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Rare French Boy Names

  1. Yannick

    • Origin:

      Breton

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Yannick originated as a diminutive of Yann, the Breton form of John. However, it has since become popular as a standalone name in its native region of Brittany, as well as in France as a whole, where it peaked at #31 in 1973-4. It remains well within the Top 500 in France to this day, and has also seen regular use in Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Quebec.
  2. Aubin

    • Origin:

      French form of Albinus, Ancient Roman

    • Meaning:

      "white, blond, bright"

    • Description:

      Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white, bright" or sometimes "blonde". Pronounced with a strong O sound and with a barely there 'n', the name ranked just outside the Top 200 in its native France in a recent year.
  3. Didier

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "desired, beloved"

    • Description:

      Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.
  4. Lazare

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "God is my helper"

    • Description:

      This is the French form of Lazarus, which recently has been rising from the dead – it's popular on Nameberry, and was used for his son by musician Trent Reznor. Lazare might be familiar to some via the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris.
  5. Amaury

    • Origin:

      French form of Amalric

    • Meaning:

      "work power"

    • Description:

      Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.
  6. Bastien

    • Origin:

      French and Spanish, diminutive of Sebastien

    • Meaning:

      "person from ancient city of Sebastia"

    • Description:

      In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.
  7. Sohan

    • Origin:

      Invented French name, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Sohan is a modern French invention. It may be related to Jean or a variation of the similar name Yohan.
  8. Étienne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      Appealingly gentle and romantic French classic--with a lot more charm than Steve.
  9. Aurelien

    • Description:

      Aurelien is a sophisticated masculine name with French origins, derived from the ancient Roman name Aurelius, which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' This elegant name carries an air of distinction and nobility, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and saints. In modern France, Aurelien remains a consistently popular choice for boys, while internationally it offers a distinctive yet accessible option. The name conveys qualities of brilliance and warmth, often associated with creative, intellectual personalities. Aurelien provides a perfect balance between classical heritage and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly appreciated in English-speaking countries for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth.
  10. Olivier

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"

    • Description:

      More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
  11. Thibault

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "courageous people"

    • Description:

      Pronounced TEE-bow, this version, which is also a very common surname in France, has a lot more charm than the name it derives from — Theobald. A variant spelling is Thibaut.
  12. Sylvain

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      Doesn't everything sound better with a French accent? Sylvain, the French variation of the Roman wood god's name, sounds somehow cooler and more sophisticated than Sylvan.
  13. Luc

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"

    • Description:

      Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel and Sean Patrick Thomas picked this version for their sons.
  14. Dominique

    • Origin:

      French form of Dominic, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "belonging to the lord"

    • Description:

      Unisex option Dominique peaked for boys at Number 170 in 1991, perhaps due to the popularity of basketball player Dominique Wilkins. While it has now fallen out of the popularity charts in both the US and its native France, it was still given to around 140 boys and 60 girls in a recent year. This makes it a truly gender-neutral baby name, joining the ranks with - yet standing out from - the likes of Charlie, Rowan, Parker, and Sevyn.
  15. Marceau

    • Origin:

      French variation of Marcel

    • Meaning:

      "little warrior"

    • Description:

      Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.
  16. Gaspard

    • Origin:

      French variation of Jasper, Persian

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"

    • Description:

      Jasper is an internationally-popular name that takes many forms, among them Casper, Gaspar, and the French version Gaspard. Virtually unknown in the US, Gaspard is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
  17. Calixte

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"

    • Description:

      French form of Callistus or Callixtus, borne by several popes and saints.
  18. Devere

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "of the fishing place"

    • Description:

      An original choice for a fisherman's child.
  19. Romain

    • Description:

      Romain is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin 'Romanus,' meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This classic name has been used in France for centuries, honoring the historical significance of Roman culture. It remains quite popular in French-speaking regions while maintaining a sophisticated, international appeal elsewhere. The name carries connotations of strength and civility, reflecting the cultural impact of the Roman Empire. In English-speaking countries, Romain offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Roman. Notable bearers include French writers, athletes, and artists, which has helped maintain its cultural relevance. The name has a refined, intellectual quality while still sounding strong and masculine. Its pronunciation (ro-MAN) adds to its elegant, continental character, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with European sophistication.

  20. Clovis

    • Origin:

      Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or Louis

    • Description:

      An aromatic, unconventional name.