Breton Names
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About this list
Breton names originate from the Celtic language spoken in the Brittany region of France.
Breton boy names include Gael, Malo, Kavan, and Oan, and Breton girl names include Maelie, Senara, Anaelle, and Azenor.
Browse all of our Breton baby names here, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
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The names
Gael
Breton
"Gaelic"
This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Also written as Gaël, it's a popular choice…
Mael
French or Breton
"chief or prince"
The name of a fifth century Breton saint, Mael is a popular boys' name in contemporary France, though it is usually spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut - Maël. Mael is the Breton spelling, and the…
Katell
Breton variation of Katherine
"pure"
Original twist on this classic.
Nanig
Nanig is an extremely rare feminine name with unclear origins, possibly derived from Armenian, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous roots. It might be a variation of names like Nanig, Nanic, or Nanuk found…
Perlezenn
Perlezenn is a rare feminine name of Breton origin, derived from the Breton word for "pearl" (perlez). In Breton culture, which comes from the Celtic region of Brittany in northwestern France, names…
Devi
Sanskrit
"divine"
Devi is the name of a Hindu goddess. Deva or Dev are male forms.
Jaffrez
Jaffrez is an uncommon masculine name with unclear origins, possibly a modern variant of Geoffrey or Jeffrey. These names derive from the Germanic name Godfrey, meaning 'peace of God' or 'divine…
Yvan
Yvan is a masculine name primarily used in French-speaking regions and Eastern Europe, serving as a variant of Ivan, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' The…
Kavan
Breton
"battle"
Rarely heard, and all too likely to be confused with Kevin.
Kerouac
Breton literary name
Kerouac could make for a meaningful possible modern literary inspiration, via On the Road author Jack. The writer's baptism certificate read Jean Louis Kirouac, though he later claimed his full name…
Malo
Breton
"shining hostage"
Malo, the name of an important sixth century Breton saint who founded St. Malo, the charming port town in Brittany -- is considered quite au courant in France right now, ranking firmly in the Top…
Oan
Breton
"lamb"
A too-literal spin on Owen.
Samzun
Samzun is a masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly representing a variant spelling of Samson, the biblical figure known for his extraordinary strength. The biblical Samson's name derives from…
Anaelle
Breton form of Anna
"grace"
Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.
Azenor
Breton form of Elinor or Helen
"light"
One way to spin grandma Helen or Ellen's name off the beaten track. The legendary Azenor was a tragic 6th century Breton princess who was mother to a saint. This personage also may be known as Senara.
Maelie
Breton
"Princess"
The French Miley? This trendy choice from Brittany, which is pronounced either as Miley or May-lee, is related to the traditional (male) saint's name Mael, traditionally feminized as Maelle.
Senara
Variation of Azenor, Breton
"light"
The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose…
Oanez
Breton variation of Agnes
"lamb."
Kind of a combination of Agnes and Inez, a name rarely heard in the US.
Conwenna
Cornish, Welsh or Breton
Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.
Enora
Breton
"honor"
Unusual Honor or Nora alternative, but we prefer the originals.