Rare French Boy Names
- Aurelien
Description:
Aurelien is a sophisticated masculine name with French origins, derived from the ancient Roman name Aurelius, which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' This elegant name carries an air of distinction and nobility, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and saints. In modern France, Aurelien remains a consistently popular choice for boys, while internationally it offers a distinctive yet accessible option. The name conveys qualities of brilliance and warmth, often associated with creative, intellectual personalities. Aurelien provides a perfect balance between classical heritage and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly appreciated in English-speaking countries for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth.
- Mathieu
Description:
Mathieu is the French form of Matthew, a masculine name with biblical origins derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift from Yahweh.' This elegant French spelling maintains the name's religious significance while adding Gallic sophistication. Widely used in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium, Mathieu combines classical heritage with contemporary appeal. The pronunciation (mat-YUH or mat-YOO) distinguishes it from the more common Matthew. Notable bearers include French artists, athletes, and musicians, adding cultural cachet to the name. Mathieu appeals to parents seeking a name with international flair that remains recognizable across cultures, offering a distinguished alternative to more common variants.
- Clément
Origin:
French, from LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
The French form of Clement, this well-used French classic was especially popular in France in the 90s and 2000s.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Emilien
Origin:
French form of EmilMeaning:
"friendly"Description:
Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.
- 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.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of William, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gaetan
Origin:
French form of the Italian GaetanoMeaning:
"of Gaeta"Description:
It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.
- 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".
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- Benoît
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
A French form of Benedict that makes a smooth and elegant choice, although the pronunciation may trip people up in an English speaking environment.
- 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.
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
- 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.