French Names for Boys

Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn. 

Orville

Philippe, pronounced fill-EEP, is Philip with Gallic flair. 

Philippe

A historic name seeing some modern use among French-speaking parents.

Audric

Once you get past the pronunciation hurdle, a smooth and elegant choice. In French, it's spelt with a circumflex: Benoît.

Benoit

Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.

Didier

A name with multiple origins, Meyers could be considered a German name meaning "tenant, farmer, bailiff" or "leader of the household", a Hebrew name meaning "enlightening, shining", a French name meaning "doctor", and an English name meaning "mayor".
 
While singular form Meyer was familiar as a given name in the late 19th-and early 20th-century, Meyers is rarer, though it does fit in with the likes of Brooks, Banks, Townes, and Rivers. First appearing in the US stats in 2013, it was given to 13 boys in a recent year.

Meyers

More often used in Britain than here, where most names ending in ville fall into the unthinkable class, this might make an exception via fans of the musical Neville Brothers.

 Charles Dickens used the name for a character in his unfinished novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Neville

Rollin is a masculine name with related to the more familiar Roland. It might also be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.' 

Used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, Rollin enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, it's an old-fashioned name that would make a distinctive choice.

Rollin

Davide is the Italian form of David, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved' or 'favorite one.' This variant maintains the biblical connection to King David while adding a distinctly Italian flair with its three-syllable pronunciation (dah-VEE-deh). Particularly popular in Italy and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, Davide has a rich history dating back centuries. The name carries the same prestigious biblical legacy as David but with a more melodic Mediterranean sound. While less common in English-speaking countries, Davide has gained some international recognition through Italian cultural exports, including arts, fashion, and sports. The name conveys strength, creativity, and leadership—qualities associated with the biblical figure.

Davide

In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly romantic-- name.

 An older spelling is Launcelot, as seen in Shakespeare's Launcelot Gabbo in The Merchant of Venice and two Tobias Smollett novels.

 Short form Lance has had an independent life of his own.

Lancelot

Bretton

Jeremie is a masculine name representing the French variation of Jeremy, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah), meaning "appointed by God" or "God will uplift." This spelling adds a touch of European sophistication to the more common Jeremy. In French-speaking regions like Quebec, France, and parts of Switzerland, Jeremie maintains steady popularity while remaining distinctive in English-speaking countries. The name carries biblical significance as Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament. Jeremie combines religious heritage with cross-cultural appeal, making it suitable for families seeking a name with both spiritual meaning and international flair. The slightly different spelling creates a unique identity while maintaining familiar pronunciation, offering the best of tradition and individuality.

Jeremie

This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.


Yann

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

Jacque is a masculine name that serves as a French variant of Jacob, ultimately derived from Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' While Jacques (with the 's') is the standard French form, Jacque represents a simplified spelling that maintains the French pronunciation. The name carries sophisticated European flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce in English-speaking contexts. Jacque has seen moderate usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in French-influenced regions and families with French heritage. The name bridges classical biblical roots with Continental elegance, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with international appeal. Its combination of historical depth and stylish sound gives Jacque enduring charm despite never reaching mainstream popularity.

Jacque

Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.

Marceau

A cute and fresh way to get to Max, this was the name of a sixth century saint. Maxence is a Top 100 boys' name in France, but largely unknown in the US where it is given to only a handful of baby boys each year. 

Maxence

The French spin on the name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel seems somewhat more portable into the modern world.

Achille

Cape is a surname-style name and a geographical, nature connected one. As a surname, it was originally given to someone who wore a cloak or cape, or to one who made them. As a word name, it describes a piece of land that juts out into the sea, for example Cape Cod or Cape Verde. First appearing in the US stats in 2011, a recent year saw it given to 9 boys.

Cape

Coty

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 8)

270+ French Boy Names