French Names for Boys

Mathieu is the French form of Matthew, a masculine name with biblical origins derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift from Yahweh.' This elegant French spelling maintains the name's religious significance while adding Gallic sophistication. Widely used in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium, Mathieu combines classical heritage with contemporary appeal. The pronunciation (mat-YUH or mat-YOO) distinguishes it from the more common Matthew. Notable bearers include French artists, athletes, and musicians, adding cultural cachet to the name. Mathieu appeals to parents seeking a name with international flair that remains recognizable across cultures, offering a distinguished alternative to more common variants.

Mathieu

Silvestre is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The name essentially translates to 'from the forest' or 'wild,' conveying a natural, untamed quality. Popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Silvestre has ancient roots, notably carried by Pope Saint Sylvester I in the 4th century. The name maintains steady usage in Latin American countries, Spain, and Portugal, though it remains less common in English-speaking regions. It experienced modest peaks of popularity in the early 20th century and has seen periodic revivals. Parents may be drawn to Silvestre for its melodic quality, connection to nature, and cross-cultural appeal. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while evoking imagery of natural strength and wilderness.

Silvestre

The Sydney spelling most popular for girls: it's in the Top 50 on the female side. Cool for a girl, still nerdy for a guy.

Sydney

Has been used in the past by parents wishing to invoke the blessing and protection of all the saints, also given to boys born on November 1, All Saints' Day. 

Toussaint

A hugely popular choice in France back in the 60s and 70s, Thierry took the number one spot in 1964,though it has since dropped out of the French Top 500. Derived from the Germanic Theodoric (not a relative of Theodore), it shares the same meaning: "ruler of the people".
 
Notable bearers include designer Thierry Mugler and international soccer star Thierry Henry. In French, it is pronounced as TYEH-REE, while English speakers may say it as tee-ehr-ree (the emphasized syllable shifting depending on place, accent, and preference).

Thierry

Yannick originated as a diminutive of Yann, the Breton form of John. However, it has since become popular as a standalone name in its native region of Brittany, as well as in France as a whole, where it peaked at #31 in 1973-4. It remains well within the Top 500 in France to this day, and has also seen regular use in Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Quebec.

 French tennis star Yannick Noah is a well-known bearer.

Yannick

The iconic Gone With the Wind star Clark's surname was brought into the first-name mix when Weeds' Kevin Nealon picked it for his son. Gable makes a strong and unusual possibility, a rhyming cousin to Abel and Mabel.

 The cast of Golden Age and later Hollywood characters is ever increasing, now including Harlow, Chaplin, Flynn and Monroe. Clark Gable was born in February, making this one of the prime names for Aquarius babies or names for February babies.

Gable

Leandre, the French form of the name of a Greek mythological figure, the doomed lover of Hero, is gaining modern notice in France.  Leandre is one of many leonine names, including Leopold, Leo, Leonie, and Leon, that are fashionable now.

Leandre

Swaggering western place-name with a lot of cowboy bravado and panache. 

Laramie

On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler and clear up the issue.

Yves

Kasim is a masculine name with Arabic origins, meaning 'one who divides' or 'distributor,' often interpreted as someone who distributes justice or fairness. The name appears in Islamic tradition and history, adding cultural significance for many families. With its strong consonants and clean, modern sound, Kasim offers cross-cultural appeal while maintaining its authentic roots. Though not extremely common in Western countries, the name has gained steady appreciation for its distinctive character and international recognition. Variations include Qasim, Kassim, and Kaasim, with the name being particularly popular in Muslim communities worldwide. Kasim blends tradition with a contemporary feel, making it both timeless and current.

Kasim

Saint-Nazaire is a harbor town in France; the name relates to Nazareth, where Jesus lived as a child. Two possible variations: Nazarius, an Italian martyr, and Nazario. 

Nazaire

Ulisses is a masculine name that represents the Latin and Portuguese variation of Ulysses, which derives from the Greek name Odysseus. In Greek mythology, Odysseus was the legendary king of Ithaca known for his intelligence, cunning, and the epic journey home after the Trojan War as told in Homer's 'Odyssey.' The name Ulisses remains particularly popular in Brazil and Portugal, while also appearing in other Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. It carries connotations of wisdom, adventure, and resilience. The double 's' spelling distinguishes it from the more common Ulises (Spanish) or Ulysses (English) variants, giving it a slightly more distinctive quality.

Ulisses

A French accent makes almost everything sound better, especially when attached to a Twilight vampire. Laurent also has a high-style feel via designer Yves St-Laurent. Laurent de Brunhoff is the French author-illustrator who continued his father Jean's series of Babar books.

Laurent

Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris. 

Norris

Severin is an ancient Roman family name borne by several early saints. It's still alive throughout Europe, and could be ready for import here. Severin Winter is a wrestling prodigy character in John Irving's The 158-Pound Marriage and, in its original Latin form, Severus Snape appears in Harry Potter.

Severin

Thayer is an affable, less-common alternative to Taylor, with a much more indirect connection to its occupational source. Actor Thayer David (born David Thayer: Thayer was his father's first name) was known for his roles in Rocky and Dark Shadows.

Thayer

Typically spelled as Amaël, this name can be a variation of the popular Breton name, Maël, which ranks in the Top 10 in France. Amaël itself entered the French Top 500 in 2021, and ranked at #337 in a recent year. Meaning "chieftain" or "prince", Amaël (or Amael) would typically be pronounced as A-MA-EHL
 
Alternatively, Amael may be related to Anael, an archangel in Jewish lore, who is also known as Hanael and Aniel. Anael is associated with the planet Venus, grace, favor, and charm. As such, it would be pronounced ah-mee-ehl or ah-mah-ehl

Amael

In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America. 
 There is a one-act comic opera by Mozart titled Bastien and Bastienne.
 An alternate spelling is Bastian, which was used by Jeremy Sisto for his son.

Bastien

Lemar appears to have multiple possible origins. It could be a variant of Lamar, which itself may derive from French geographic place names (such as the French municipality La Mar) or from the French 'la mer' meaning 'the sea.' Alternatively, it might represent a variant spelling of Leomer or Leomaris, which have Latin roots. The name has been in use in various regions including Europe and North America. Lemar gained some visibility in the early 2000s through British singer Lemar Obika, who goes by the mononym Lemar. The name has maintained modest but consistent usage across different communities. Its appeal may stem from its melodic quality and versatility across different language contexts. Spelling variations include Lamar, Leomar, and Lamor, with each having slightly different usage patterns and regional preferences.

Lemar

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 7)

270+ French Boy Names