French Names for Boys

Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.

Duvall

Evrard is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'eber' meaning 'boar' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This ancient name dates back to medieval Europe and was particularly common in France and Belgium. The name Evrard was borne by several notable historical figures, including Saint Evrard of Cysoing, a 9th-century Frankish nobleman. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Evrard maintains a presence in francophone regions and parts of Europe. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and nobility. Its distinctive sound and historical depth make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with traditional European roots and strong masculine qualities.

Evrard

Eadgar is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon roots, representing an older form of the more familiar Edgar. Derived from Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'gar' meaning 'spear,' the name literally translates to 'wealthy spearman' or 'prosperous warrior.' This powerful historical name was borne by a notable 10th-century English king, Edgar the Peaceful. While the modernized Edgar remains in use, Eadgar is quite rare, offering an authentic medieval alternative with a distinctive pronunciation. The name carries connotations of strength, prosperity, and noble heritage, appealing to parents interested in names with ancient Germanic origins and historical significance.

Eadgar

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.

Élie

Elisée is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the biblical name Elisha (Hebrew: Elisha or Elishah), meaning 'God is salvation' or 'God is my oath.' This elegant French variation maintains the spiritual significance of its Hebrew roots while adding distinctive Gallic charm through its spelling and pronunciation. Particularly used in France, Quebec, and other Francophone regions, Elisée carries both religious heritage and cultural sophistication. The name appears in the Bible as the prophet who succeeded Elijah, giving it historical depth and spiritual associations. With its melodious sound and refined ending, Elisée offers a less common alternative to related names like Elias or Elijah while maintaining similar meaningful connections to faith traditions.

Elisée

This highly unusual name has been kicked up a notch, thanks to cooking guru Emeril Lagasse. 

Emeril

Érasme is the French form of Erasmus, a name with Greek origins meaning 'beloved' or 'desired.' This distinguished name is most famously associated with Desiderius Erasmus, the influential Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian. The French variant maintains the scholarly and intellectual associations of its Latin counterpart while adding a touch of Gallic elegance. The accent over the 'E' gives the name a distinctively French pronunciation and appearance. While never extremely common, Érasme has maintained a presence in French-speaking regions, particularly among families valuing classical education and humanist traditions. The name conveys wisdom and learning, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with intellectual heritage. Despite its historical significance, Érasme remains relatively uncommon in contemporary usage.

Érasme

Éric is the French form of the masculine name Eric, featuring an acute accent mark over the 'E.' The name has Norse origins, derived from 'Eiríkr,' combining elements meaning 'ever' or 'always' and 'ruler' or 'king,' thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Éric is widely used in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium. The accent mark affects pronunciation, emphasizing the first syllable. While the English version Eric became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, Éric maintains steady usage in Francophone cultures. The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and nobility while its French spelling adds a touch of sophistication and cultural distinction.

Éric

Appealingly gentle and romantic French classic--with a lot more charm than Steve. 

Étienne

Eugène is the French form of Eugene, a masculine name with Greek origins meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' Derived from the Greek 'eugenes' (εὐγενής), combining 'eu' (good) and 'genos' (birth), it has been used since ancient times. The name gained significant popularity in 19th century France and has been borne by notable figures including French playwright Eugène Ionesco and artist Eugène Delacroix. While its usage has declined in recent decades, Eugène maintains an air of classical sophistication and cultural refinement, particularly in French-speaking regions and among those appreciating its literary and artistic associations.

Eugène

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.

Eustache

Ézéchiel

And this sounds like the synthetic fabric washed with Fabrice. 

Fabron

Surname of a fifteenth-century saint and a twenty-first-century quarterback, Brett Favre. 

Favre

Fernand is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning "journey" and "brave." It's the French and Catalan form of Ferdinand, a name with royal connections throughout European history. Fernand has been particularly popular in French-speaking regions and Spanish-speaking communities. The name exudes a certain aristocratic charm while maintaining a strong, masculine quality. Though less common today than in previous generations, Fernand continues to be appreciated for its distinguished history and international appeal. Notable bearers include French painter Fernand Léger and Belgian cyclist Fernand Jacobs. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name offers a sophisticated European alternative to more common names while being easy to pronounce and spell.

Fernand

Fernandu is a variant spelling of Fernando, a masculine name of Germanic and Spanish origin meaning "bold voyager" or "brave journey." The name derives from the elements "fardi" (journey) and "nanth" (daring, courage). This particular spelling with a final 'u' appears to be a regional or creative variation of the more common Fernando. While not as widely used as the traditional spelling, Fernandu maintains the name's strong historical connections to Spanish and Portuguese culture, including notable figures like explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The name carries a romantic, adventurous quality and translates well across multiple languages. Potential nicknames include Fern, Nandu, or Fred. Fernandu represents a distinctive choice while maintaining connections to a widely recognized classical name.

Fernandu

Ferrante is a masculine Italian name derived from the Germanic elements 'fardi' meaning 'journey' and 'nand' meaning 'brave' or 'daring.' Historically, it was the Italian form of Ferdinand, a name borne by several European monarchs and nobles throughout history. Ferrante was particularly prominent in Renaissance Italy, especially in Naples where Ferrante I ruled as King in the 15th century. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady usage in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities. It carries connotations of nobility, strength, and cultural heritage. The distinctive sound pattern with its rolling 'r' and melodic ending give Ferrante a sophisticated, classical feel that appeals to parents seeking a name with strong historical roots and Mediterranean flair.

Ferrante

Ferrand is a masculine name with medieval roots, originating from Old French and Occitan languages. Historically, it was both a given name and surname particularly associated with southern France and Spain. The name may derive from the Latin 'ferdinandus' (a variant of Ferdinand) or possibly from 'ferrand,' an Old French term referring to an iron-gray horse. Ferrand appeared in noble families during the Middle Ages, including the Counts of Flanders. Though uncommon in modern usage, the name has an aristocratic, distinctive quality that connects to European heritage. Ferrand possesses a strong, dignified sound with its emphasis on the second syllable, offering parents a rare name choice with historical depth and sophistication.

Ferrand

Fidèle is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Latin 'fidelis' meaning 'faithful' or 'loyal.' This name carries significant historical and religious connotations, as it embodies the cherished virtue of fidelity. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Fidèle has maintained a presence in Francophone regions, particularly in parts of Europe and former French colonies. The accent over the second 'e' (è) indicates the French pronunciation with emphasis on that syllable. As a given name, Fidèle offers a distinctive choice with clear positive associations, appealing to parents drawn to names with virtuous meanings and European heritage. The name's connection to steadfastness and devotion gives it a timeless quality despite its relative rarity.

Fidèle

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

Philbert

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 23)

270+ French Boy Names