French Names for Boys

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.

Flavien

Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can be floral too.

Florent

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.

Florentin

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.

Foulques

A saints name and a word name, this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place. 

Fort

Fortun is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from Fortunatus, meaning 'lucky,' 'fortunate,' or 'blessed.' As a shorter form of the traditional Fortunato or Fortune, it carries connotations of good luck and prosperity. The name has roots in Roman culture, where Fortuna was the goddess of fortune and luck. Fortun has seen limited usage throughout Western Europe, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions and parts of France. Unlike more common derivatives like Fortunato, the concise form Fortun remains quite rare in contemporary use. The name conveys positive expectations for a child's future and suggests an auspicious path in life. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.

Fortun

Old-time movie actor Franchot Tone (born Stanislas -- Franchot was his mother's maiden name) earned this name its own place in the book. An interesting, provocative choice. 

Franchot

Francois is the ultimate sophisticated French name. 

François

The chic French form of Frederick, Frédéric was popular in France in the middle of the 20th century. This is famously the French name of composer Frédéric Chopin (born Fryderyk Chopin).

Frédéric

It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.

Gaetan

Straightforward surname with potential thanks to the rise of Carson. The actress Greer Garson gives it a splash of Hollywood glamor.

Garson

This could be a fresh way to honor an ancestral Walter. 

Gauthier

The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Gray, Gale and Guy.

Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep. 

Gaylord

Geoffroi is a masculine name representing the traditional French form of Geoffrey, which ultimately derives from Germanic elements meaning 'peace' (fred) and either 'territory' or 'god' (gawia). This elegant spelling preserves the name's medieval French heritage, evoking images of chivalry and courtly tradition. While Geoffrey and its variants like Jeffrey became quite common in English-speaking countries, the distinctly French Geoffroi has remained rare outside Francophone regions. The name carries a sophisticated European flair with its silent final 'i' and traditional pronunciation. For parents seeking a name with historical depth, aristocratic associations, and French cultural connections, Geoffroi offers a distinguished yet accessible option.

Geoffroi

Gérald is the French form of Gerald, a masculine name with Germanic origins combining elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power.' The accent mark over the 'e' creates the distinctive French pronunciation with emphasis on the first syllable. While Gerald has declined in popularity in English-speaking countries since its peak in the mid-20th century, Gérald maintains usage in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium. The name carries associations of strength and leadership from its martial origins while the French spelling adds a touch of sophistication and continental flair. Gérald offers the friendly nickname options of Gerry or Gé, balancing formality with approachability.

Gérald

Géralde is the masculine form of Géraldine, which derives from the Germanic name Gerald, composed of elements meaning "spear" and "rule" or "power." This French variant maintains the same powerful meaning while adapting the spelling to French orthography. Though less common than its feminine counterpart, Géralde carries an air of nobility and distinction. It has remained a relatively rare choice throughout French-speaking regions, appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon name with historical depth. The accent mark gives the name a sophisticated European flair, distinguishing it from the more widely used Gerald in English-speaking countries.

Géralde

Giraud is a masculine name of French origin, representing an old French form of Gerald, which derives from Germanic elements meaning "spear ruler" or "rule of the spear." This name carries an aristocratic, medieval quality, having been used among French nobility during the Middle Ages. While uncommon in modern usage, Giraud (pronounced approximately zhee-ROH) maintains a distinguished presence in French naming history and genealogical records. The name has a sophisticated, somewhat austere quality that connects to its historical roots. Giraud offers parents a rare name choice with authentic French heritage and historical significance. It could be seen as a more distinctive alternative to the more familiar Gerard or Gerald while maintaining similar etymological roots.

Giraud

Girauld is a masculine name of Germanic origin, a variant of Gerald or Gerold, derived from elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power.' This medieval form was more common in France during the Middle Ages but has become exceedingly rare in modern times. The name carries the connotation of strength and leadership from its warrior origins. Girauld has an antique, noble quality that evokes images of medieval knights and courtly tradition. While virtually unknown in contemporary naming practices, it may appeal to parents interested in historical names with strong etymological roots. The unusual spelling gives this ancient name a distinctive appearance while maintaining links to the more familiar Gerald family of names.

Girauld

Géaud is a rare masculine French name with possible roots in ancient Germanic naming traditions. The distinctive accent mark (acute accent) gives the name its proper French pronunciation, with a soft 'zh' sound at the beginning. While uncommon even in France, Géaud may be related to names like Géraud or Gérald, which derive from Germanic elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power.' This name carries an air of aristocratic heritage and classical French sophistication. Géaud has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining instead a very uncommon choice that would stand out in most settings. The name's rarity gives it exclusivity while its French character lends it elegance and cultural specificity.

Géaud

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