Francophile Naming Guide -- Breton Names for Boys
- Abel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"breath"Description:
Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
- Alan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful"Description:
In its three most popular spellings -- Alan along with Allen and Allan -- this midcentury favorite has tended to skew older. It was a Top 100 name from 1938 to 1971, peaking at Number 40 in 1951. Alan has had leading roles on recent TV, in shows like Two and a Half Men, 24 and Boston Legal.
- Alban
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white, or, man from Alba"Description:
An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".
- 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.
- Ael
- Aerwan
- Alanig
- Alouarn
- Andrev
- Aodren
- Argan
- Argant
- Armael
- Armel
- Arzel
- Arzhul
- Arzhur
- Azel
- Beuzegig
- Bleiz