270+ French Boy Names

  1. Gaetan
    • Origin:

      French form of the Italian Gaetano
    • Meaning:

      "of Gaeta"
    • Description:

      It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.
  2. Foulques
    • Description:

      Foulques is a masculine name of Old Germanic origin that came into prominence in medieval France. It derives from the Germanic element 'folk,' meaning 'people' or 'army.' Historically significant, the name was borne by several Counts of Anjou during the Middle Ages, including Foulques V who became King of Jerusalem during the Crusades. Despite its noble heritage, Foulques remains exceptionally rare outside of historical contexts and French genealogical records. The pronunciation (roughly 'Foolk') may present challenges in English-speaking regions. This name carries strong connections to medieval European history and French heritage, making it an erudite choice for parents interested in historical names. Its extreme rarity guarantees distinctiveness for any modern bearer.
  3. Gauthier
    • Origin:

      French variation of Walter
    • Description:

      This could be a fresh way to honor an ancestral Walter.
  4. Fayette
    • Origin:

      Short form of Lafayette, French
    • Meaning:

      "faith"
    • Description:

      Short form found in historical records, feels a tad feminine for modern times.
  5. Lasimonne
    • Description:

      Lasimonne is an extremely rare masculine name with obscure origins, possibly representing a modern invented name or a highly unusual variant from French or African naming traditions. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its multiple syllables and soft consonants. The prefix 'La-' suggests possible French influence, while the overall structure has a musical, rhythmic quality that some parents might find appealing. Given its rarity, Lasimonne offers the appeal of being truly distinctive, with little chance of a child sharing this name with classmates or colleagues. The name's exotic sound and unusual letter combination create a memorable impression. Without widespread usage, Lasimonne lacks established cultural associations, allowing the individual to define the name's character rather than being defined by preexisting expectations.
  6. Pascale
    • Description:

      Pascale is a masculine name of French origin, though it can also be used as a feminine name in some cultures. It derives from the Latin 'Paschalis,' meaning 'relating to Easter' or 'born at Passover time.' Pascale is the French variant of Pascal, which itself comes from the Hebrew word for Passover (Pesach). The name carries spiritual significance through its connection to these important religious observances. In France, it's pronounced 'pas-KAL,' with a subtle emphasis on the second syllable. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Pascale maintains modest popularity in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, appreciated for its elegant sound and meaningful religious heritage.
  7. Deniss
    • Origin:

      French from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "God of Nysa"
  8. Renaud
    • Origin:

      French variation of Reginald
    • Description:

      Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.
  9. Aubert
    • Origin:

      French variation of Albert
    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"
    • Description:

      Likely to be pronounced AW-bert in English, short forms Aubie and Bertie give this rare French name quirky modern appeal.
  10. Jeter
    • Origin:

      French or German surname
    • Description:

      Jeter, which of course is used as a first name only because of Yankee star Derek, rhymes with Peter and may be derived from the French surname Jette, which was often bestowed on foundlings because it means "thrown out," or the German Jetter, an occupational name meaning "weeder." If your husband insists on Jeter, counter with Percival.
  11. Cretien
    • Description:

      Cretien is a masculine name with French and Dutch origins, representing a variation of Christian. Derived from the Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ,' this name has deep religious significance in Christianity. The spelling 'Cretien' reflects Old French influence and is related to Chrétien, a name known historically through the medieval French poet Chrétien de Troyes. Unlike the more common Christian or Christiaan, Cretien remains relatively rare, giving it a distinctive quality while maintaining its religious connotations. The name carries an air of medieval sophistication and literary connection, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and European character.
  12. Barraud
    • Description:

      Barraud is a masculine name with French origins, functioning primarily as a surname before occasionally being adopted as a given name. It derives from ancient Germanic elements, possibly related to 'bern' (bear) combined with 'wald' (rule), or from a local place name. The name traveled to England with the Norman Conquest and established itself as a distinguished family name. As a first name, Barraud is exceedingly rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with aristocratic overtones. Its uncommon status gives it a sophisticated and distinguished quality, making it stand out in any setting while maintaining links to European heritage.
  13. Onfroi
    • Description:

      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 French variant of the name that eventually evolved into Humphrey in English. Popular among Norman nobility after the conquest of England, the name has strong historical connections to medieval European aristocracy. Today, Onfroi remains exceedingly rare, offering a distinctively antique and sophisticated option for parents drawn to names with historical depth. Its unusual sound pattern and noble heritage make it an uncommon choice with significant historical resonance.
  14. Danial
    • Description:

      Danial is a variant spelling of Daniel, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly distinctive written form. The biblical Daniel was known for his wisdom and interpretation of dreams, particularly in the lion's den story, giving the name strong religious associations across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Danial has been consistently used throughout history but remains less common than the traditional spelling. While especially popular in Muslim communities as a form of the Arabic Danyal (دانيال), this spelling variant appears across various cultures. The name conveys qualities of wisdom, faith, and integrity, regardless of its spelling.
  15. Nathanael
    • Origin:

      Variation of Nathaniel
    • Description:

      Nathaniel is a wonderful classic name and Nathanael, which may be an ancient Greek or Hebrew form, is appealing and has gravitas but may prove needlessly confusing in the modern world.
  16. 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.

  17. Candide
    • Origin:

      French from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "naive"
    • Description:

      French saintly name, used for both boys and girls. Although not common in France, it has been used in small numbers for boys in the 2010s and 2020s. Candide, in its sense as the French word for "naive", was the title character of a satirical novel by Voltaire.
  18. Barbeau
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "fisherman"
    • Description:

      How to spruce up Fisher or Beau? This French surname-name might be an option for a parent unafraid of the unusual. The name derives from Barbel, a type of fish, which is how it became a surname for some fishermen.
  19. Arnou
    • Description:

      Arnou is an uncommon masculine name with possible Germanic or French origins. It likely represents a variant spelling of Arnau, Arnaud, or Arno, names deriving from Germanic elements meaning 'eagle' and 'power' or 'rule.' This distinctive spelling gives the traditional name a fresh appearance while maintaining its historical roots. Arnou remains extremely rare in English-speaking countries, offering significant distinctiveness for parents seeking an unusual name with historical depth. The name has a sophisticated European quality and projects strength through its connection to eagle symbolism. While uncommon enough to be unique, its pronunciation follows intuitive patterns, making it accessible despite its rarity. Arnou combines ancient meaning with contemporary styling in its variant spelling.

  20. Jöel
    • Description:

      Jöel is a masculine name derived from the Hebrew name Yoel, meaning 'Yahweh is God.' The addition of the umlaut over the 'o' gives it a distinctive Scandinavian or Germanic touch, though this spelling variation is less common than the standard Joel. The biblical Joel was a prophet whose writings appear in the Book of Joel in the Old Testament. The name has been used across many Christian countries for centuries and remains moderately popular. Jöel combines religious significance with a touch of European flair, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both spiritual depth and unique character. The pronunciation typically emphasizes the two distinct syllables: jo-EL.