French Names for Boys

Gérard is a masculine French name derived from the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy." This name has been popular throughout France and French-speaking regions for centuries, with its peak popularity occurring during the mid-20th century. The accent mark gives it a distinctly French pronunciation (zhay-RAHR). Internationally, the name gained recognition through notable figures like French actor Gérard Depardieu. While traditional in France, it has a sophisticated, continental flair in English-speaking countries. Though its usage has declined in recent decades as more modern names have gained favor, Gérard maintains an air of classic dignity and European elegance.

Gérard

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. Gervase is a common spelling variation.

Gervaise

Gervais is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wis' meaning 'wise,' together translating to 'skilled with the spear.' The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including a 2nd-century martyr who became one of the patron saints of Milan. 

Gervais has been continuously used in France since medieval times, though it remains relatively uncommon. In English-speaking countries, it may be recognized from the comedian Ricky Gervais, though the pronunciation often differs (French: zhair-VAY, English often: ger-VAYS). The name carries an air of sophistication and European elegance, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and international character.

Gervais

Guilbert is a masculine name of Germanic and Old French origins, essentially a variant of Gilbert. The name combines the Germanic elements 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous.' Guilbert was moderately common in medieval Europe, particularly in France, but has become quite rare in modern times. It carries an aristocratic, somewhat old-fashioned charm with its silent 'u' spelling that follows French orthographic traditions. While Gilbert experienced some popularity in the early 20th century, Guilbert has remained an uncommon choice, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical depth and sophisticated European flair.

Guilbert

Gilles is a French masculine name derived from the Latin name Aegidius, which means 'shield' or 'young goat'. Popular throughout medieval France, Gilles became associated with the 7th-century hermit Saint Gilles (Saint Aegidius), who was counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers. The name is pronounced 'zheel' in French, with a soft 'g' sound. While common in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Gilles remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Notable bearers include French ballet dancer Gilles Guilbert and Canadian hockey player Gilles Meloche. The name carries associations of French culture and heritage while offering an elegant alternative to the more familiar English form, Giles.

Gilles

Godefroi is a masculine name of Old Germanic origin, representing the medieval French form of Godfrey or Geoffrey. The name combines the elements "god" (god) and "frid" (peace), literally meaning "God's peace" or "divine peace." Godefroi was popularized during the Crusades, notably through Godefroi de Bouillon, a Frankish knight who became one of the leaders of the First Crusade and the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This historical name carries a strong sense of nobility and medieval heritage. While uncommon in modern usage, particularly outside of French-speaking regions, Godefroi offers a distinctive classic option with rich historical associations. The name's traditional character and French pronunciation give it an aristocratic quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and European flair.

Godefroi

Grégoire is the French form of Gregory, a name with ancient Greek origins derived from "gregorein," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The name carries a distinguished heritage, with numerous important historical figures including many popes and saints bearing variations of this name. The French spelling with the acute accent gives the name a sophisticated, continental flair. Grégoire is moderately common in French-speaking regions but remains distinctive elsewhere. The name has a refined, intellectual quality with its smooth sound and elegant pronunciation (greh-GWAHR). Parents might choose Grégoire for its cosmopolitan character, cultural richness, and the subtle blend of strength and sophistication it conveys. The name offers versatility across languages while maintaining its distinctly French character.

Grégoire

An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility elsewhere, Guillaume is a French form of the classic Germanic William. It's heyday was back in the 1980s and 90s, when it ranked in the French Top 10 and the Belgium and Quebec Top 20, though more recent years have seen it drop from the popularity charts. 

Guillaume

No-no appelation of a child saint and martyr whose name is a term for the nervous condition known as Saint Vitus' Dance. Its one recommending feature is that it's among the elite group <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/608/boy-names-that-mean-life">Boy names that mean life</a>.

Vitus

It's tempting to think of Gui as the Spanish form of Guy, but it's short for Guillermo.

What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general.  Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.

Hadrien

Chance has risen far on the baby-naming charts, but Hazard has a considerably more dangerous edge.  It was the middle name of famed US naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry.

Hazard

Hebert is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning primarily as a surname that has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. It represents a variant spelling of Herbert, which combines the elements 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright or famous), conveying the meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Particularly common in French-speaking regions, especially among Cajun communities in Louisiana, Hebert maintains its traditional pronunciation (often as 'A-bear' rather than 'HE-bert'). While relatively uncommon as a first name in most English-speaking countries, it carries a dignified, classic quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical roots and familial connections.

Hebert

Hercule is a masculine name directly derived from Greek mythology, serving as the French variant of Hercules, the legendary hero known for his extraordinary strength and twelve labors. Made particularly recognizable through Agatha Christie's fictional detective Hercule Poirot, the name carries connotations of intellectual prowess alongside physical might. Despite its powerful mythological associations, Hercule remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it has maintained steady usage in French-speaking regions. The name projects authority, determination, and exceptional ability. Its distinctive classical heritage makes it appealing to parents drawn to mythological names with substantial cultural significance. Pronounced typically as 'air-KOOL' in French tradition, the name has a sophisticated European flair.

Hercule

Hervé was a legendary French saint, patron of the blind, who performed many miracles -- it's a lot more sophisticated than the English Harvey. 

Hervé

Hewett

Hilaire, a name that has rarely been exported out of its native France, was originally bestowed in honor of the fourth century bishop and theologian St. Hilaire of Poitiers.

Hilaire

Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so.  It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux. 

Hippolyte

A name that is truly honored in France, as the name of several saints, artists like Daumier, and writers like Balzac. 

Honoré

Onfroi is a masculine name of Germanic origin that evolved through Old French. It derives from the Germanic elements "hun" (meaning bear cub or warrior) and "frid" (peace). Onfroi is a medieval French variant of the name that eventually evolved into Humphrey in English. Popular among Norman nobility after the conquest of England, the name has strong historical connections to medieval European aristocracy. Today, Onfroi remains exceedingly rare, offering a distinctively antique and sophisticated option for parents drawn to names with historical depth. Its unusual sound pattern and noble heritage make it an uncommon choice with significant historical resonance.

Onfroi

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 25)

270+ French Boy Names