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270+ French Boy Names

  1. Maison

    • Origin:

      French word name

    • Meaning:

      "house"

    • Description:

      Mason with a French accent. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012, and it will likely hang on for as long as its brother-in-spelling-variations, Mayson.
  2. Renault

    • Description:

      Renault is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Germanic name Raginald, composed of the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule). While more commonly recognized as a prominent French automobile manufacturer founded by Louis Renault in 1898, Renault can also serve as a surname or given name. As a first name, it is quite rare in modern usage. The name carries connotations of French heritage, sophistication, and innovation due to its strong association with the automobile brand. In medieval France, variations of this name were more common among nobility, though today it represents a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth.

  3. Purvis

    • Origin:

      French and English

    • Meaning:

      "providing food"

    • Description:

      This spelling does not dispel the "perv" connection.
  4. Mathieu

    • Description:

      Mathieu is the French form of Matthew, a masculine name with biblical origins derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift from Yahweh.' This elegant French spelling maintains the name's religious significance while adding Gallic sophistication. Widely used in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium, Mathieu combines classical heritage with contemporary appeal. The pronunciation (mat-YUH or mat-YOO) distinguishes it from the more common Matthew. Notable bearers include French artists, athletes, and musicians, adding cultural cachet to the name. Mathieu appeals to parents seeking a name with international flair that remains recognizable across cultures, offering a distinguished alternative to more common variants.
  5. 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.
  6. Clément

    • Origin:

      French, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      The French form of Clement, this well-used French classic was especially popular in France in the 90s and 2000s.
  7. Bernon

    • Description:

      Bernon is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from elements meaning 'bear' (bern) and possibly 'strength' or 'protection.' It can be considered a variant of names like Vernon or Bernard, though with its own distinct character. Bernon has maintained a steady but uncommon presence throughout Western naming history, never reaching widespread popularity but persisting across generations. The name carries a dignified, somewhat old-world charm that evokes images of steadfastness and reliability. In modern usage, Bernon might appeal to parents seeking a traditional-sounding name that isn't commonly heard, maintaining the strong consonant sounds of classic masculine names while offering a unique alternative to more popular choices.

  8. Barnabé

    • Description:

      Barnabé is the French and Portuguese form of Barnabas, a biblical masculine name deriving from Aramaic, meaning "son of consolation" or "son of encouragement." In the New Testament, Barnabas was an early Christian disciple known for his encouraging nature and missionary work alongside Paul. The name carries a gentle strength and spiritual heritage, with the accented final 'é' adding a touch of continental elegance. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Barnabé maintains modest popularity in French-speaking regions and Portugal. The name blends historical gravitas with a melodic quality, appealing to parents seeking a name with religious significance and distinctive European character.

  9. Lac

    • Description:

      Lac is an uncommon masculine name with minimalist appeal. Likely derived from French or Vietnamese origins, it carries different meanings depending on the cultural context. In French, 'lac' means 'lake,' suggesting tranquility and natural beauty. In Vietnamese tradition, Lạc can refer to ancient Vietnamese people or convey meanings related to enjoyment or happiness. This brief, one-syllable name has a strong, distinctive sound that makes it memorable despite its simplicity. The name's rarity makes it stand out in most communities, appealing to parents seeking something truly unique. Its cross-cultural potential gives it versatility, while its brevity makes it easily pronounceable in many languages. Lac combines ancient heritage with modern minimalism, offering a name that is both distinctive and meaningful.

  10. Arhambault

    • Description:

      Arhambault is an unusual masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Archambault, a French surname derived from the Germanic personal name 'Erkanbald,' combining elements meaning 'genuine' and 'bold.' As a first name, it is exceedingly rare, with very few documented instances of its use. The name carries an aristocratic, old-world European quality with its distinctive pronunciation and spelling. Parents might choose this name seeking something with historical resonance and uniqueness. Its rarity gives it an exclusive quality, though the spelling variation might require frequent clarification. The name's connection to French heritage might appeal to families with French ancestry seeking an uncommon name with cultural significance.
  11. Bevis

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Beauvais"

    • Description:

      An English surname derived from the French place name Beauvais, which in turn comes from the name of an ancient Gaulish tribe, the Bellovaci.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Siffre

    • Description:

      Siffre is an extremely rare masculine name that likely derives from a surname of French origin. It may be related to or derived from the Old French name 'Siffrid' or 'Siegfried,' which has Germanic roots meaning 'victory' and 'peace.' The name gained some recognition through Labi Siffre, a British poet, singer-songwriter, and musician known for his work in the 1970s and his influence on later musicians. As a first name, Siffre remains highly unusual, offering a distinctive choice with artistic associations. The French pronunciation would place emphasis on the second syllable, giving it an elegant, sophisticated sound quality that balances uniqueness with cultural heritage.
  15. Vitus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      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 mean life.
  16. 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.
  17. Arnaut

    • Description:

      Arnaut is a masculine name with medieval European origins, particularly connected to the Balkans and Mediterranean regions. Historically, the term "Arnaut" was used by Ottoman Turks to refer to Albanians, deriving from the Greek "Arvanites." The name carries a strong, distinguished sound with its firm ending consonant giving it a bold quality. Arnaut has historical associations with warriors and soldiers, evoking images of strength and resilience. While relatively uncommon in contemporary Western societies, the name has maintained some usage in Balkan countries and among families with Albanian heritage. Its rarity offers distinctiveness, yet its straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible. Arnaut might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and European cultural connections.
  18. Terre

    • Origin:

      French word name

    • Meaning:

      "earth"

    • Description:

      An intriguing but challenging choice, because of possible confusion with all the Terry-type names.
  19. Grue

    • Description:

      Grue is an uncommon masculine name with Norse and Scottish origins. In Norwegian, 'grue' refers to dread or horror, while in Scottish dialect, it can mean 'to shudder' or 'to feel uneasy.' The name also appears in some place names in Scotland and Norway. As a personal name, Grue is exceedingly rare, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something truly unique. The name has literary connections as well, appearing in various works of fiction and fantasy. Its short, strong sound gives it a bold quality despite its rarity. Grue may appeal to parents with Scandinavian heritage or those attracted to names with mysterious or evocative meanings.
  20. Philbert

    • Origin:

      French from Greek, "dear, beloved"

    • Meaning:

      "dear, beloved"

    • Description:

      Varying Filbert does not improve the name: it still makes one think of a nut.