French Names that Start With B

  1. Bertille
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "heroine, bright maiden"
    • Description:

      The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.
  2. 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.
  3. Bastienne
    • Origin:

      Variation of Sebastienne, French
    • Meaning:

      "person from Sebastia"
    • Description:

      Rare French option for girls, but feels familiar thanks to the popularity of Sebastian.
  4. Bechet
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Description:

      Naming babies for personal heroes is the cool contemporary trend followed by Woody Allen when he honored New Orleans jazz clarinetist Sidney Bechet in his daughter's name--adding the middle name Dumaine after a cornet player who was another of his musical heroes. Bechet has a nice, catchy Gallic feel.
  5. Barthélemy
    • Description:

      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.
  6. Bechet
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Description:

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

      French
    • Meaning:

      "unmarried man"
    • Description:

      Bachelor feels more like a prediction than a name.
  8. Bernelle
    • Description:

      Bernelle is a feminine name that appears to be a decorative elaboration of Bernie or Bernadette, names ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'brave as a bear.' The addition of the feminine '-elle' suffix gives it a French-inspired flair and elegant quality. Bernelle has never been widely used, remaining a rare choice throughout recorded naming history. This scarcity gives it a distinctive charm for those seeking something truly uncommon. The name balances strength (from its Germanic origins) with grace (through its French-sounding ending). Those named Bernelle likely experience having a name that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce and understand. The name might appeal to parents looking to honor a relative named Bernard or Bernadette while creating something more distinctly feminine.

  9. Bérénice
    • Description:

      Bérénice is a feminine name of ancient Greek origin, derived from 'Berenikē' meaning 'bearer of victory.' This elegant name has historical significance, notably worn by several queens of ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty. The name traveled through Latin (Berenice) before developing its French form with accent marks. Bérénice gained literary fame through Jean Racine's 17th-century tragedy of the same name. While consistently recognized in French-speaking regions, it has never been extremely common. The name conveys a sense of classical refinement, strength, and nobility. Its melodious quality and historical depth make it appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated name with ancient roots yet contemporary elegance.

  10. Bouvier
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "herdsman"
    • Description:

      So tied to being Jacqueline Kennedy's maiden name that it's best saved for a girl.
  11. Barber
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "beard"
    • Description:

      This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.
  12. 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.

  13. Bretton
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Breton, French
    • Meaning:

      "from Brittany"
    • Description:

      Veering toward Brittany.
  14. Benilde
    • Origin:

      French variation of Latin
    • Meaning:

      "good"
    • Description:

      The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.
  15. Ballou
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from Bellou"
    • Description:

      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.
  16. Beauchamp
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "the beautiful field"
    • Description:

      Pronounced Beecham, but still too fancy and fey. Likewise Beaufort (beautiful fort), Beaufoy (beautiful beech tree), and Beaumont (beautiful mountain).
  17. 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.
  18. Blaisot
    • Description:

      Blaisot is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a diminutive form of Blaise, a name with Latin and French connections. Blaise derives from the Roman name "Blasius," possibly related to "blaesus" meaning "lisping" or "stammering." The suffix "-ot" is a French diminutive ending that adds an affectionate quality. Saint Blaise was a physician and bishop who became a widely venerated saint, particularly known as the patron of throat ailments. Blaisot is extremely rare in modern usage, giving it a distinctive historical and French character. The name carries both religious connotations through its saintly association and a certain old-world charm through its traditional French diminutive structure. It would be considered a very unique choice in contemporary naming practices.

  19. Ballou
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from Bellou"
    • Description:

      Unusual surname with rowdy quality.
  20. Bastina
    • Description:

      Bastina is a feminine name with potential roots in several cultures. It may be related to the more common masculine name Sebastian (meaning 'from Sebastia' or 'revered' in Greek), functioning as a feminine form. In some Slavic languages, the suffix '-ina' is used to create feminine versions of names. Alternatively, it could have Latin origins related to 'bastionem' (fortress, bulwark). The name is relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Bastina has a strong, melodic sound with its emphasis on the middle syllable, and its rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a unique yet accessible name for their daughter.