Rare French Boy Names
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
- Cyrille
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"lordly"Description:
A unisex French name, but you may want to simplify your son's life if you're English speakers by going with Cyril. It's an unusual enough name that it doesn't need further complications of spelling and pronunciation.
- Khairiya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"good, charitable, generous"Description:
A traditional Arabic name with cool short form Khai, which was used as a standalone by Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik in 2020. It comes from the Arabic word kayr associating it with generosity, goodness, charity, and wealth and may also be spelled as Khayriyaa and Khairiah (Gigi Hadid's grandmother's name and her sister's middle: the inspiration behind Khai).
- Thierry
Origin:
French variation of TheodoricMeaning:
"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.
- Gabin
Origin:
French form of the Latin GabinusMeaning:
"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!"
- Olivier
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Breton
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Brittany"Description:
Breton is the term for the people and language of Brittany, a region of northern France with a distinct culture. Breton also might be thought of as a trendy modern invention, taking the midcentury surfer boy Bret or Brett and adding the current favorite boy's name ending -on and turning it into a name all its own. Bretton is a variation.
- Phinée
Origin:
French variation of Phineus or Phineas, Greek, EgyptianMeaning:
"vulture; Nubian"Description:
With a hint of nickname-y charm but plenty of sophistication, Phinée is a French form of the Biblical Phineas, usually interpreted to mean "Nubian" from its Egyptian roots, or from the Ancient Greek Phineus, borne by a king of Thrace in Greek mythology and by the uncle of Andromeda. The name possibly comes from phene meaning "vulture".
- Zachalie
Origin:
French variation of ZacharyDescription:
This is one you will get tired of explaining.
- Victorien
Description:
Victorien is a sophisticated masculine French name derived from the Latin 'victor,' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner.' It's essentially the French variant of Victorian, carrying connotations of triumph and success. While more common in French-speaking regions like France, Quebec, and parts of Africa, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, giving it an air of distinction and continental elegance. The name has literary associations through the renowned French author Victorien Sardou. Victorien combines traditional strength with refined character, offering the friendly nicknames Vic or Tori. Its four-syllable pronunciation (veek-toh-ree-EN) creates a melodic rhythm. The name projects confidence and achievement while maintaining a certain artistic sensibility through its French styling.
- Nouvel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"new"Description:
Surname of French architect Jean Nouvel that became a given name when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it as the middle name of their daughter Shiloh.
- Vrai
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"true"Description:
A happy combination of several desirable genres: it's a word name, it has a foreign accent, and it has a highly virtuous meaning. And few other parents will be bold enough to choose it.
- Elzéar
Origin:
French, from HebrewMeaning:
"God helps"Description:
A rarer form of Éléazar, the French form of the Biblical name Eleazar. Cutting off one syllable may make Elzéar seem a bit more down-to-earth than its more common variants. Some bearers of this name are the general Elzéar Auguste Cousin de Dommartin, the composer Elzéar Genet, and Saint Elzéar of Sabran.
- 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.
- Edmé
Origin:
Diminutive of Edmond, FrenchMeaning:
"wealthy protector"Description:
This short form of Edmond is also used as an independent name and was familiar in France during the early 20th century. Edmée is the feminine form.
- Gaetan
Origin:
French form of the Italian GaetanoMeaning:
"of Gaeta"Description:
It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.
- Florent
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"flowering"Description:
Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can be floral too.
- Fleury
Origin:
Masculine form of Fleur, FrenchMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Also used as a surname, this floral choice was the name of an 11th century French prince, and a familiar choice in France during the early 20th century. While it faded out of style in the '40s, could those looking for gentler boys names and nature connections revive Fleury?
- Geraud
Origin:
French form of Gerard, GermanMeaning:
"spear strength"Description:
Geraud, as with many French variations of familiar names, makes the somewhat old-fashioned Gerard sound fresh and dashing. It's pronounced as if it ended with o, another trendy factor, though many English speakers may not get that.
- Flavien
Description:
Flavien is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin name Flavius, which means 'golden' or 'yellow-haired.' It shares roots with the Latin word 'flavus' (yellow). Historically, Flavius was a prominent Roman family name, associated with the Flavian dynasty of emperors. Flavien is particularly common in French-speaking regions and has maintained steady usage in France, Belgium, and parts of Canada. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its classical heritage and melodic sound. Despite its ancient origins, Flavien has a timeless appeal that works well in contemporary settings. Parents might choose this name for its distinguished history, pleasant phonetics, and relatively uncommon status that still feels accessible and pronounceable.
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