Breton names
- Lenaig
- Lizenn
- Louarn
- Mael
Origin:
French or BretonMeaning:
"chief or prince"Description:
The name of a fifth century Breton saint, Mael is a popular boys' name in contemporary France, though it is usually spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut - Maël. Mael is the Breton spelling, and the pronunciation is almost like the English word mile, with two distinctive syllables.
- Maiwenn
Origin:
Breton contraction of Mari and GwennDescription:
French actress and film director Maïwenn Le Besco uses only her striking given name professionally; it’s a contraction of Mari (the Breton form of Marie) and Gwenn ("white, fair, blessed"). The name has been moderately popular in France since the early 1990s, and currently ranks at around #200.
- Malo
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"shining hostage"Description:
Malo, the name of an important sixth century Breton saint who founded St. Malo, the charming port town in Brittany -- is considered quite au courant in France right now, ranking firmly in the Top 100.
- Madalenn
- Morvan
- Nolwenn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"shining, holy"Description:
Nolwenn is popular in Wales but would be a very adventurous choice in the US. Though with the increased visibility of names like Arwen, thanks to Lord of the Rings, it may not feel as odd going forward as it might have a generation ago. Other, similar ideas: Olwen, Anwen, Bronwen, Rowena.
- Renan
Origin:
Portuguese, Spanish, French, Turkish, and Breton variation of Ronan, IrishMeaning:
"little seal"Description:
An international variation of Ronan primarily found in Brazil.
- Rozenn
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"rose"Description:
An attractive, eye-catching international form of Rose, with a little more bite than the English version. Relatively popular in its native region of Brittany but virtually unknown elsewhere, it could make a great alternative to more commonplace floral names. Rozenn peaked in France in 1976 at #231.
- Soazig
- Sterenn
- Tugdual
- Yann
Origin:
French/Breton variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
- Yuna
Origin:
Japanese, Breton, Korean, Chinese, DutchMeaning:
"superiority, gentleness, citrus fruit; lamb; willow, abundant, child, happy + to reach, to hold; jade + elegant, beautiful; June"Description:
An attractive, widely appealing, multicultural option, Yuna has its roots in Japanese, Breton, Korean, Chinese. KPOP singer Yuna may be attracting some attention to her name, as might influencer Yunabugs who shares her life with her eight dachshunds on Instagram. Also used in the game franchise Final Fantasy, it is a popular choice in France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.