French colonization of the Americas French colonization of the Americas The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century, and continued on into the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere. France founded colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America. Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish, rice sugar, and furs. As they colonized the New World, the French established forts and settlements that would become such cities as Quebec and Montreal in Canada; Detroit, Green Bay, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Mobile, Biloxi, Baton Rouge
Jade (given name) for boys and girls in the United States with multiple spelling variants, is also sometimes seen as a variant of Jade. Jade has become increasingly popular in France since 1990. It was the 7th most given name for girls there in 2005. Jade (given name) Jade is a given name derived from the ornamental stone jade, which is used in artwork and in jewellery making. The name is derived from the Spanish "piedra de la ijada", which means "stone of the colic." There was a belief that when jade was placed on the stomach, it could cure colic in babies.