By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 72 pages
of 72
Grégoire is the French form of Gregory, a name with ancient Greek origins derived from "gregorein," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The name carries a distinguished heritage, with numerous…
French variation of William, German
"resolute protection"
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility elsewhere, Guillaume is a French form of the classic Germanic William. It's heyday was back in the 1980s and 90s, when it ranked in the French…
Latin
"life"
No-no appelation of a child saint and martyr whose name is a term for the nervous condition known as Saint Vitus' Dance. Its one recommending feature is that it's among the elite group Boy names that…
Short form of Guillermo, Spanish form of William
It's tempting to think of Gui as the Spanish form of Guy, but it's short for Guillermo.
French variation of Hadrian
What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.
French
"joyful"
The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as…
"chance, luck"
Chance has risen far on the baby-naming charts, but Hazard has a considerably more dangerous edge. It was the middle name of famed US naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry.
Hebert is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning primarily as a surname that has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. It represents a variant spelling of Herbert, which…
Hercule is a masculine name directly derived from Greek mythology, serving as the French variant of Hercules, the legendary hero known for his extraordinary strength and twelve labors. Made…
"battle worthy"
Hervé was a legendary French saint, patron of the blind, who performed many miracles -- it's a lot more sophisticated than the English Harvey.
French, diminutive of Hugh
Hugh plus.
French from Latin
"cheerful"
Hilaire, a name that has rarely been exported out of its native France, was originally bestowed in honor of the fourth century bishop and theologian St. Hilaire of Poitiers.
French from Greek
"releaser of horses"
Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has…
French variation of Latin
"honored one"
A name that is truly honored in France, as the name of several saints, artists like Daumier, and writers like Balzac.
Onfroi is a masculine name of Germanic origin that evolved through Old French. It derives from the Germanic elements "hun" (meaning bear cub or warrior) and "frid" (peace). Onfroi is a medieval…
Ignace is the French form of Ignatius, derived from the Latin name Ignatius, which may come from the Roman family name Egnatius of Etruscan origin. The name gained prominence through St. Ignatius of…
Isaï is a masculine name representing a variation of Isaiah, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'salvation of God' or 'God is salvation.' The name holds biblical significance as Isaiah was a…
Ichmaël is a rare variant of Ishmael, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning "God will hear." In biblical tradition, Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, and is an important figure in…
Ismaël is the French and Arabic form of Ishmael, a name with deep biblical and Quranic significance. Derived from Hebrew origins, it means 'God will hear' or 'God has heeded.' In Islamic tradition,…
Ismâïl is a masculine name with deep roots in Islamic tradition, being the Arabic form of Ishmael. The name comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'God will hear' or 'God has hearkened.' In Islamic…
