Rare French Boy Names
- 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.
- 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.
- Éloi
Origin:
French, from the Latin EligiusMeaning:
"the chosen"Description:
While the Eloi spelling has traditionally been more common, Éloi has recently made appearances in the French Top 500. Its stylish El- beginning and softer sound make it an attractive choice for a baby boy, and while the accent on the E may be troublesome in some countries, it helps to differentiate the name from the Catalan or Spanish Eloi.
- Kavan
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"battle"Description:
Rarely heard, and all too likely to be confused with Kevin.
- Emilien
Origin:
French form of EmilMeaning:
"friendly"Description:
Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of WilliamDescription:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- Tanguy
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Timéo
Description:
Timéo is a masculine name with French and Italian influences, derived from the Latin name Timaeus, meaning 'honor' or 'worthy of honor.' The accent mark in the French spelling gives the name its distinctive pronunciation (tee-MAY-oh), adding a melodic quality. This name has gained significant popularity in France since the early 2000s, becoming one of the top 100 boys' names there. Timéo has spread to other European countries but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking nations. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining classical roots, appealing to parents seeking something melodic with international appeal. Its gentle sound combined with strong meaning makes it both distinctive and accessible.
- Janvier
Description:
Janvier is a masculine French name derived directly from the Latin 'Januarius,' meaning 'January' or 'relating to Janus.' Janus was the Roman god of doorways, transitions, beginnings, and endings, depicted with two faces looking to the past and future. Traditionally, Janvier was often given to boys born in January, following a naming pattern common in many cultures of naming children after their birth month or season. The name has maintained steady use in French-speaking regions including France, Canada, Haiti, and various African countries. While not extremely common, Janvier has a sophisticated, distinctive quality with its French pronunciation (zhahn-vee-AY). The name carries connotations of new beginnings and fresh starts, reflecting its association with the first month of the year.
- Lazare
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Dumas
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the little farm"Description:
The name of the great French novelist, author of the timeless The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, would make a surprising middle name choice.
- 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.
- Laurien
Origin:
French form of Laurianus, RomanMeaning:
"laurel"Description:
A rare French form of the Roman Laurianus, Laurien has a gentle, woodsy feel about it. Coinciding with a Dutch feminine name of the same meaning, Laurien could make an unexpected honor for a Laura, Lauren, or Laurence. In the typical French pronunciation of the name, the 'n' at the end would be said only very softly.
- Baudoin
Description:
Baudoin is a masculine name of French origin, representing the French form of Baldwin. Derived from Germanic elements 'bald' meaning 'bold' and 'win' meaning 'friend,' Baudoin 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. Today, Baudoin remains relatively rare outside of French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium, where it gained recognition through King Baudouin I who ruled from 1951 to 1993. The name conveys strength and nobility while maintaining its distinctive French character.
- Khairiya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"benevolence"Description:
A traditional Arabic name with cool short form Khai, which was used as a standalone by Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik in 2020.
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
- 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.
- Judoc
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"lord"Description:
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. His name would make for a handsome and unexpected alternative to popular Jude.
- Zachalie
Origin:
French variation of ZacharyDescription:
This is one you will get tired of explaining.