Rare French Boy Names
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Villard
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"battle fortress"Description:
Creative surname choice, associated with the great French postimpressionist Edouard Villard.
- 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.
- 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".