Breton is the term for the people and language of Brittany, a region of northern France with a distinct culture. Breton also might be thought of as a trendy modern invention, taking the midcentury surfer boy Bret or Brett and adding the current favorite boy's name ending -on and turning it into a name all its own. Bretton is a variation.

Pronounced Beecham, but still too fancy and fey. Likewise Beaufort (beautiful fort), Beaufoy (beautiful beech tree), and Beaumont (beautiful mountain).

Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.

Essentially the French equivalent of Baldwin, this name carries strong historical significance, particularly in Belgium where multiple kings have borne the name. The most notable was King Baudouin I who ruled Belgium from 1951 to 1993 and was deeply respected for his moral integrity and service to the nation. Outside of French-speaking regions, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an aristocratic and distinguished character. Pronunciation may pose challenges for non-French speakers (roughly bo-DWAN), which has limited its international usage. The name conveys strength, nobility, and cultural heritage, appealing to parents with connections to French or Belgian culture.

Benadette is a feminine name that serves as a variant of the more common Bernadette, which originated from the Germanic masculine name Bernard, meaning "brave as a bear." The alteration from "r" to "n" gives Benadette a softer pronunciation while maintaining the recognizable connection to its origin. Bernadette gained significant popularity after the apparitions at Lourdes, France, where Saint Bernadette Soubirous reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. The Benadette variation is considerably less common, offering a unique alternative while preserving the melodic quality of the traditional name. Though rare in usage statistics, Benadette appeals to parents who appreciate the heritage and feminine qualities of Bernadette but desire a subtle distinction in spelling and pronunciation.

Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.

Barthélemy is the French form of Bartholomew, derived from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmay, meaning "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrows." This distinguished name carries significant historical weight as one of Jesus's twelve apostles in the New Testament. In France, Barthélemy has been used since medieval times, with Saint Barthélemy's Day (August 24) marking a notable event in French history—the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of 1572. The name has an elegant, aristocratic quality with its French pronunciation (bar-tay-lay-MEE). While not commonly used in modern France, it maintains a classic, sophisticated appeal. The name appears occasionally in French literature and historical contexts, contributing to its cultured image.

Bénédicte is a feminine French name derived from the Latin name Benedicta, the female form of Benedictus, meaning 'blessed.' The name carries the same linguistic roots as Benedict and Benedetta, all stemming from the Latin words 'bene' (well) and 'dicere' (to speak). The accent marks in Bénédicte guide its traditional French pronunciation. Popular in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, the name has historical connections to religious traditions through Saint Benedict and has been used since medieval times. Bénédicte projects an image of elegance and refinement while maintaining its spiritual meaning. Though less common outside Francophone countries, it offers a sophisticated alternative to the more widely used Benedetta or Benedicta for parents seeking a name with French flair and meaningful origins.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

Rare French option for girls, but feels familiar thanks to the popularity of Sebastian.

Offers much less than Bay.

Bibiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Viviana, meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' The name has roots in early Christianity through Saint Bibiana (or Viviana), a 4th-century Roman martyr. While more common in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec and parts of Europe, Bibiane remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name has a delicate, antique quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. Bibiane offers an elegant alternative to the more familiar Vivian or Vivienne, while maintaining the same life-affirming meaning. Its classic origins combined with its uncommon usage give it both historical depth and distinctiveness.

Ron Burgundy was Will Ferrell's fictional helmet-haired newsman, but this color name is much more suited to a girl.

This surname-name comes with some great connotations: Addie Ballou the American feminist, Kurt Ballou — guitarist with the band Converge, or Adin Ballou — abolitionist and pacifist. It has a trendy, whimsical sound that sets it apart from more traditional surnames like Cooper, Hunter, and Archer and puts it more in the camp of the softer international names like Aaru, Bayou, and Finlo.

Benôit is a French variant of Benedict, featuring the distinctive circumflex accent that adds a touch of Gallic sophistication. Derived from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning "blessed," this name carries centuries of cultural and religious significance. While less common than the standard French spelling Benoît, this slightly altered version maintains the same pronunciation and cultural associations. In French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec and parts of Europe, variations of this name maintain moderate popularity. The name evokes images of refinement and carries connections to numerous saints and notable figures throughout history, including famous writers and artists of French heritage.

Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.

Bartholmieu is a rare masculine name that serves as a French variant of Bartholomew. Derived from the Aramaic 'bar-Talmay,' meaning 'son of Talmay' or 'son of the furrows,' it has ancient biblical connections as one of Jesus's twelve apostles. The French influence gives this version a sophisticated, aristocratic quality with its distinctive spelling and pronunciation. Unlike the more common Bartholomew or Bart, Bartholmieu has remained exceedingly rare in English-speaking countries, making it an exceptionally unique choice. The name carries historical gravitas while evoking medieval French heritage. Parents seeking a truly distinctive name with classical roots might appreciate Bartholmieu's combination of historical depth and uncommon status.

Baudoin is the French form of Baldwin, which literally translates to 'brave friend' or 'bold ally.' The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by several medieval kings of Jerusalem and emperors of Constantinople during the Crusader era. It was also popular among the nobility in medieval France and Flanders.

Bale is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Old English where it referred to a rounded bundle or package, or from Welsh origins where it relates to a hillside or incline. The name has gained some recognition through association with notable figures like actor Christian Bale. Its simple, strong structure with one syllable gives it a bold, straightforward quality. In some Nordic traditions, similar names have connections to bravery or strength. While never extremely common as a first name, Bale has seen occasional usage across English-speaking countries. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds contribute to its masculine feel, making it attractive to parents seeking something short, distinctive, and impactful.