250+ Cajun Baby Classics Names You Haven’t Heard

If you’ve ever found yourself enchanted by the spicy heartbeat of Louisiana—the accordion hum of zydeco, the whisper of the moss-draped bayous, the scent of gumbo in the air—you already know: Cajun culture isn’t just a vibe, it’s a whole mood. It’s bold and buttery, full of soul, and just the right amount of wild.

And when it comes to baby names? Oh, cher, there’s magic in the mix. Names that dance with rhythm, hum with history, and carry the warmth of a Southern sunset. Whether you’re after something classic, whimsical, rustic, or rare—you’re exactly where you need to be.

I’ve rounded up 480+ Cajun baby names that blend French, Creole, Native American, and Southern goodness. From saints and storytellers to names whispered over jambalaya pots—each one has a tale to tell.

So kick back, pour yourself a sweet tea (or treat yourself to a beignet), and let’s wade into this list of names that sing with spirit and sass.

Cajun Classics: Timeless & Traditional

These names have been passed down through generations and carry the soul of the region. Think “boudin and back porch” energy.

1. Beau (French) – Meaning “handsome.” A smooth charmer that’s still wildly popular in the South.
2. Thérèse (French) – Pronounced “Tay-rez,” it has strong Catholic roots and old-world beauty.
3. Jean-Baptiste (French) – A double name staple in Cajun families, nodding to Saint John the Baptist.
4. Armand (French) – Meaning “soldier,” it’s strong yet elegant.
5. Clémence (French) – Soft, refined, and rare. Means “gentleness.”
6. René (French) – Classic Cajun boy name meaning “reborn.”
7. Simone (French) – Chic and bold, made famous by Simone de Beauvoir.
8. Lucien (French) – Dreamy and poetic. Perfect for a gentle soul.
9. Delphine (French) – Evokes flowers, sea creatures, and old Southern charm.
10. Etienne (French) – French version of Stephen, and full of refined flair.
11. Joséphine (French) – Grand and sassy, perfect for a little girl with presence.
12. Alcide (French) – Heard it on True Blood? Yep, it’s Cajun.
13. Leonie (French) – Feminine and strong, meaning “lioness.”
14. Odette (French) – Dainty with ballerina vibes.
15. Gaston (French) – Yep, like the one in Beauty and the Beast, but less vain 😉
16. Bayou Beauties: Nature-Inspired Cajun Names
17. Flowing like the Mississippi and wild like cypress trees.
18. Marais (French) – Means “marsh.” Earthy, mysterious, and rare.
19. Savane (French) – From “savannah,” but with a Cajun twist.
20. Roux (French) – Like the base of a good gumbo. Fiery, spicy, and unisex.
21. Cypres (French) – Refers to the cypress tree, symbol of Southern swamps.
22. Briseis (Greek/Cajun usage) – Windy and poetic, like a breeze through the bayou.
23. Jolie (French) – Means “pretty.” Simple and sweet, like magnolia blossoms.
24. Aubin (French) – Golden. Think sunrise on the water.
25. Blanche (French) – Pure, crisp, and snowy-white.
26. Orlande (French) – Rare and windswept, like a hidden glade.
27. Lune (French) – Moon. Ethereal and soft.
28. Bleuette (French) – Little blue one. Perfect for a calm and dreamy baby.
29. Armand (French) – Meaning “soldier.”
30. Clémence (French) – Means “gentleness.”
31. René (French) – Meaning “reborn.”
32. Simone (French) – Chic and bold.
33. Lucien (French) – Dreamy and poetic.
34. Delphine (French) – Flowers, sea, Southern charm.
35. Etienne (French) – French Stephen.
36. Joséphine (French) – Grand and sassy.
37. Alcide (French) – Seen in True Blood.
38. Leonie (French) – “Lioness.”
39. Odette (French) – Dainty and balletic.
40. Gaston (French) – Vintage Cajun energy.
41. Aimée (French) – “Beloved,” sweet and timeless.
42. Philomène (French) – Rare, saintly, and lyrical.
43. Olivier (French) – “Olive tree,” peace and rootedness.
44. Célestin (French) – Heavenly, old-world charm.
45. Marguerite (French) – “Daisy,” a poetic staple.

Nature-Inspired Cajun Names

Flowing like the Mississippi and wild like cypress trees.

1. Marais (French) – “Marsh.”
2. Savane (French) – From “savannah.”
3. Roux (French) – Spicy, unisex.
4. Cypres (French) – Cypress tree.
5. Briseis (Greek/Cajun) – Like the wind.
6. Jolie (French) – “Pretty.”
7. Aubin (French) – Golden sunrise.
8. Blanche (French) – Crisp white.
9. Orlande (French) – Windswept rare gem.
10. Lune (French) – Moon.
11. Bleuette (French) – “Little blue one.”
12. Cyprienne (French) – Feminine form of Cypress.
13. Roseau (French) – “Reed,” river’s edge beauty.
14. Verdelle (French) – Green and vibrant.
15. Grenouille (French) – Playful, “frog” in French.

Old-School Cool: Maw-Maw & Paw-Paw Throwbacks

These are the names that sound like old vinyl records, fishing trips, and porch swings. Vintage and vibey.

Girls

1. Alcée – A classic French-Cajun name, often used as a feminine form, meaning “strong-willed.”
2. Clémence – French origin, meaning “gentle, merciful.” A soft name with a vintage heart.
3. Eulalie – A melodic old Creole name meaning “well-spoken.”
4. Odette – Elegant and lacy, meaning “wealthy” or “song.”
5. Josette – A sassy, old-fashioned French diminutive of Josephine.
6. Thérèse – A timeless French Catholic staple, often heard in old Southern parishes.
7. Aline – Sweet and simple; used widely across French-speaking Louisiana.
8. Zéolie – Rare and poetic; carries that lilting Cajun charm.
9. Babette – A vintage French pet name for Elizabeth; has a jazzy, 1920s ring.
10. Mireille (mee-RAY) – Meaning “to admire,” this name is effortlessly elegant and classic.
11. Lisandra – Regal and lyrical; a hidden gem with old-world energy.
12. Honorine – Elegant and antique, meaning “honor.”
13. Ysolde – A poetic and romantic French name, echoing legends of old.
14. Léontine – Powerful yet graceful; evokes lion-hearted ancestors.
15. Victoire – Meaning “victory,” this vintage stunner has comeback potential.
16. Philiberte – Antique and rare, meaning “dear and free.”
17. Ernestine – Grandmother-chic and strong.
18. Laurentine – Floral yet formal.
19. Désirée – Romantic vintage staple.

Boys

1. Alcide – A strong, old-school Cajun name, famously used in southern literature.
2. Benoît (ben-WAH) – French for “blessed.” Feels like a church pew name from generations past.
3. Émile – A soft-spoken, intellectual name, full of French flair.
4. Jules – Short, sturdy, and endlessly cool—like a grandfather’s name that never fades.
5. Théodore – Formal and vintage, but ready for a revival.
6. Maurice – A name with old jazz-club charm and deep Southern roots.
7. Gustave – Rustic and rare, with a strong old-country vibe.
8. Étienne – French version of Stephen, smooth and sophisticated.
9. Clovis – Regal and retro; an early French king’s name that still carries weight.
10. René – Stylish and soft; this name has that quiet, classic appeal.
11. Leopold – Noble and distinguished, with roots in both France and Austria.
12. Clovis (French) – Fierce and regal, once worn by kings.
13. Inez (Spanish/French) – Strong, spicy, and stylish.
14. Eulalie (French) – Pronounced “you-lah-lee.” Musical and quaint.
15. Thibodeaux (Surname-first trend) – A Cajun surname with big energy.
16. Evangeline (French) – A Longfellow poem, a Louisiana town, a romantic epic.
17. Beulah (Biblical) – Retro and unexpected, with a sweet old soul.
18. Albin (French) – Ghostly and gentle.
19. Fleur (French) – Flower. Pure poetry.
20. Benoit (French) – Means “blessed.” Chic and classic.
21. Gervaise (French) – Unusual and elegant.
22. Arsène – Rare and clever, famously worn by the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin.
23. Alphonse – A dashing vintage name with aristocratic flair.
24. Marcel – Strong and suave; a favorite in French literary circles.
25. Octave – Musical and refined, like a name pulled from an old French opera.
26. Prosper – Means “fortunate,” charming old-world vibe.
27. Léandre – Gentle but strong, “lion man.”

Creole-Inspired Favorites

A beautiful blend of African, French, Spanish, and Native influences.

1. Zora (Slavic/African) – Means “dawn.” Literary nod to Zora Neale Hurston.
2. Dionne (French) – Smooth, lyrical, and powerful.
3. Jubilee (Hebrew/Creole) – A celebration name! Full of joy.
4. Pascal (French) – Means “Easter-born.” Elegant and light.
5. Lisette (French) – Diminutive of Elise. Delicate and spunky.
6. Maelis (Breton/French) – Noble princess. Pretty and rare.
7. Noella (French) – Christmas baby? This is your name.
8. Solange (French) – Means “dignified.” (Also, yes, Beyoncé’s sis!)
9. Cherelle (French/Creole) – “Beloved.” Smooth and modern.
10. Zephirine (French) – A name of a rose. Floral, airy, and full of flair.
11. Delmor (Creole) – A rich, vintage-sounding name meaning “of the sea.”
12. Marcelline (French/Creole) – Feminine, saintly, and noble.
13. Roselene (Creole) – A floral variation unique to Southern Creole naming patterns.
14. Garcelle (French/Creole) – Elegant and powerful. Brings to mind the actress Garcelle Beauvais.
15. Avrelle (Creole) – Rare and flowing; inspired by spring and new beginnings.

Unique Cajun Finds You Haven’t Heard (Yet!)

1. Trosclair (Surname-first) – Quirky, strong, and very Cajun.
2. Domingue (French) – A bold Creole surname that stands alone.
3. Adalie (French) – Noble and fresh-sounding.
4. Fontenot (Surname-first) – Deeply rooted in Cajun communities.
5. Zadie (Hebrew/Creole) – Bright and zippy.
6. Laurette (French) – Vintage glam.
7. Isabeau (French) – Wild twist on Isabelle. Think wolves and forests.
8. Rainier (French) – Strong, mountainesque.
9. Verger (French) – Orchard. Naturey and chic.
10. Perrine (French) – A little quirky, a lot lovable.
11. Aveline – Soft and old-world, with Southern charm.
12. Bozon – Rare Cajun surname with a punchy sound.
13. Chalin – Unique and lyrical; possibly derived from “chalice.”
14. Durel – Has Creole-French roots, gentle yet stately.
15. Evariste – A vintage standout, dramatic and bold.
16. Fenette – Sweet, airy, and nearly forgotten.
17. Gautreau – A Cajun surname that works as a stylish first.
18. Honorée – Feminine form of Honoré, meaning “honored one.”
19. Iberis – Inspired by Iberville, full of Louisiana pride.
20. Jassiel – Lively and musical.
21. Koury – Cool-sounding and deeply local.
22. Leocadie – Rare and regal, old-school Southern.
23. Maville – French for “my town,” charming and poetic.
24. Narcisse – Dramatic and floral.
25. Oralie – Sweet and lyrical.
26. Pouponne – Endearing Cajun nickname turned name.
27. Quinet – From old surnames, quaint and cool.
28. Rosamée – Romantic blend of rose and soul.
29. Stelline – Little star; poetic and fresh.
30. Touissant – Honoring Toussaint Louverture, powerful and historical.
31. Vevina – Melodic and fresh.

A to Z: A Cajun Alphabet of Baby Names

A smattering of fun, from A all the way to Z!

1. A – Amelie – Delicate, like lace curtains in a French cottage.
2. B – Boudreaux – Classic Cajun surname. Bold and unforgettable.
3. C – Colette – Literary and light.
4. D – Desiree – Romantic and soft.
5. E – Etienne – Yes, it’s back! We love it that much.
6. F – Fabien – Stylish and snappy.
7. G – Giselle – Ballerina grace with French charm.
8. H – Henri – French version of Henry. Regal but sweet.
9. I – Isidore – Retro and geek-chic.
10. J – Jolie – Pretty and petite.
11. K – Kade – Southern cool with Cajun fire.
12. L – Lisette – Breezy and stylish.
13. M – Marceline – Disney vibes, French roots.
14. N – Noe – Short, sweet, and gender-neutral.
15. O – Octavie – Grand and rare.
16. P – Pascaline – Fresh twist on Pascal.
17. Q – Quinette – Adorable and unique.
18. R – Remy – Famous rat? Yes. Still cute? Absolutely.
19. S – Suzette – Sweet as crêpes.
20. T – Théo – Modern, crisp, and cool.
21. U – Ursule – Old-world and noble.
22. V – Violette – Springtime and elegant.
23. W – Waverly – Surname charm with Southern drawl.
24. X – Xavienne – Bold and mysterious.
25. Y – Yvette – French classic.
26. Z – Zeline – Glimmering and graceful.

Riverboat Romantics

For names that feel like jazz notes drifting across moonlit water.

1. Calixte – Rare, poetic French saint’s name.
2. Adoré – Means “adored,” tender and timeless.
3. Florine – Vintage and floral.
4. Marceau – Smooth, literary, and distinguished.
5. Thibault – Bold and rhythmic.
6. Séraphine – Angelic yet fiery.
7. Vionette – Rare and musical.
8. Lazare – Biblical, soulful, and strong.
9. Éloi – Gentle and noble.
10. Cléa – Light and breezy.
11. Alouette – “Little lark,” melodic and sweet.
12. Désiré – Romantic, yearning energy.
13. Fanchon – Quaint and lilting, old Creole charm.
14. Isabeau – Wild, romantic twist on Isabelle.
15. Jovienne – Joyful and rare.
16. Lucienne – Shimmering with light and grace.
17. Noéline – Soft as a French lullaby.
18. Paradis – “Paradise,” dreamy and evocative.
19. Rémy – Smooth-talking, riverboat gambler vibe.
20. Sylviane – Forest-like and mysterious.
21. Valcour – Strong and poetic, with Louisiana roots.
22. Aimorie – Gentle and romantic, almost whispered.
23. Olivette – Olive tree, peace, and grace.
24. Belrose – “Beautiful rose,” timeless romance.

Gumbo Pot of Cultures

Names that stir together the French, Spanish, Native, and African roots of Louisiana.

1. Olympe – Majestic, mythic.
2. Zéphirin – Breezy and bright.
3. Isaline – Soft and unique.
4. Mateo – Spanish warmth with Cajun charm.
5. Alizée – “Trade wind,” airy and fresh.
6. Chantal – Smooth, saintly, and classic.
7. Emeric – Noble and historic.
8. Solenne – Dignified and lyrical.
9. Roméo – Romantic and bold.
10. Lisandra – Floral and rare.
11. Thierry – Strong and stylish French classic.
12. Amaury – Noble and romantic.
13. Ysela – Spanish flair, lyrical sound.
14. Ancelin – Old French for “little angel.”
15. Celestina – Heavenly and dramatic.
16. Maravilla – Spanish for “wonder.”
17. Zulima – Exotic and soft.
18. Bastien – Polished and timeless.
19. Claribel – Bright and melodic.
20. Fiorenzo – Floral and sophisticated.
21. Jacinthe – “Hyacinth flower,” colorful and bold.
22. Montel – Mountain-inspired, strong.
23. Solea – Flamenco warmth and rhythm.
24. Odalys – Musical and vibrant.
25. Beltran – Distinguished and noble.

Swamp & Cypress Mystique

Shadowy, mysterious, and steeped in nature.

1. Evra – Short, magical, and rare.
2. Noctine – Night-inspired and elegant.
3. Verdun – Earthy and powerful.
4. Cyprien – From the cypress groves.
5. Ondine – Water nymph allure.
6. Sylvette – Woodland grace.
7. Marelle – Playful but mysterious.
8. Alaric – Strong and ancient.
9. Aurore – Dawn light over the swamp.
10. Beaucaire – Place-inspired and noble.
11. Vespera – Twilight’s glow.
12. Morwenne – Dark and romantic.
13. Nérée – Sea-born, mysterious and smooth.
14. Floréal – Blooming season, lush and rare.
15. Isandra – Elegant, with a dusky beauty.
16. Tenebre – “Shadow” in French, haunting and poetic.
17. Brumaire – Misty and mysterious.
18. Orselle – Precious and rare.
19. Savion – Strong and nature-tied.
20. Lunisse – Moonlit and serene.
21. Chandrelle – Firefly-bright in the night swamp.
22. Perivale – Deep, secluded, and noble.
23. Zéphora – Breezy yet secretive.
24. Ravisse – Enchanting beauty.

Saints & Storytellers

Honoring Louisiana’s Catholic heritage and love for folklore.

1. Césaire – Literary and powerful.
2. Evangeline – Romantic and legendary.
3. Philomène – Saintly and melodic.
4. Sébastien – Classic and strong.
5. Clarisse – Polished, vintage chic.
6. Frédéric – Old-world elegance.
7. Modeste – Humble and rare.
8. Angélique – Graceful and bright.
9. Donatien – Gift-like and refined.
10. Aurélie – Golden warmth.
11. Benoîte – Feminine form of Benoît, “blessed.”
12. Théophane – “Manifestation of God,” rare and elegant.
13. Clémentine – Sweet and gentle, with saintly roots.
14. Isidore – Patron saint of farmers; humble and strong.
15. Victorine – Feminine form of Victor, triumphant and graceful.
16. Augustin – Warm and historic, like the saint himself.
17. Radegonde – Rare medieval saint’s name, full of character.
18. Prudence – Virtuous and vintage.
19. Séraphin – Fiery and angelic.
20. Honoria – Honorable and noble.
21. Marcellus – Distinguished Roman saint’s name.
22. Euphrasie – Old-world French saint’s name, delicate and rare.
23. Blandine – Soft but strong; patron saint of Lyon.
24. Constance – Steadfast and enduring.
25. Justine – Fair and timeless.
26. Paschal – Tied to Easter; bright and joyful.

Closing Thoughts: Let the Name Tell Their Story

Choosing a baby name can feel like a big deal—because it is. You’re not just picking a cute combo of letters. You’re choosing a legacy. A sound that will shape lullabies, report cards, wedding invitations, and whispered “I love yous.”

Cajun names offer more than trendiness. They offer roots, rhythm, and rebel spirit. Whether it’s an old saint’s name, a nature nod, or a spicy surname twist, these names have stories to tell.