Rare French Boy Names
- 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.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of WilliamDescription:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- Sohan
Origin:
Invented French name, meaning unknownDescription:
Sohan is a modern French invention. It may be related to Jean or a variation of the similar name Yohan.
- Thibault
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"courageous people"Description:
Pronounced TEE-bow, this version, which is also a very common surname in France, has a lot more charm than the name it derives from — Theobald. A variant spelling is Thibaut.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gaetan
Origin:
French form of the Italian GaetanoMeaning:
"of Gaeta"Description:
It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.
- 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.
- Zachalie
Origin:
French variation of ZacharyDescription:
This is one you will get tired of explaining.
- 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.
- 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
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.