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.

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.

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?

While the Jocelyn spelling has largely shifted into girl name territory in English speaking countries, in France, it remains a masculine option, albeit a slightly dated one, having fallen out of the Top 500 in the early 2000s. Josselin is one of the many spelling variations, popular in France between the 70s and 90s, and derived from the name of a Germanic tribe, the Geats or Gauts.

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.

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.

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.

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".

This is one you will get tired of explaining.

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

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

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.

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

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!"

Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.