270+ French Boy Names

  1. Dabney
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from Aubigny"
    • Description:

      Dapper-sounding choice with old American roots (Dabney Cosby was a 19th century Virginian architect who worked with Thomas Jefferson on some of that state's most iconic buildings). Dabney Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr's bodyguard, giving this name yet more American history depth. Dab is a sweet nickname option for this name.
  2. Renaud
    • Origin:

      French variation of Reginald
    • Description:

      Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.
  3. Florentin
    • Description:

      Florentin is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman family name 'Florentinus,' which means 'flowering' or 'flourishing.' It is related to the ancient Roman name Florentius and the city of Florence, Italy. The name carries connotations of prosperity, growth, and blossoming potential. Florentin is particularly popular in France, Romania, and other European countries, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Its elegant sound and positive associations make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots. Variations include Florent, Florian, and the feminine form Florentina.

  4. Séraphin
    • Origin:

      French from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "ardent; fiery"
    • Description:

      The English name pool is lacking a male equivalent to Seraphina, but this angelic boy name is occasionally used in France.
  5. Pacome
    • Origin:

      French from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "of strong nature, or, pacifier"
    • Description:

      Pacome is a French saint's name rarely heard in this country, but currently being revived in its native France.

      Some variants are Pacomi, Pacomio and Pacomius.

  6. Elie
    • Origin:

      Yiddish diminutive of Elijah and Eliezer, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God; God helps"
    • Description:

      Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night.
  7. Honoré
    • Origin:

      French variation of Latin
    • Meaning:

      "honored one"
    • Description:

      A name that is truly honored in France, as the name of several saints, artists like Daumier, and writers like Balzac.
  8. Artus
    • Description:

      Artus is a masculine name with ancient roots, primarily appearing as a Latin variation of Arthur. The name Arthur itself has Celtic origins, possibly deriving from the Roman name Artorius or from Celtic words meaning 'bear' (arth) and 'man' or 'hero.' Artus was notably the Latin form used in medieval literature when referring to the legendary King Arthur of Camelot. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Artus has seen some usage in continental European countries, particularly in France and Germany. The name carries a noble, historical presence with connections to chivalry, leadership, and mythic heroism. Its distinctive form offers an alternative to the more common Arthur while maintaining the same strong historical resonance.
  9. Gauthier
    • Origin:

      French variation of Walter
    • Description:

      This could be a fresh way to honor an ancestral Walter.
  10. Rémy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "oarsman"
    • Description:

      Dashing unisex saint's name sometimes associated with the Cajun cadences of New Orleans.
  11. Obéron
    • Description:

      Obéron is a masculine name derived from Auberon, the French form of Alberich, a Germanic name meaning 'elf ruler' or 'king of the elves.' Most famously, Oberon appears in medieval and Renaissance literature as the king of the fairies in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' The addition of the accent in Obéron gives the name a distinctly French flair. This enchanting name carries magical and mystical associations, connecting the bearer to a rich tradition of folklore and literary fantasy. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, Obéron offers a majestic quality with its mythological heritage and regal connotations.
  12. Théophile
    • Description:

      Théophile is a masculine French name derived from Greek elements meaning 'friend of God' or 'beloved by God.' It shares its etymology with the English name Theophilus but maintains its distinctive French spelling and pronunciation. Popular in France since the Middle Ages, the name has literary associations through notable bearers like French poet and novelist Théophile Gautier. While less common today than in previous generations, it retains an air of classical elegance and intellectual sophistication. The name has religious connotations appreciated by some families, while others may be drawn to its cultural heritage and refined sound. Though relatively uncommon outside French-speaking regions, Théophile offers international appeal while maintaining its authentic French character.
  13. Nouvel
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "new"
    • Description:

      Surname of French architect Jean Nouvel that became a given name when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it as the middle name of their daughter Shiloh.
  14. Germaine
    • Origin:

      French from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Germany"
    • Description:

      This French feminine version of Germain is a unisex choice in the U.S., also spelled Jermaine, Jemaine, and Germain. Rooted in the ancient Latin Germanus, which may mean sprout or brother, it's no longer a fashionable choice in any version.
  15. Hadrien
    • Origin:

      French variation of Hadrian
    • Description:

      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.
  16. Léon
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      This name, which is a French variant of Leo, is pronounced with the distinct French nasally N at the end. It is sometimes used in French to refer to popes named Leo.
  17. Patrice
    • Origin:

      French variation of Patrick
    • Description:

      Though Patrice is still common for boys in France, it has long been feminine here.
  18. Jacque
    • Description:

      Jacque is a masculine name that serves as a French variant of Jacob, ultimately derived from Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' While Jacques (with the 's') is the standard French form, Jacque represents a simplified spelling that maintains the French pronunciation. The name carries sophisticated European flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce in English-speaking contexts. Jacque has seen moderate usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in French-influenced regions and families with French heritage. The name bridges classical biblical roots with Continental elegance, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with international appeal. Its combination of historical depth and stylish sound gives Jacque enduring charm despite never reaching mainstream popularity.

  19. Fermin
    • Origin:

      Basque, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "strong"
    • Description:

      The name of an ancient saint, a legendary holy man and martyr who is the patron saint of the city of Pamplona in Navarre, Spain. The popular week-long festival Sanfermines, which takes place in Pamplona every year from July 6-14 and includes the infamous encierro or bull runs, is named in his honor.
  20. Denys
    • Origin:

      French from Greek, vernacular form of Dionysius; "god of Nysa"
    • Meaning:

      "god of Nysa"
    • Description:

      Alternative spelling of Dennis, and the usual transliteration from Ukrainian. Used (though rarely) for both sexes.