Baudouin

German

"brave friend"

Baudouin Origin and Meaning

The name Baudouin is a boy's name of French origin.

Baudouin is a masculine French name derived from the Germanic elements 'bald' meaning 'bold' and 'win' meaning 'friend' or 'protector.' Essentially the French equivalent of Baldwin, this name carries strong historical significance, particularly in Belgium where multiple kings have borne the name. The most notable was King Baudouin I who ruled Belgium from 1951 to 1993 and was deeply respected for his moral integrity and service to the nation. Outside of French-speaking regions, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an aristocratic and distinguished character. Pronunciation may pose challenges for non-French speakers (roughly bo-DWAN), which has limited its international usage. The name conveys strength, nobility, and cultural heritage, appealing to parents with connections to French or Belgian culture.

Famous People Named Baudouin

• Baudouin aka Boudewijn King of the Belgians
• Baudouin Ribakare Burundian football manager
• Baudouin Marie Lamoral de Ligne 12th Prince of Ligne
• Gabriel Baudouin Charles Marie (b. 2003) Prince of Belgium

The name Baudouin in Pop Culture

• Baudouin de Sebourc French chanson de geste