270+ French Boy Names

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

This name feels warmer and more human-appropriate in its longer version, but still retains that breezy feel. Trivia tidbit: Zephyrinus was a Jewish pope.

Josue - usually written as Josué - is a French, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Joshua that has been in the US Top 300 since 1990 and in the Top 1000 since the 70s. While it remains popular in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, in its native Spain, France, and Portugal, it has fallen slightly out of style.

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

Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.

Jeter, which of course is used as a first name only because of Yankee star Derek, rhymes with Peter and may be derived from the French surname Jette, which was often bestowed on foundlings because it means "thrown out," or the German Jetter, an occupational name meaning "weeder." If your husband insists on Jeter, counter with Percival.

Ambroise is the French form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which is derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This name carries connotations of longevity and heavenly association. Ambroise was popularized by several saints, most notably Saint Ambrose of Milan, a 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church. In France, this classic name has maintained steady, though modest, usage throughout the centuries. While Ambroise never reached tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains appreciated for its sophisticated sound and rich historical connections. The name evokes a sense of timeless elegance with its mellifluous pronunciation and distinguished heritage.

Léandre is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the mythological figure Leander who swam across the Hellespont nightly to visit his beloved Hero. The name combines the Greek elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'andros' meaning 'man,' suggesting strength and courage. Particularly popular in French-speaking regions and Quebec, Léandre carries a sophisticated European flair with its accent mark. The name has classical roots while maintaining a contemporary feel. Though not common in English-speaking countries, it has steady popularity in Francophone areas. Léandre offers a distinguished alternative to more common names while providing the friendly nickname Leo or Léo. Its mythological associations add depth and romantic significance.

Loose, lean, and lanky cowboy-sounding names have become a recent trend, but how about the name of a real one--the Singing Cowboy Gene. Autry might be thought of as a masculine spin on the fashionable Audrey or a fresher version of Austin or Auden.

Some other cowboy surnames from the Golden Age of movie and TV westerns: Boone, Boyd, Cody, Corrigan, Gibson, Hart, Holt, Houston, McCoy and Renaldo.

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

Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"

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.

Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.

Obéron is a masculine name derived from Auberon, the French form of Alberich, a Germanic name meaning 'elf ruler' or 'king of the elves.' Most famously, Oberon appears in medieval and Renaissance literature as the king of the fairies in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' The addition of the accent in Obéron gives the name a distinctly French flair. This enchanting name carries magical and mystical associations, connecting the bearer to a rich tradition of folklore and literary fantasy. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, Obéron offers a majestic quality with its mythological heritage and regal connotations.

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.

Truly offbeat, but just on the brink of outré.

Dapper-sounding choice with old American roots (Dabney Cosby was a 19th century Virginian architect who worked with Thomas Jefferson on some of that state's most iconic buildings). Dabney Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr's bodyguard, giving this name yet more American history depth. Dab is a sweet nickname option for this name.

This name, which is a French variant of Leo, is pronounced with the distinct French nasally N at the end. It is sometimes used in French to refer to popes named Leo.

Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.

Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night.