andrewtit / Shutterstock.com

 

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Sources

https://travelpassionate.com/beautiful-medieval-towns-and-villages-in-france/

https://www.thoughtco.com/french-surname-meanings-and-origins-1420788

https://kidadl.com/home/top-unisex-french-names-for-your-baby

https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/medieval-french

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/traditional-french-last-names-surnames-meanings_00486503/

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Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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Fact-checked by Aditi Gupta

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bachelor of Education

Aditi Gupta picture

Aditi GuptaBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bachelor of Education

Having graduated with a degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology from Mumbai University, Aditi is also an experienced teacher, editor, and content developer. With over a decade of experience in teaching a wide range of subjects to students of different ages, she has a strong passion for education. Aditi is also a proud parent of two teenagers and has produced numerous children’s books and magazines over the past 10 years as an editor and content developer. She is currently writing her own book, showcasing her skills as a writer and creative thinker.

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