French Names for Boys

In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Welsh historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such it may feel more rooted and enduring.

Geoffrey

Popular in French-speaking countries in West Africa, including Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, Ousmane is a form of the Arabic Uthman, likely via Osman or Usman, used in Urdu, Turkish, Malay, and Kurdish. Usually interpreted as meaning "young bustard" — a bustard being a species of large, predominantly land-dwelling birds — it is occasionally linked to serpents and dragons too.
 
Connected to the third caliph of Islam, Ousmane recently featured in the French Top 300, and in contemporary times, is notably associated with footballers Ousmane Dembélé and Ousmane Diomande

Ousmane

The French-accented Pascal was historically used for sons born at Easter, and can make an interesting choice for a boy with Gallic roots arriving around that holiday. 
 Pascal has a number of notable first and last named namesakes, including the philosopher Blaise Pascal, a character in Beauty and the Beast and--for computer freaks--it is also the name of a scientific database.
 Pascoe is an attractive Cornish variation.

Pascal

Rollins is primarily a surname derived from the Germanic personal name Hrodland (composed of 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'land' meaning 'territory'), which evolved into Roland in French. As a first name, Rollins represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly trendy with surnames ending in S ala Brooks, Banks, and Rhodes. 

The name also gives associations with jazz musician Sonny Rollins and the punk band Rollins Band, giving it artistic and countercultural connections. While uncommon as a first name, Rollins appeals to parents seeking a strong, distinctive masculine name with historical depth. Its sound is bold and commanding, with the rolling 'R' and strong ending creating a memorable impression.

Rollins

One of Dumas' swashbuckling Three Musketeers, now better known as a men's cologne. 

Aramis

Sasha in all its forms -- which include Sacha and Sascha -- is rising in popularity for both boys and girls. Its most prominent current bearer with this spelling is Sacha Baron Cohen.

Sacha is a Top 20 name for baby boys in France.

Sacha

Similar in style to Everett and Avery, Avett is a zippy, musical choice that many will associate with the American folk-rock band, The Avett Brothers. The exact etymology of the name is unknown, but theories include that it comes from the French avette meaning "bee", that it's a diminutive of Avery, meaning "little elf ruler", or that it is comes from the Hebrew ʾAvraham, meaning "father of multitudes".
 
Additionally, it may come from Avis, meaning "bird", Everett meaning "brave, wild boar", Averell meaning "april" or Armenian Avetis meaning "good news".
 
Avett has been appearing in the US stats since 2009, with around 30 boys given the name in a recent year.

Avett

Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/498/french-names-for-boys">French names for boys</a> rarely heard in this country.
 Actor Armie Hammer's first name is Armand.

Armand

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

Auguste

The name of an ancient saint, a legendary holy man and martyr who is the patron saint of the city of Pamplona in Navarre, Spain. The popular week-long festival Sanfermines, which takes place in Pamplona every year from July 6-14 and includes the infamous encierro or bull runs, is named in his honor.

 The name derives from Latin Firmunus "steadfast, strong"; Fermin is the Basque form. A local diminutive is Mintxo.

Fermin

Much less successful than other variations.

Jorden

Tracy

It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/498/french-names-for-boys">French names for boys</a>unfamiliar to most English speakers, except maybe fashionistas who associate it with designer Etienne Aigner. A new way to honor Grandpa Steve?

Etienne

Jordon is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Jordan, which derives from the Hebrew name 'Yarden,' referring to the Jordan River in the Middle East. The river holds significant religious importance in Christianity as the site where Jesus was baptized. As a personal name, Jordon gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. This alternative spelling with an 'o' rather than an 'a' offers a subtle distinction while maintaining the name's recognized sound and heritage. Jordon peaked in usage in the 1990s in the United States but remains a steady choice for parents seeking a name with biblical connections that still sounds contemporary. The name conveys strength and has a modern, masculine feel.

Jordon

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

The ultimate Jane Austen hero name, Darcy makes a handsome, surname style choice. Predominantly used for girls in England and Wales, across the pond in Australia, it is a stylish Top 100 name for boys. In the US meanwhile, it does lean feminine, however, 30 boys were given the name in a recent year, suggesting it is on the up across the board. 
 
Considered an anglicization of D'Arcy, denoting someone from the French town of Arcy, it may also be an English form of the Irish O'Dorchaidhe, meaning "dark one".

Darcy

Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today. 

Delano

Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.

Amaury

Clovis

Common in France, but could be confused with the feminine Maxine here. 

Maxime

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 6)

270+ French Boy Names