Fabulous French Boy's Names
By lottalove99
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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Often, we overlook French boy's names because we are preoccupied with the beautiful girl's names like Angeline and Antoinette. Here is a list of some of my favourite French names, perfect for your little boy :)
- Jasper
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
- Remy
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"oarsman"Description:
Remy is one of the hottest names today for both boys and girls, sometimes spelled Remi. . It entered the popularity list in 2009 and has quickly become one of the fastest-rising names on the list.
- Blaise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to lisp, stammer"Description:
As modern as it sounds, Blaise is an ancient Christian martyr name. In Arthurian legend, Blaise is the name of Merlin the Magician's secretary. Its relation to the word and name Blaze gives it a fiery feel. Amanda Beard named her baby boy Blaise Ray.
- Etienne
Origin:
French variation of StephenMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many French names for boysunfamiliar to most English speakers, except maybe fashionistas who associate it with designer Etienne Aigner. A new way to honor Grandpa Steve?
- Yves
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"yew wood"Description:
On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler and clear up the issue.
- Laurent
Origin:
French variation of LawrenceMeaning:
"of Laurentium or bay laurel"Description:
A French accent makes almost everything sound better, especially when attached to a Twilight vampire. Laurent also has a high-style feel via designer Yves St-Laurent. Laurent de Brunhoff is the French author-illustrator who continued his father Jean's series of Babar books.
- Valentin
Origin:
French, German, Russian, Czech, Scandinavian variation of ValentineMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Romantic name used throughout Europe, though sure to lead to pronunciation problems here. Though it's never been too widely used in the US, it's quite popular in Switzerland, France, Austria, and Romania.
- Romain
Description:
Romain is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin 'Romanus,' meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This classic name has been used in France for centuries, honoring the historical significance of Roman culture. It remains quite popular in French-speaking regions while maintaining a sophisticated, international appeal elsewhere. The name carries connotations of strength and civility, reflecting the cultural impact of the Roman Empire. In English-speaking countries, Romain offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Roman. Notable bearers include French writers, athletes, and artists, which has helped maintain its cultural relevance. The name has a refined, intellectual quality while still sounding strong and masculine. Its pronunciation (ro-MAN) adds to its elegant, continental character, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with European sophistication.
- Deveraux
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of Evreux; riverbank"Description:
Swashbuckling name worthy of a hero in a romance novel. Deveraux or Devereaux is drawn from the town of Evreux in France and combined with the prefix de- denoting it likely referred to a noble of that area.
- Aurel
Description:
Aurel is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'Aurelius' meaning 'golden' or 'gilded'. Popular in Romania, France, and other European countries, it carries an elegant, classical feel. The name has connections to the ancient Roman family name Aurelius and to the Latin word 'aurum' for gold. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Aurel has maintained steady popularity in Eastern Europe. It offers a sophisticated yet accessible alternative to more common names, with a musical quality that makes it both distinctive and pleasing to the ear. Notable variations include Aurèle (French) and Aurelio (Italian, Spanish).
- Calixte
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"most beautiful"Description:
French form of Callistus or Callixtus, borne by several popes and saints.
- Olivier
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
- Bastien
Origin:
French and Spanish, diminutive of SebastienMeaning:
"person from ancient city of Sebastia"Description:
In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.
- Alexandre
Origin:
French variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.
- Aubin
Origin:
French form of Albinus, Ancient RomanMeaning:
"white, blond, bright"Description:
Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white, bright" or sometimes "blonde". Pronounced with a strong O sound and with a barely there 'n', the name ranked just outside the Top 200 in its native France in a recent year.
- Jacques
Origin:
French variation of James and JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to #600, it was seven times more popular than in 2021.
- Marc
Origin:
French, Welsh and Catalan variation of MarkDescription:
Designer (as in Marc Jacobs) form of Mark. An international classic, but long falling in popularity as a boys' name.
- Maxence
Origin:
French form of Latin MaximusMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
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.
- Luc
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"man from Lucania"Description:
Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel and Sean Patrick Thomas picked this version for their sons.
- Lyon
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lion"Description:
The y makes it seem more like a name and less like an animal, but it's still not as appealing as several Leo choices.