French Names for Boys

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.

Grue

A unisex French name, but you may want to simplify your son's life if you're English speakers by going with Cyril. It's an unusual enough name that it doesn't need further complications of spelling and pronunciation.

Cyrille

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.

Dabney

Has the two-syllable sound so popular for boys, though adding an apostrophe -- and turning it into D'Anton -- changes the name entirely. 

Danton

The least usable of the Three Musketeers names. 

D'artagnan

If you're seeking a French artist name that goes beyond Monet and Manet, Daumier -- known for his revealing caricatures -- makes a rich, sophisticated choice. 

Daumier

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

Delmore

One of the more subtle of the names with a royal meaning, Delroy has a vintage flavor and would be a distinctive choice today.

Delroy

Denes is a Hungarian masculine name equivalent to Dennis or Dionysius, ultimately derived from the Greek god Dionysus, associated with wine, fertility, and ritual madness. Pronounced DEH-nesh in its native Hungarian, this concise name carries cultural significance in Central Europe while remaining accessible to English speakers. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Denes has consistent usage in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities. The name combines historical depth with a modern, clean simplicity in its spelling. For parents seeking a name with European heritage that travels well across borders, Denes offers a distinctive yet pronounceable option with connections to both classical mythology and Christian tradition through its association with Saint Denis.

Denes

Deniss

Denijs is a masculine name with Dutch and Latvian origins, representing a regional variation of Dennis. The name ultimately derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater. This spelling is particularly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Latvia, giving it a distinctive European character. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Denijs maintains consistent usage in its regions of origin. The name carries the same meaning as Dennis—'follower of Dionysus'—but with a continental European flair. The spelling creates a unique identity while still connecting to the familiar Dennis. Pronunciation varies slightly by region, but generally sounds similar to 'den-ise' with emphasis on the first syllable.

Denijs

Denney is a masculine name typically functioning as a variant spelling of Denny, which originated as a diminutive form of Dennis or a surname derived from the same source. Dennis comes from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning 'of Dionysos,' the god of wine, fertility, and theater in Greek mythology. This particular spelling gives the nickname a more distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar sound. Denney has appeared occasionally as a given name throughout the 20th century in English-speaking countries but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a friendly, unpretentious quality with its casual sound and approachable nature. It carries vintage appeal connected to the mid-century popularity of Dennis while offering a slightly unique variant. Denney works well as both a given name and nickname, providing versatility for parents attracted to its informal charm.

Denney

Descartes

Swashbuckling name worthy of a hero in a romance novel. Deveraux or Devereaux is drawn from the town of Evreux in France and combined with the prefix de- denoting it likely referred to a noble of that area. 
The name Evreux itself is likely adapted from the Gallic tribe the Eburovices who inhabited the area, and whose name means "yew tree" in Gaulish, however some sources alternatively suggest that the name could mean "riverbank", perhaps from the French des eaux meaning "of the waters" or because Evreux is located on the Iton river. . Mick Jagger has a son named Deveraux.

Deveraux

An original choice for a fisherman's child. 

Devere

Donatien is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin name Donatianus, which comes from 'donatus' meaning 'given' or 'gifted.' This sophisticated name carries aristocratic connotations in French culture and history. Perhaps its most famous bearer was the 18th-century French nobleman and writer Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade. The name has remained relatively uncommon outside French-speaking regions, giving it a distinctive and cultured quality. Donatien combines classical origins with a melodic French pronunciation, featuring the characteristic nasal ending that provides linguistic elegance. For parents seeking a name with historical depth and European refinement, Donatien offers a sophisticated alternative to the more common variant Donovan.

Donatien

Scottish actor Dougray (born Stephen) Scott made us aware of this name when he took on his French grandmother's surname as his stage name. 

Dougray

Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."

Drury

Talented Jamaican-American actor Dule (born Karim Dule) Hill introduced this name, suggested by an aunt who'd heard it in France. Pronounced doo-lay.

Dulé

The name of the great French novelist, author of the timeless The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, would make a surprising middle name choice.

Dumas

French boy names include some classics that have become widely popular, most notably Charles, Louis, and Dennis. Along with Charles and Louis, the French boys' ranking in the US Top 1000 include Andre, Beau, Blaise, Bruce, Chance, Chase, Curtis, Darrell, Denver, Dion, Josue, Remy, and Royal. 

 attracting fresh attention in the US include Dion, Emilien, Florent, Jules, Lionel, Montague, Pom, and Quincy.

 are Gabriel, Leo, and Raphael. French boy names most popular in France include Mael, Jules and Corentin. 

Most popular boy names in other French-speaking countries are a mix of French and non-French choices. Louis and Jules are the only French names among

, which is led by the Hebrew Noah and the Celtic Arthur. 

, with Louis the only French boys' name in the Top 10. And in French Quebec, Olivier and Antoine are the most popular French boy names.



Browse our complete collection of French boys' names here. The names are ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry, which is updated monthly.

French baby boy names popular in the US and in France, including tradition French boy names such as Charles and Louis, with meanings, origins, and popularity. (Page 22)

270+ French Boy Names