French Names for Boys

Danial is a variant spelling of Daniel, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly distinctive written form. The biblical Daniel was known for his wisdom and interpretation of dreams, particularly in the lion's den story, giving the name strong religious associations across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Danial has been consistently used throughout history but remains less common than the traditional spelling. While especially popular in Muslim communities as a form of the Arabic Danyal (دانيال), this spelling variant appears across various cultures. The name conveys qualities of wisdom, faith, and integrity, regardless of its spelling.

Danial

Alternative spelling of Dennis, and the usual transliteration from Ukrainian. Used (though rarely) for both sexes.

Denys

There are plenty of French guys named Fabrice, but here, it sounds more like a laundry product. 

Fabrice

More masculine than Paris for a boy, but in danger of being misunderstood as that name; has a slightly churchy feel.

Parish

Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air. 

Serge

An intriguing French word and surname, Solaire has a hint of aristocratic ruggedness and plenty of flair. Translating to "solar", it is unlikely to be used within France itself, however, it has seen usage with the Francophone Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the US where it was given to 9 boys and 6 girls in a recent year. It was also used for a character in the video game Dark Souls.

Solaire

Aurel is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'Aurelius' meaning 'golden' or 'gilded'. Popular in Romania, France, and other European countries, it carries an elegant, classical feel. The name has connections to the ancient Roman family name Aurelius and to the Latin word 'aurum' for gold. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Aurel has maintained steady popularity in Eastern Europe. It offers a sophisticated yet accessible alternative to more common names, with a musical quality that makes it both distinctive and pleasing to the ear. Notable variations include Aurèle (French) and Aurelio (Italian, Spanish).

Aurel

More likely to be spelled Constantine, this was the name of the first Christian emperor of the Roman empire, as well as three Scottish kings. Previously thought of as too bulky and unwieldy a name for a modern child, these days it would be perfectly acceptable.


Constantin

Faron, a soft and gentle name, has a diverse group of references. There was the medieval Saint Faron, Bishop of Meaux (who has given his name to a cheese); Faron Young, a colorful midcentury country singer known as The Hillbilly Heartthrob, and a character from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
 Could make a more unusual alternative to the Irish surname Farrell.

Faron

Jasper is an internationally-popular name that takes many forms, among them Casper, Gaspar, and the French version Gaspard. Virtually unknown in the US, Gaspard is one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/popular-names/france">Top 100 Boy Names in France</a>.

Gaspard

This is the French form of Lazarus, which recently has been rising from the dead – it's popular on Nameberry, and was used for his son by musician Trent Reznor. Lazare might be familiar to some via the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris.

Lazare

Like Maximilian, but with an attractive French twist.

Maximilien

Venerable old saint's name now associated solely with talk show host Philbin, who is constantly seeking namesakes. It comes from the word rex meaning "king".
 
It could also be considered a place name, inspired by English beach towns, Bognor Regis and Lyme Regis, both of which had 'Regis' added to their names when they were given royal charter.

Regis

Saint Germain, the intellectual center of Paris, lends the name a creative aura. But most Americans would say jer-mayn.   The Latin Germanus may mean sprout or bud, or brother.

Germain

This French feminine version of Germain is a unisex choice in the U.S., also spelled Jermaine, Jemaine, and Germain.  Rooted in the ancient Latin Germanus, which may mean sprout or brother, it's no longer a fashionable choice in any version.

Germaine

Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard.   Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.

Lafayette

Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient.
 
Possibly an Old Welsh form of the Latin Eugenius, or, deriving from other Celtic roots to mean "born of goodness" or "born of sheep" - which might appeal to those who like Shepherd. 
 
Owain once belonged to a Knight of the Round Table and to two significant Welsh rulers, Owain Gwynedd, and Owain Glyndŵr, who resisted English rule. 
 
A more recent bearer is Owain Wyn Evans, a weatherman turned broadcaster and TV presenter. Known for his drag-themed weather forecast on International Drag Day 2017 and his hugely successful charity drumathon, Owain Wyn Evans may have brought the name to more parents' attention, as 2022 saw it return to the UK Top 1000.

Owain

Herby and aristocratic Basil remains a tough sell, but we’d like to introduce you to Basile, the delightful French version. It retains all of Basil’s charm, but sheds some of the pesto linkage.
 
Basile is trending upward for boys in France and Belgium.

Basile

Dione is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, though it's sometimes used for females as well. In Greek mythology, Dione was a Titaness who, in some accounts, was the mother of Aphrodite with Zeus. The name derives from 'Dios,' relating to Zeus or the divine. Despite its mythological weight, Dione has never been widely popular for boys but occasionally appears in classical or literary-minded families. It has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and simple pronunciation. The name carries an air of classical sophistication and mythological significance. For male bearers, it offers a rare and distinctive option with historical depth. Its connection to ancient deities gives it a sense of strength and timelessness that appeals to parents drawn to names with mythological backgrounds.

Dione

Though Patrice is still common for boys in France, it has long been feminine here. 

Patrice

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 9)

270+ French Boy Names