Breton Names for Boys

Gael

Breton

"Gaelic"

This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Also written as Gaël, it's a popular choice…

Nael

Diminutive of Nathanael or Gwenael, French, Breton, Arabic

"gift of God; generous; attainer, winner"

Nael - or Naël as it is often spelled - originated as a French diminutive of names ending in -nael, though in recent years, it has risen up the charts as a standalone choice. A Top 100 name in…

Mael

French or Breton

"chief or prince"

The name of a fifth century Breton saint, Mael is a popular boys' name in contemporary France, though it is usually spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut - Maël. Mael is the Breton spelling, and the…

Amael

Breton, French, Hebrew, “chieftain; grace and favor of God"

Typically spelled as Amaël, this name can be a variation of the popular Breton name, Maël, which ranks in the Top 10 in France. Amaël itself entered the French Top 500 in 2021, and ranked at #337 in…

Yvan

Yvan is a masculine name primarily used in French-speaking regions and Eastern Europe, serving as a variant of Ivan, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' The…

Malo

Breton

"shining hostage"

Malo, the name of an important sixth century Breton saint who founded St. Malo, the charming port town in Brittany -- is considered quite au courant in France right now, ranking firmly in the Top…

Kavan

Breton

"battle"

Rarely heard, and all too likely to be confused with Kevin.

Devi

Sanskrit

"divine"

Devi is the name of a Hindu goddess. Deva or Dev are male forms.

Louan

Variation of Elouan, French, Breton

"light"

Elouan is a streamlined variation of the Breton and Cornish saint name, Elouan. Also spelled as Loan or Lohan, Louan may appeal to those seeking a gentler name for a boy and who enjoy Louis, Reuben,…

Erwan

Breton form of Yves or Ivo, French, German

"yew; great talent; dragon"

Also spelled as Erwann, this airy yet rugged sounding choice was a Top 100 name in France during the 2000s and remains in the Top 300 today. Considered the Breton form of Yves or Ivo, meaning "yew",…

Judoc

Breton

"lord"

A 7th century Breton saint's name which is the origin of the names Joyce and Jocelyn (both originally masculine). St Judoc was a Breton prince who renounced his power and wealth to live as a hermit.…

Arvor

Breton, Cornish

"forest, woodland; coast, coastland"

Arvor is an intriguing choice with two possible meanings. From Celtic and Breton, it means "woodland, forest, trees" and may be a cognate of Arbor from Cornish, however, it translates to "coast" or…

Lanyon

English, Cornish, Bretton

"enclosure of Lon; Parish of Huon"

A surname style choice that likely originated from a place in Cornwall, the exact etymology of the name is unknown, though "enclosure of Lon" or "farmstead of Lon" have been suggested, Lon referring…

Louarn

Breton

"fox"

Typically used as a surname, Louarn is notably associated with activist Alan Louarn and his descendants: his daughter Lena, a politician, his son Malo, a comic book artist, his son Tangi, an…

Jaffrez

Jaffrez is an uncommon masculine name with unclear origins, possibly a modern variant of Geoffrey or Jeffrey. These names derive from the Germanic name Godfrey, meaning 'peace of God' or 'divine…

Kerouac

Breton literary name

Kerouac could make for a meaningful possible modern literary inspiration, via On the Road author Jack. The writer's baptism certificate read Jean Louis Kirouac, though he later claimed his full name…

Oan

Breton

"lamb"

A too-literal spin on Owen.

Samzun

Samzun is a masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly representing a variant spelling of Samson, the biblical figure known for his extraordinary strength. The biblical Samson's name derives from…