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Rare French Boy Names

  1. 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.
  2. Dumas

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Florent

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. 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.

  5. Vrai

    • Origin:

      French word name

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. 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.
  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. Fleury

    • Origin:

      Masculine form of Fleur, French

    • Meaning:

      "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?
  9. Edmé

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Edmond, French

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Zachalie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Zachary

    • Description:

      This is one you will get tired of explaining.
  11. Léonie

    • Description:

      Léonie is traditionally a feminine name with French origins, though recorded here as masculine, which is unusual. The name derives from the Latin 'leo' meaning 'lion,' sharing roots with Leon and Leonard. The feminine form became popular in France and French-speaking regions, symbolizing strength and courage through its lion association. The accent mark (é) emphasizes its French pronunciation and adds a touch of elegance. Léonie experienced varied popularity throughout Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. In recent decades, the name has seen renewed interest as parents seek classic names with international appeal. While predominantly feminine in usage, some cultures have traditions of gender-fluid naming. The name carries a gentle strength, combining the lion's power with a melodic, flowing sound.

  12. Gaetan

    • Origin:

      French form of the Italian Gaetano

    • Meaning:

      "of Gaeta"

    • Description:

      It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.
  13. 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.
  14. Éloi

    • Origin:

      French, from the Latin Eligius

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Devere

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "of the fishing place"

    • Description:

      An original choice for a fisherman's child.
  16. Laurien

    • Origin:

      French form of Laurianus, Roman

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Nouvel

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Cyrille

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Duvall

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "of the valley"

    • Description:

      Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
  20. Baudoin

    • Origin:

      French variation of Baldwin, German

    • Meaning:

      "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.