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Rare French Boy Names

  1. Corentin

    • Origin:

      French, Breton

    • Meaning:

      "tempest, hurricane"

    • Description:

      Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
  2. Mathis

    • Origin:

      French and German form of Matthias or Matthew

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      Very popular in France and Belgium, this name -- pronounced mat-tees, like the surname of the painter Matisse -- might make an appealing new way to say Matthew here.
  3. Thierry

    • Origin:

      French variation of Theodoric

    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the people"

    • Description:

      Thierry, which is very popular in France, would make an interesting import; it's somewhat familiar through designer Thierry Mugler and international soccer star Thierry Henry. It almost sounds like Terry, but not quite.
  4. Alain

    • Origin:

      French, variation of Alan

    • Description:

      Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

  8. Kaïs

    • Description:

      Kaïs is a masculine name with Arabic and North African origins. The diaeresis over the 'i' indicates that the vowels are pronounced separately. It is derived from the Arabic name قيس (Qays), which was the name of several historical figures in early Islamic history, including the legendary lover Qays ibn al-Mulawwah from the tale of Layla and Majnun. The name has connotations of strength, measurement, and evaluation in Arabic. It's particularly popular in Tunisia, Morocco, and other Maghreb countries, as well as in France among families with North African heritage. Kaïs has a modern sound while maintaining its deep cultural roots.
  9. Sabien

    • Origin:

      Romanian, Bulgarian, Basque, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from the Sabines"

    • Description:

      Sabien is a masculine name with diverse cultural connections, possibly relating to the ancient Sabine people of Italy or deriving from Latin 'sapiens' meaning 'wise.' The name may also be a variation of Sabian or Sabyan, which has connections to an ancient religious group that studied astronomy.

  10. Anatole

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from the east, rising sun"

    • Description:

      Anatole is one of the unique boys' names with an unusual-ish feel but an uncertain provenance, with a meaning related to sunrise and thus to fire. While it's Greek in origin, it is associated more closely with France. Anatole Kuragin is a dashing, roguish prince in Tolstoy's War and Peace.
  11. Maxence

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Maximus

    • Meaning:

      "greatest"

    • Description:

      A cute and fresh way to get to Max, this was the name of a sixth century saint. Maxence is a Top 100 boys' name in France, but largely unknown in the US where it is given to only a handful of baby boys each year.
  12. Croix

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "cross"

    • Description:

      Pronounced "crwa", this unusual name was chosen by Cedric the Entertainer for his son.
  13. Kavan

    • Origin:

      Breton

    • Meaning:

      "battle"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Breton and French

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      This beautiful Breton saint's name peaked at #127 in France in 2006. It's still in the Top 500 there today, but remains almost unknown outside of France.
  15. Gabin

    • Origin:

      French form of the Latin Gabinus

    • Meaning:

      "of Gabium"

    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"
  16. Basile

    • Origin:

      French variation of Basil

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Tanguy

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "warrior"

    • Description:

      his engaging French saint's name, pronounced like tangy, with a hard 'g,' also has a creative connection to French surrealist painter Yves Tanguy.
  18. Amaury

    • Origin:

      French form of Amalric

    • Meaning:

      "work power"

    • Description:

      Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.
  19. Aurélien

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Aurelius

    • Meaning:

      "golden"

    • Description:

      Truly original yet not strange name ripe for the plucking by the adventurous baby namer. Aurelius works too.
  20. Étienne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

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