<a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/French-Names">French names</a> for boys include some classics that have become widely popular, most notably Charles, Louis, and Dennis. Along with these traditional choices, the French boys' names on the US Top 1000 are Andre, Beau, Blaise, Bruce, Chance, Chase, Curtis, Darrell, Denver, Dion, Josue, Remy, and Royal. Unique French boy names attracting fresh attention in the US include Dion, Emilien, Florent, Jules, Lionel, Montague, Pom, and Quincy.
 
In France, the top boy names are Leo, Gabriel, and the English Tom (yes, Tom) for boys. French boy names most popular in France include 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 Belgium's Top 10 names for boys, which is led by the Irish Liam, the Biblical Hebrew Adam, and the Celtic Arthur. Among French-speaking Swiss parents, Gabriel is the Number 1 boy name, 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 top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
 
You might also want to survey the list of <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/497/french-names-for-girls">French names for girls</a>.

French Names for Boys

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.

Arnou

Arnauld is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a French variant of Arnold. The name combines the elements "arn" (eagle) and "wald" (power, ruler), literally meaning "eagle power" or "strong as an eagle." This uncommon spelling reflects the French linguistic influence, while the more common Arnold has been used throughout Germanic and English-speaking countries for centuries. Historically, the name was borne by several saints and notable figures, including philosophers and theologians. Arnauld carries an aristocratic, sophisticated quality with its French styling, distinguishing it from the more straightforward Arnold. While rare in contemporary usage, especially outside of French-speaking regions, the name offers parents an option with historical depth, masculine strength, and elegant European flair.

Arnauld

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.

Arnaut

Arnaud

Arséne is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Arsenius, which comes from the Greek word 'arsenikos,' meaning 'masculine' or 'virile.' The name carries a distinguished and somewhat aristocratic quality. Historically, it was popularized by early Christian saints, including Saint Arsenius the Great, a Roman tutor to emperors who later became a desert monk. In modern times, the name gained recognition through figures like Arsène Wenger, the long-serving former manager of Arsenal Football Club. While never extremely common, Arséne maintains a steady presence in French-speaking regions. The name conveys strength, dignity, and classical refinement, appealing to those who appreciate names with historical depth and European elegance.

Arséne

Artus is a masculine name with ancient roots, primarily appearing as a Latin variation of Arthur. The name Arthur itself has Celtic origins, possibly deriving from the Roman name Artorius or from Celtic words meaning 'bear' (arth) and 'man' or 'hero.' Artus was notably the Latin form used in medieval literature when referring to the legendary King Arthur of Camelot. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Artus has seen some usage in continental European countries, particularly in France and Germany. The name carries a noble, historical presence with connections to chivalry, leadership, and mythic heroism. Its distinctive form offers an alternative to the more common Arthur while maintaining the same strong historical resonance.

Artus

French version of August, for both sexes. And for those who feel the spelling of August is too plain.

Auguste

Août is an unusual masculine name derived directly from the French word for the month of August. Pronounced 'oo' (similar to the English word 'ooh' but shorter), it's the French adaptation of the Latin 'Augustus,' named after Emperor Augustus and meaning 'majestic' or 'venerable.' While extremely rare as a first name even in French-speaking regions, it carries strong associations with summer, harvest time, and abundance. The name might be given to boys born in August, similar to how names like April or June function in English. Its uniqueness makes it striking and memorable, though its pronunciation may present challenges in non-French speaking areas. As a name, Août represents a bold choice that connects a child to French language and culture.

Août

More traditionally spelled as Aurélien, this is the elegant French form of the golden Aurelius. Ultimately derived from aureus meaning "gold, gilded", this form is in the French Top 500, albeit near the latter end. Hugely popular in the 80s and 90s, ranking at #26 in 1986, it has now declined, with Aurèle slightly preferred.
 
Given to just 10 boys in the US in a recent year, it lags behind Aurelio and Aurelius — both of which feature in the Top 1000.
 
Footballer Aurélien Tchouaméni is a notable bearer.

Aurelien

While Aurelio, Aurelia, and Aurelius are all on the rise, this historical and Romanian form of the golden name is yet to share in its relatives' success. Given to just 25 boys in a recent year, it may never the less appeal to those who like Adrian, Elian, and Augustine. 
 
Aurelian is typically used in English to refer to the 3rd century Roman emperor (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus), known for reuniting the Roman Empire through his successful military victories. There's also the wrestler Aurelian Smith, better known as Grizzly Smith, Paul Aurelian, a 6th-century Welsh saint who supposedly lived to be 140, and Aurelian Temișan, a singer and actor.

Aurelian

Aurel is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'Aurelius' meaning 'golden' or 'gilded'. Popular in Romania, France, and other European countries, it carries an elegant, classical feel. The name has connections to the ancient Roman family name Aurelius and to the Latin word 'aurum' for gold. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Aurel has maintained steady popularity in Eastern Europe. It offers a sophisticated yet accessible alternative to more common names, with a musical quality that makes it both distinctive and pleasing to the ear. Notable variations include Aurèle (French) and Aurelio (Italian, Spanish).

Aurel

Loose, lean, and lanky cowboy-sounding names have become a recent trend, but how about the name of a real one--the Singing Cowboy Gene. Autry might be thought of as a masculine spin on the fashionable Audrey or a fresher version of Austin or Auden. 
Some other cowboy surnames from the Golden Age of movie and TV westerns: Boone, Boyd, Cody, Corrigan, Gibson, Hart, Holt, Houston, McCoy and Renaldo.

Autry

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 24)

270+ French Boy Names