Capucine
kah-poo-SEEN
Capucine is the French word for the nasturtium, a bright, trailing flower prized in gardens for its bold colour and peppery scent. The word also refers to the Capuchin friars, whose pointed brown hoods ('capuchons') resemble the flower's shape, and to the rich brown colour associated with those habits. As a given name, Capucine is rare and distinctive, with a botanical elegance that sits beautifully in English-speaking contexts.
At a glance
A rare and beautiful French botanical name meaning nasturtium, with a glamorous Hollywood namesake.
Etymology & History
The French 'capucine' derives from 'capuchon', meaning hood, which in turn comes from the Late Latin 'caputium' (head covering). The nasturtium flower was named because its petals and leaves were thought to resemble a monk's cowl. The Capuchin order of Franciscan monks, founded in 1528, took their name from this same hood. As a given name, Capucine follows the French tradition of using flower names for girls.
Cultural Significance
In France, Capucine has a long but understated history as a feminine given name, sitting within the tradition of floral names. It gained international visibility through the actress Capucine, who embodied Gallic sophistication in Hollywood during the 1960s. The name has recently attracted renewed interest among parents seeking something botanical, French, and genuinely unusual. The -ine ending gives it a lyrical, feminine cadence.
Famous people named Capucine
Capucine
Stage name of French actress and model Germaine Lefebvre (1928 to 1990), known for her roles in Hollywood films including The Pink Panther (1963).
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Capucine
Caprice
“Whimsical, free-spirited creative impulse”
Caprice speaks to a lively, spontaneous spirit, capturing the essence of whimsy and creative impulse. It suggests a personality that is free-spirited, imaginative, and delightfully unpredictable. The name carries a musical connotation as well, evoking virtuosic and free-form compositions.
Celestine
“Heavenly”
Celestine is the French feminine form derived from the Latin caelestis, meaning heavenly or of the sky. Rooted in the classical Latin caelum (sky, heaven), the name carries a sense of loftiness, spiritual grace, and transcendence. It was borne by several early popes and saints, lending it centuries of religious prestige. The name evokes the vast, serene beauty of the heavens and suits a child with a calm, luminous presence.
Clementine
“A sweet and gentle French name”
Clémentine comes from the Latin adjective 'clemens' (genitive 'clementis'), meaning mild, gentle, merciful, or lenient. The same root gives us the English word 'clemency.' The name was used in the early Christian period as a feminine form of Clement, one of the earliest popes, and carries associations with pastoral gentleness and spiritual mercy. In France, Clémentine has long been cherished as a name that combines classic elegance with warmth of character.
Florentine
“Blooming”
Florentine is a French feminine name derived from the Latin 'florens', meaning blooming, flourishing or in flower. It shares its root with Florence and Florentina, all coming from the Latin 'florere', to bloom or flower. The name carries associations with the Italian city of Florence, itself named for the Roman goddess Flora, and by extension with the flowering of art, culture and civilisation that the city represents. Florentine has a refined, literary quality.
Josephine
“God will add or God shall increase”
Josephine carries the deep biblical heritage of the name Joseph, rooted in the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'Yahweh will add', a prayer for divine multiplication of blessings. The name entered French culture through Napoleon's celebrated Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, cementing its aristocratic elegance. It evokes a woman of strength, grace, and enduring legacy.
Where you'll find Capucine
Capucine shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.