Ship Names(meanings)

[James]

I'm trying to find the definition of the French words Pallas and Renommee.
I think Pallas means giant, specifically a Titan but I'm not sure, and I can't find anything as to the meaning of the word Renommee. Any help with the meaning of these words would be grateful!

James

[PMarione]

Frigates' names are always feminine and contrary to English the ships-of-the-line names masculine.
That gives a good clue on the difference of thinking between the two nations.

So Pallas (feminine) can be either an epithet of the goddess Athena as in "Pallas Athena" or a water nymphe, daughter of Triton, who was accidentally killed by her friend Athena. Out of sadness and regret, Athena created the palladium, a statue in the likeness of Pallas.

I opt for the second one.

Renommée (with an accent) is a quality meaning simply "famous" (and not re-elected as suggested by my dictionary ).
As a noon it can be translated as "fame".

@+P

[James]

Thanks for the help!
Can you tell me if the word Semillante means "shiny" ?
Can you suggest an online dictionary that translates French to English?
Again, thanks for the help,

James

[PMarione]

Sémillante (again with an accent) is difficult to translate. I can't find an exact corresponding word. It's an adjective.
One say that for somebody (more often a woman) who is merry, jolly, sparkling, sharp, alive, dashing, vivacious...
Collins gives "vivacious".

You can try the Google translator which is not worst than others but the result is often funny. Translators generally works better from English to French than the contrary (all you have to correct is the grammar).
French is very difficult to translate. I never translate what I write : I try to think directly in English (even my poor English).

@+P

[James]

Hey your English can't be as bad as mine.
Thanks for the help!

James