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Francophile Naming Guide -- Breton Names for Boys

  1. Kelen

    • Description:

      Kelen is a unique masculine name with Hungarian and Celtic origins. In Hungarian, it's derived from 'kelni' meaning 'to rise,' suggesting someone who is ambitious and forward-moving. In Celtic traditions, it may be a variant of 'Kellen,' meaning 'powerful' or 'mighty.' The name carries a modern, distinctive sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Kelen remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a special appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name for their son. Its crisp, clear pronunciation and balanced two-syllable structure make it both memorable and easy to pronounce across multiple cultures.
  2. Job

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "persecuted"

    • Description:

      If you focus on the patience of the biblical Job, rather than his trials, the name becomes more usable. He was, after all, the Old Testament hero of the Book of Job, whose faith was severely tested by God but remained faithful. The name was was used by Puritans and Christian fundamentalists and can be found in the novels of Dickens, George Eliot and Robert Louis Stevenson..
  3. Dewi

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dafydd, Welsh variation of David

    • Description:

      The name of the patron saint of Wales is virtually unknown in the US under this spelling. There were no baby boys named Dewi or Dewie in the US in 2021, though there were 35 named Dewey. Incredibly enough, Dewey ranked among the US Top 1000 for an entire century, from 1887 to 1986, reaching as high as Number 19 in 1898.
  4. Avel

    • Description:

      Avel is a masculine name with varied origins across multiple cultures. In Slavic traditions, particularly Russian, it's a form of Abel, from the Hebrew 'hevel' meaning 'breath' or 'vanity,' known from the biblical story of Cain and Abel. In Breton culture (northwestern France), Avel means 'wind,' connecting the name to natural elements. Some Spanish and Latin American communities use Avel as a variant of Abel as well. The name carries a distinctive, concise sound that works well across languages, making it internationally versatile. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Avel has maintained steady usage in Eastern European and Celtic regions. The name's brevity, easy pronunciation, and multicultural roots make it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible, with rich cultural connections and natural symbolism.

  5. Renan

    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Spanish, French, Turkish, and Breton variation of Ronan, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little seal"

    • Description:

      An international variation of Ronan primarily found in Brazil.
  6. Olier

    • Description:

      Olier is an uncommon masculine name with likely French or Breton origins. It may be related to the French surname Olier, which historically designated someone who worked with or sold oil (from the Old French "olier" meaning "oil merchant"). The name could also be connected to Saint Jean-Jacques Olier, a 17th-century French priest who founded the Sulpician order. In Breton tradition, it might represent a variant of Oliver. Olier has a distinguished, somewhat antiquated quality that evokes European heritage and traditional values. While rare in contemporary usage, it carries the appeal of many historic occupational names that have been repurposed as given names. The name projects strength and dignity with its concise form and rich historical associations, potentially appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical depth.
  7. Samzun

    • Description:

      Samzun is a masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly representing a variant spelling of Samson, the biblical figure known for his extraordinary strength. The biblical Samson's name derives from Hebrew roots meaning 'sun' or 'sun child.' Alternatively, Samzun might be a creative modern variation or have origins in specific cultural naming traditions not widely documented. As an extremely rare name, Samzun offers distinctiveness while maintaining a connection to the more familiar Samson. The 'z' gives it a contemporary edge and unique visual character. The name carries connotations of strength from its potential biblical association while establishing its own identity through the unusual spelling pattern.
  8. Herve

    • Description:

      Hervé is a masculine name of French origin derived from Breton elements meaning 'battle worthy' or 'worthy of battle.' This name has deep historical roots in Brittany, a region in northwestern France with Celtic heritage. Hervé has been used since medieval times and was popularized by Saint Hervé, a 6th-century Breton monk and miracle worker who was blind from birth. In France, the name enjoys moderate usage and maintains its traditional appeal. The accent on the final 'e' indicates the French pronunciation with emphasis on the second syllable. Outside of French-speaking regions, Hervé remains relatively uncommon, giving it an air of sophistication and continental charm. The name combines strength in its meaning with an elegant, refined sound characteristic of French masculine names.
  9. Pol

    • Origin:

      Breton and Catalan form of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Pol, pronounced as "pole," though a popular Breton name, would be an unusual form of a simple classic elsewhere. The Breton Saint Pol Aurelian was known as a slayer of dragons and a founder of monasteries.
  10. Jestin

    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Justin

    • Description:

      Unusual twist -- but everyone will hear it as Justin -- or jester.
  11. Peran

    • Description:

      Peran is a masculine name with Cornish origins, derived from 'Piran' - the name of Cornwall's most famous saint. In Cornish tradition, Saint Piran is considered the patron saint of tin miners and Cornwall itself. The name has historical significance in Celtic regions, particularly in Cornwall, UK. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Peran maintains cultural importance in Cornish heritage. Some sources suggest the name may mean 'prayer' or 'one who prays.' Peran has remained a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and historical depth, though it has never achieved widespread popularity outside of Cornwall and Celtic cultural circles.
  12. Merven

    • Description:

      Merven is an uncommon masculine name that may have evolved as a variant of Mervin or Marvin. Mervin comes from Old English elements meaning 'famous' and 'friend,' while Marvin derives from Welsh, meaning 'great lord' or 'sea hill.' This particular spelling with an 'e' in the second syllable is quite rare. Merven has a gentle, somewhat old-fashioned quality that sets it apart from more commonly used names. The name never achieved widespread popularity but may be found occasionally throughout the 20th century. Merven has a dignified sound while remaining approachable and unpretentious, appealing to parents seeking a traditional-feeling name that few others would have.

  13. Jegu

    • Description:

      Jegu is a masculine name with probable Breton origins, coming from the Brittany region of France. It likely developed as a regional variant or diminutive of names like Jean (French form of John) or as an independent Breton name with Celtic roots. The name is extremely rare globally, maintaining a strong connection to its regional heritage. Jegu's compact, two-syllable structure gives it a distinctive quality that stands out in both French and international contexts. The unusual combination of sounds makes it memorable while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce. Parents might choose this name to honor Breton heritage or simply for its unique, concise character and cultural depth.

  14. Per

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Peter

    • Description:

      So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.
  15. Eliaz

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"

    • Description:

      The final letter makes the name more unusual and adds some zest. Downside: Sure to be confusion with Elias.
  16. Salaun

    • Description:

      Salaun is a masculine name with Breton origins, from the northwestern region of France. This distinctive name derives from the Breton word 'sal' meaning 'hall' or 'manor,' suggesting noble heritage. Historically, it was associated with Saint Salaun, a simple holy man from medieval Brittany, giving the name religious significance. Salaun has remained relatively uncommon outside of Brittany and French cultural contexts, making it an distinctive choice that carries cultural heritage. The name has a melodious quality when pronounced in the traditional Breton manner, with emphasis on the second syllable. For parents with Breton ancestry or those seeking a unique name with historical depth, Salaun offers cultural richness and distinction while remaining accessible in pronunciation.
  17. Iwan

    • Description:

      Iwan is a masculine name that serves as the Welsh, Polish, and Belarusian variant of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This version maintains the original name's spiritual significance while offering a distinctive cultural flavor. Pronounced roughly as 'EE-vahn' (though this varies by culture), Iwan has been used for centuries across different parts of Europe. In Wales, it represents one of the traditional forms of John, while in Eastern European contexts it stands as a respected traditional name with deep historical roots. Though not frequently encountered in English-speaking countries outside of Welsh communities, Iwan offers a strong yet accessible option for parents seeking an international variation of a classic name with religious significance.

  18. Trever

    • Description:

      Trever is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Trevor. This form maintains the strong, concise quality of the traditional spelling while offering a slightly distinctive appearance. With Welsh and Cornish origins, the name historically referred to 'large village' or 'homestead,' connecting it to ideas of community and establishment. While less common than the standard Trevor, this variation has maintained steady though limited usage in English-speaking countries. Trever carries a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots, with its two-syllable structure and strong consonant sounds giving it a masculine quality that remains approachable. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but continues to be chosen by parents seeking a name that balances familiarity with relative uniqueness.
  19. Tangi

    • Description:

      Tangi is a distinctive masculine name with multicultural roots. In Māori culture, it relates to 'tangi' or 'tangihanga,' referring to funeral rites or expressions of grief. However, the name also appears in Breton (a Celtic language from northwestern France), where it's a diminutive of names like Tanguy, meaning 'fire dog' or 'worthy of fire.' This dual heritage gives Tangi rich cultural significance. The name's brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language boundaries, while its uncommon status offers individuality. With rising interest in names from indigenous cultures and compact international names, Tangi may appeal to parents seeking something meaningful yet distinctive for their son.
  20. Jud

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Judson, English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Jordan"

    • Description:

      More commonly spelled JUDD, this is a strong but sensitive short form that can easily stand on its own.