French Names that Start With B
- Bertrand
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"magnificent crow"Description:
This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
- Basile
Origin:
French variation of BasilMeaning:
"regal"Description:
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.
- Benadette
Description:
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.
- Burgundy
Origin:
French place-name; also color nameDescription:
It's a place. It's a wine. It's a color. -- no wonder trend-heavy Burgundy's been discovered as a name.
- Baie
Description:
Baie is a rare feminine name with possible origins in Old French, where it could be derived from 'baie' meaning 'bay' or 'berry.' It might also have Celtic roots or be a variant of Bay or Baye. The name conveys a connection to nature and carries a simple, elegant quality. Baie has remained extremely uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a short, unique name with natural associations. Its brevity and soft sound give it a delicate, modern appeal despite its potential ancient origins. The name may also be used in some cultures as a nickname or diminutive form.
- Bastienne
Origin:
Variation of Sebastienne, FrenchMeaning:
"person from Sebastia"Description:
Rare French option for girls, but feels familiar thanks to the popularity of Sebastian.
- Bernardine
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave as a bear"Description:
Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.
- Bichette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little doe"Description:
Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
- Berthe
Description:
Berthe is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Bertha, which means 'bright' or 'famous'. It was quite popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, notably carried by Berthe of Burgundy, queen of France in the 10th century. The name saw modest popularity in France and other European countries throughout history but has declined in usage during the 20th century. In the United States, Berthe has never been among the most common names, remaining a distinctive choice with vintage charm. Today, it's considered a classic name with historical roots, occasionally chosen by parents seeking a traditional European name with elegant flair.
- Bevis
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Beauvais"Description:
An English surname derived from the French place name Beauvais, which in turn comes from the name of an ancient Gaulish tribe, the Bellovaci.
- Baye
Description:
Baye is a feminine name with diverse origins. It has roots in Old French, possibly derived from 'baie' meaning 'berry' or as a place name referring to 'bay.' In some West African cultures, particularly in Senegal, Baye appears as a masculine name or honorific title. As a feminine name in Western usage, Baye has a contemporary feel with its short, distinctive sound. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a unique quality for those seeking something different yet accessible. Its simplicity makes it versatile across different cultural contexts, while its uncommon status ensures individuality. Baye has a gentle phonetic quality that balances strength and softness.
- Baudoin
Origin:
French variation of Baldwin, GermanMeaning:
"brave friend"Description:
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.
- Baltasaru
Description:
Baltasaru is an uncommon masculine name with multicultural origins, appearing to be a variant of Balthasar or Balthazar. These names trace back to Babylonian origins and gained prominence as one of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men in Christian tradition. The distinctive ending with 'u' suggests possible Pacific Islander, Japanese, or other cultural adaptations of the traditional name. Baltasaru carries an exotic, regal quality with its rhythmic syllables and unusual structure. While rare in most Western countries, the name possesses a certain gravitas and historical significance. It evokes images of wisdom and discovery, connecting to ancient traditions while maintaining a unique character. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its cross-cultural heritage, distinctive sound, and the rich historical associations it carries.
- Burgundy
Origin:
French place-name; also color nameDescription:
Ron Burgundy was Will Ferrell's fictional helmet-haired newsman, but this color name is much more suited to a girl.
- Bretton
Origin:
Spelling variation of Breton, FrenchMeaning:
"from Brittany"Description:
Veering toward Brittany.
- Bartholmieu
Description:
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.
- Bachelor
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"unmarried man"Description:
Bachelor feels more like a prediction than a name.
- Bernardin
Description:
Bernardin is a masculine name with French and Germanic roots, serving as a diminutive form of Bernard. Derived from the elements 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong), Bernardin essentially means 'little brave bear' or 'young strong bear.' This sophisticated variation has been particularly used in French-speaking regions and among Catholic families, as it recalls St. Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan missionary. Despite its elegant sound and historical connections, Bernardin remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth without being commonly encountered.
- Barber
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"beard"Description:
This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.
- Bernon
Description:
Bernon is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from elements meaning 'bear' (bern) and possibly 'strength' or 'protection.' It can be considered a variant of names like Vernon or Bernard, though with its own distinct character. Bernon has maintained a steady but uncommon presence throughout Western naming history, never reaching widespread popularity but persisting across generations. The name carries a dignified, somewhat old-world charm that evokes images of steadfastness and reliability. In modern usage, Bernon might appeal to parents seeking a traditional-sounding name that isn't commonly heard, maintaining the strong consonant sounds of classic masculine names while offering a unique alternative to more popular choices.
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