270+ French Boy Names

Flavien is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin name Flavius, which means 'golden' or 'yellow-haired.' It shares roots with the Latin word 'flavus' (yellow). Historically, Flavius was a prominent Roman family name, associated with the Flavian dynasty of emperors. Flavien is particularly common in French-speaking regions and has maintained steady usage in France, Belgium, and parts of Canada. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its classical heritage and melodic sound. Despite its ancient origins, Flavien has a timeless appeal that works well in contemporary settings. Parents might choose this name for its distinguished history, pleasant phonetics, and relatively uncommon status that still feels accessible and pronounceable.

Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.

Jérémie is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing the French form of Jeremiah, meaning 'God will uplift' or 'appointed by God.' Common in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and Haiti, Jérémie carries biblical significance through its connection to the prophet Jeremiah. The accent over the second 'e' guides pronunciation and gives the name a distinctive French flair. While maintaining the spiritual depth of its biblical roots, Jérémie has a softer, more melodic quality than its English equivalent. The name experienced steady popularity in France throughout the late 20th century and remains a classic choice. Jérémie bridges traditional religious naming and European sophistication, appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and international elegance.

An undiscovered gem with clunky, buttoned-up appeal and a literary feel thanks to poet Delmore Schwartz.

Unusual saint's name rarely heard outside Roman Catholic rectories until it made an appearance on a reality-TV show; has an attractive French feel.

Qassen is a masculine name primarily found in Arabic-speaking regions and parts of North Africa. The name likely derives from Arabic roots related to concepts of division, distribution, or apportionment. In some contexts, it may be connected to fairness or justice. Qassen remains relatively uncommon even within Arabic-speaking communities, giving it a distinctive quality. The name features the characteristic 'Q' sound found in many Arabic names, though regional pronunciations vary. While traditional in its origins, Qassen has a contemporary sound that travels well across cultural boundaries. The spelling may also appear as Qasim, Kassem, or Casim in different transliterations. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity within cultures where it appears.

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

Sauveur is a masculine French name derived from the Latin "salvator," meaning "savior" or "rescuer." This name carries profound religious significance in Christian contexts, where it directly references Jesus Christ as the Savior. In France, the name has historical usage particularly in Catholic families. Sauveur is especially associated with Corsica, where Saint Sauveur has been venerated. The name combines spiritual depth with a certain melodic elegance characteristic of French naming traditions. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains a modest presence in Francophone regions. Sauveur offers a name that balances unique qualities with deep historical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with both distinctive sound and meaningful etymology.

Claudiu is a masculine name of Romanian origin, derived from the Latin name Claudius which means 'lame' or 'limping'—though this etymology has little bearing on its modern usage. Popular in Romania and Moldova, Claudiu represents the Romanian adaptation of the classical Roman name. The name has historical significance through the Roman Emperor Claudius and maintains connections to variants like Claude, Claudio, and Claudius used in other European languages. Claudiu has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining relatively easy to pronounce across languages. Though uncommon outside Romanian-speaking regions, it offers an accessible option for parents seeking a name with Roman roots and Eastern European character that works well internationally.

Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.

Qutien is a masculine name with possible roots in Chinese or Central Asian origins, though it remains relatively rare globally. The name may be derived from Mandarin Chinese elements, potentially combining syllables that signify positive attributes like strength, heaven, or excellence. In some contexts, it might be a variant transliteration of traditional names with similar phonetic qualities. Qutien has a distinctive, modern sound that appeals to parents seeking unique international names. The name's rarity gives it an exclusive quality, allowing a child to have a truly distinctive identity. While specific meaning can vary based on the exact characters used in Chinese or the cultural context, Qutien generally projects qualities of uniqueness and cultural distinction.

Raynold is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' and 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power.' It's closely related to names like Reginald, Reynard, and Ronald, all sharing similar etymology. Popular during the Middle Ages throughout Europe, Raynold was carried by various nobles and knights. The name traveled with Norman influence and adapted into different forms across cultures. While less common today than some of its variants, Raynold maintains a distinguished, somewhat medieval character that appeals to parents seeking names with historical weight. Its strong consonants give it a robust quality, while potential nicknames like Ray offer more casual alternatives.

Lionello is a masculine Italian name derived from Leone, the Italian form of Leon, ultimately from the Latin 'leo' meaning 'lion.' This charming diminutive form adds an affectionate quality to the powerful lion imagery. Though uncommon internationally, Lionello has maintained consistent usage in Italy across generations. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and nobility associated with its leonine roots. In English-speaking countries, Lionello remains quite rare, giving it an exotic, distinctive quality. The name has appeared occasionally in Italian literature and arts, enhancing its cultural resonance. Its melodic four-syllable structure with the characteristic Italian '-ello' ending gives it a rhythmic, musical quality.

Chréstien is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This particular spelling with the accent mark represents a traditional French orthography. The name gained some recognition through Chrétien de Troyes, the famous 12th-century French poet known for his Arthurian romances who helped shape the literary traditions of courtly love. Despite its historical significance, Chréstien remains quite rare as a given name today, even in French-speaking regions. The name carries cultural and religious connotations, potentially appealing to parents interested in French heritage or medieval literature. Its pronunciation (kray-TYEN) might present challenges in non-French speaking environments.

This is one you will get tired of explaining.

Élie is the French form of the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning 'Yahweh is my God.' This elegant masculine name carries biblical significance, as Elijah was a revered prophet in the Old Testament known for his unwavering faith and miraculous deeds. The French spelling with the acute accent gives the name a refined, sophisticated quality. Popular in France, Quebec, and other Francophone regions, Élie combines religious heritage with cultural elegance. The name has maintained consistent usage throughout history without becoming overly common. In recent years, it has gained appreciation for its brief yet melodious sound and spiritual depth. Élie bridges traditional religious naming and contemporary simplicity, appealing to parents seeking a name with both historical roots and modern appeal.

Eustache is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from 'eustachys' meaning 'fruitful' or 'abundant harvest.' This classical name has deep historical roots in European tradition, particularly in France where it has been used since medieval times. Saint Eustace was a Christian martyr whose legend was popular in the Middle Ages, contributing to the name's usage throughout Europe. While maintaining an air of aristocratic heritage and scholarly sophistication, Eustache has become relatively uncommon in modern times. The name possesses a distinctive French elegance with its characteristic ending and rich sound. Though challenging for English speakers to pronounce (roughly 'oo-stash'), it offers a compelling option for parents drawn to names with historical depth, classical origins, and a touch of continental refinement.

French form of Urban or Urbanus, borne by eight popes.

Beautiful meaning for parents fond of nature-themed names that are a little less obvious. Actor Chaney Kley was one famous bearer of this surname-name.