Looking for a unique and beautiful name for your little one? Why not consider a French boy name? There are many lovely options to choose from, and they are sure to stand out from the crowd.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of our favorite French boy names. We will also provide their meanings and pronunciations. So, if you are looking for something special for your little one, consider a French boy name!
Whether you are looking for unique french boy names or popular french boy names, our full list of French baby boy names with detailed meanings should help you find the perfect name for your little boy.
Popular French Boys Names
If you are looking for baby names and want a french form or a french inspired name, then hopefully the list below will give you some great options, which are all easy enough for English speakers.
These names are great first names, but equally can be used for as middle names if you already have your first name.
Achille (pronounced ah-SHEEL)
French names are often beautiful and quite meaningful. Many people choose a French name for their baby due to the meaning behind it or because they simply like the way it sounds.
The name “Achille” is a strong and masculine name that has a few different possible meanings.
According to some sources, the name Achille is derived from the Greek word “achos”, which means “grief”. It could also be related to the Greek word “achilleus”, which means “warrior” or “soldier”.
Adrien (pronounced NOH-lahn)
The name Adrien is derived from the Latin name Adrianus, which was in turn derived from the Adriatic Sea.
The name Adrianus was more common in Ancient Rome, but it fell out of use after the fall of the empire. The name Adrien was revived in France during the Middle Ages, and it has been common there ever since.
Amaury (pronounced ah-MOOR-ee)
Amaury is a name derived from the Germanic word amal, meaning “work.” The name was originally given to children born into families of workers or peasants. Over time, however, it has come to be associated with strength and power.
Amaury is also a variant of the name Amory, which means “brave.”
Antoine (pronounced ahn-TWAN)
Antoine is derived from the Latin name Antonius, which was in turn derived from the Greek name Antonios, or the name Anthony in English.
The meaning of the name Antonios is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the Greek word for “flower”, anthemon. The name Antonios was popular among early Christians, and Saint Antonius of Padua was one of the most popular saints in medieval Europe.
The name Antonios was also used by Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar, where it belonged to one of Caesar’s assassins.
Arthur (pronounced AHR-tohr)
The name Arthur has a long and rich history. The meaning of the name Arthur is often debated, but it is generally believed to be derived from the Celtic word for “bear.”
The name Arthur was first used in Britain during the Dark Ages, and it became popular again in the Middle Ages thanks to the popularity of the Arthurian legends.
Baptiste (pronounced bah-TEEst)
Baptiste is a French masculine given name. It is derived from the Latin word baptista, which means “baptized” or “one who baptizes”.
Célestin (pronounced seh-leh-STAHN)
Célestin is a French masculine given name of Latin origin, meaning “heavenly”. It is a variant of the name Caelestinus.
Célian (pronounced seh-lee-AHN)
The meaning of the French male name Célian is “heavenly.” This name is derived from the Latin word caelum, which means “heaven.”
Célian is a relatively rare name in France, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. While it can be used for either boys or girls, Célian is most commonly given to baby boys.
Charles (pronounced shahrl)
The name Charles is derived from the Germanic name Karl, which means “man” or “freeman”.
The name was popularized by the Frankish king Charlemagne, who ruled the Frankish Empire from 768 to 814. In France, the name Charles is typically associated with royalty and nobility.
Éliott (pronounced eh-lee-OH)
Éliott is a French boys name that has several possible origins and meanings. One theory is that it is a form of the name Elijah, which comes from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning “my God is Yahweh.”
Alternatively, Éliott could be a diminutive form of the Germanic name Erlwin, meaning “noble friend.” It could also be derived from the Old name Aalis, meaning “noble.”
Whatever its origins, the strong boys name Éliott its popularity in France likely stems from its connection to the illustrious French author Émile Zola, who wrote such classic novels as Nana and Germinal.
Eloï (pronounced eh-loh-EE)
Eloï is a name with several possible origins and meanings. One possibility is that it is derived from the Germanic element al, meaning “noble.”
Alternatively, it could be related to the Latin word for “sun,” helios. It is also possible that Eloï is simply a diminutive form of a variety of names, such as Elias, Elijah, or Aloysius.
Whatever its origin, the name Eloï has been associated with several saints and early Christian figures. For example, Saint Eligius was a 7th-century bishop who was known for his skill as a metalworker and jeweler.
Émile (pronounced ay-MEEL)
Émile is derived from the Latin word aemulus, which means “rival.”
The name was popularized by the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who used it for the protagonist of his novel Émile, ou De l’éducation. The book, which was published in 1762, centers on the education of a young man named Émile.
Énaël (pronounced ay-nah-EHL)
Énaël is a name of Hebrew origin that means “God has answered.” It is a masculine given name that has been used in France since the Middle Ages.
The name has been associated with various saints and martyrs over the centuries, including Saint Énaël of Hippo, who was a fifth-century bishop. The name also has literary associations, appearing in the works of the french writer Voltaire, Honoré de Balzac, and Marcel Proust.
François (pronounced frahn-SWAH)
François is derived from the Latin name Franciscus, which itself comes from the word Francus, meaning “a Frank”.
The Franks were a people who inhabited what is now modern-day France. In the Early Middle Ages, the Franks were one of the most powerful groups in Europe and were often at war with other groups, such as the Saxons and the Vikings.
Gabriel (pronounced seh-leh-STAHN)
The French form Gabriel has a long and rich history. According to the Bible, Gabriel is an angel who was sent by God to deliver messages to His people.
In French culture, Gabriel is also a popular given name for boys. The name is derived from the Latin word “gabrielus,” meaning “God is my strength.”
Grégoire (pronounced greh-GWARE)
Grégoire is a French boys name, derived from the Latin name Gregorius, which means “watchful” or “alert”.
Hugo (pronounced HEW-goh)
Hugo is a French boy’s name meaning “heart, mind” or “spirit”. from the word hug.
Ikarus (pronounced ee-KAR-oose)
The meaning of the name Ikarus is “the one who flies too close to the sun.” This name was first used by the Greek poet Homer, in his epic poem The Odyssey.
In the story, Ikarus is a young man who is given wings made of feathers and wax. He is warned not to fly too close to the sun, but he ignores the warning and flies too high. The heat from the sun melts his wings, and he plummets to his death.
Jean (pronounced zhohn)
The name Jean is a French form of the Hebrew name John, which means “God is gracious.”
The name John was borne by many early Christian saints and missionaries, including John the Baptist and John the Apostle.
The name was popularized in Europe by the Crusaders, who brought it back from the Holy Land. In England, the name John was initially only used by royalty and nobles, but it eventually became common among all classes.
Julian (pronounced zhoo-lee-AHN)
Julian is derived from the Latin name Julius, which was a common name during the Roman Empire.
The name Julius is thought to be derived from the Greek word for “youthful.” The name Julius was borne by many famous historical figures, including Julius Caesar, the first emperor of Rome.
As a result, the name has come to be associated with strength and power.
Kaïs (pronounced kigh)
Kaïs is a unisex name of French origin, used in many Arab countries, meaning “king”, “ruler”, or “leader”.
Léandre (pronounced lay-AHN-druh)
Léandre is a name that has several possible meanings. It can be derived from the Greek name Leandros, which means “lion man.” It can also be derived from the Latin name Leander, which means “lover.”
The name Léandre can also be a form of the name Alexander, which means “defender of men.” Whatever its origin, the name Léandre is sure to add a touch of class to any child’s name.
Léon (pronounced lay-OHN)
Léon is a name that has several different possible meanings. One interpretation is that it is derived from the Latin name Leo, which means “lion.”
This connection to the regal animal may explain why the name has been associated with strength and courage throughout history.
Another possibility is that Léon comes from the Germanic name Liutwin, which means “beloved friend.”
Louis (pronounced loo-EE)
There are many variations of the name Louis, but they all ultimately derive from the Germanic word “hlod,” which means “fame.”
The name Louis began to gain popularity in France during the reign of Louis VII, who was king from 1137 to 1180. Since then, it has been a common name in France and other Francophone countries.
Mael / Maël (pronounced mah-EHL)
Maël is a French given name of Breton origin. It is derived from the Old Celtic words maglos (“prince”) and ma (“good”).
The name was popularized in the Middle Ages by Saint Maël, a 7th-century hermit from Brittany who founded a monastery on the Isle of Sark.
Maëlan (pronounced mah-lahn)
Maëlan is a name with a strong meaning. The name Maëlan comes from the Latin word for black, which is “melān”.
The name Maëlan is given to someone who has dark hair or dark skin. Maëlan is also a variant of the name Melanie, which means “dark” in Greek.
Mateo (pronounced mah-TEH-oh)
Mateo is a name with multiple origins and meanings. It can be derived from the Latin name Matthaeus, which means “gift of God.” Mateo can also be a Spanish form of the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning “gift of Yahweh.”
Additionally, it can be an Italian form of the Greek name Matthew, which means “honorable.”
Milàn (pronounced mee-LAHN)
The meaning of the name Milan is unknown. However, there are several possible theories. One possibility is that it comes from the Latin word for “mill,” which could refer to a watermill or a millstone.
Alternatively, it could be derived from the Celtic word for ” settler” or “colonist.”
Naël (pronounced nigh-EHL)
Naël has several possible meanings. One interpretation is that it is derived from the Hebrew word for “Christmas” (נעלמים).
Another possibility is that it comes from the Latin word for “nativity” (nativitas). In either case, the name Naël represents the time of year when Jesus was born.
This makes it a fitting choice for a baby born around Christmas time. Additionally, the name Naël can be seen as a shortened version of the name Noël (meaning “Christmas”).
Nathan (pronounced nah-TAHN)
The name Nathan is of Hebrew origin and means “he who was given.” Though the name is most commonly used for boys, it can also be used for girls.
The name Nathan is often seen as a biblical name, as it is the name of one of King David’s sons in the Old Testament.
However, the name has become more popular in recent years, due in part to its use in popular culture. For example, the character Nathan Scott from the television show One Tree Hill was played by actor James Lafferty.
Olivier (pronounced oh-lee-vee-YEHR)
The name Olivier is derived from the Latin name Oliverus, which means “olive tree.” The olive tree has been an important symbol in many cultures throughout history, and it is said to represent wisdom, strength, and beauty.
Pierre (pronounced pee-EHR)
Pierre is derived from the Latin name Petrus, which is in turn derived from the Greek word petros, meaning “rock” or “stone”.
Pierre was a popular name among early Christians, as it was used to symbolize the foundation of the Church. The name was also borne by several early saints, including Saint Peter, the first Pope. It’s essentially the french version of Peter.
Raphael (pronounced ra-fa-EHL)
The French boys name Raphael is derived from the Hebrew nameרָפָאֵל (Rafa’el) which means “God has healed”.
The name was popular during the Middle Ages due to its association with the Archangel Raphael, who is mentioned in the Bible. The Archangel Raphael is known for his healing abilities, and he is often depicted carrying a jar of medicine.
The name Raphael has been used by several notable figures throughout history, including the Italian painter Raphael Sanzio and the French author Raphaëlle Giordano.
Sacha (pronounced SAH-shah)
The name Sacha is of Russian and Hebrew origin, and means “defender of mankind” and “man’s redemption”. Sacha is a diminutive of the name Alexander, which is derived from the Greek word for “defender of mankind”.
Sidney (pronounced SID-nee)
The meaning of the name Sidney is “wide meadow.” The name likely originated as a location name, referring to a broad stretch of green grassland.
Over time, the name came to be used as a given name, perhaps inspired by the beautiful landscapes that it evoked. It could also come from the Greek God Dioynsius who was the gof of fertility.
Thélio (pronounced tay-LEE-oh)
The name Thélio is a diminutive form of the name Théodore or Théophile. The french literary name was popularized by the children’s book character, Madeleine, who was given the nickname Théo by her grandmother.
It has been used as a given name for both girls and boys in recent years, but is more commonly given to boys. The meaning of the name Thélio is not clear, but it may be associated with the Greek word for “God.”
Thierry (pronounced tee-AIR-ee)
The name Thierry is of French origin and means “ruler of the people.” It is derived from the Germanic elements thiud, meaning “people,” and ric, meaning “ruler.”
The name was first used in France during the medieval period. It was popularized in the English-speaking world by the Normans, who brought it to England after the Conquest in 1066.
Tyméo (pronounced tee-MAY-oh)
Tyméo is derived from the Greek name Timaios, which means “honoring God.” The name Tyméo is also associated with the Latin word for “honor,” which is Honorius.
Today, the name is still quite popular in France, and it is often chosen for baby boys born into families with French heritage.
Xavier (pronounced ehks-ay-VEE-ehhr)
Xavier is derived from the Latin word for “new house.” The name was popularized by Saint Francis Xavier, a 16th-century missionary and co-founder of the Jesuits.
The meaning of the name Xavier remains relatively unchanged regardless of how it is pronounced. See our best names to go with Xavier guide.
Zéphyr (pronounced zeh-FEER)
Zéphyr is a French boys name with a number of possible origins. One possibility is that it is derived from the Greek word zephyrus, which means “west wind.”
This could be a reference to the direction of the wind or to the warm, gentle breezes that often blow in from the west.
French Pronunciation
If you are keen on french names but struggle with french pronunciation then some tips are :
-To say “the in” like think, place your tongue between your teeth and blow out air. You don’t have to actually touch your teeth with your tongue, just get close. The ‘h’ is silent.
-To say “j” sound like in journal, put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your top teeth and make a little ‘d’ sound.
-To say “eu” sound like in deux, start to say an “e” but curl your lip up as if you were going to whistle. The “u” is very brief and almost silent.
-To say “oi” sound like in trois, make a “was then” sound and round your lips. The “i” is very brief and almost silent.
-To say “an” sound like in bon, open your mouth as if you were going to say “ah”. The “n” is nasal so it should come out through your nose.
-To say “on” sound like in bon, make the “o” sound like in “pot”. The “n” is nasal so it should come out through your nose.
-To say “un” sound like in un, make the “u” sound like in “put”. The “n” is nasal so it should come out through your nose.
-To say “ain” sound like in vin, make the “i” sound like in “skid”. The “n” is nasal so it should come out through your nose.
-To say “gn” sound like in montage, put the back of your tongue up against the roof of your mouth and then let air escape through your nose. The “g” is silent.
-To say “ch” sound like in chocolate sound, make the “sh” but with your tongue pressed further back in your mouth.
-To say “ille” sound like in fille, make the “i” sound like in “skid”. The “l” is silent.
-To say “ouille” sound like in fouille, make the “o” sound like in “pot”. The “ll” is silent.
These are just a few of the many beautiful French boy names that are available. Whether you’re looking for a name with religious significance, one that is steeped in tradition, or something that is unique and modern, there is sure to be a French boy name that is perfect for your little one.
Popular French Boy Names
Other french boy names to consider include:
- Jules (pronounced zhool)
- Fernand (pronounced fehr-NAHN)
- Abel (pronounced AY-behl)
- Sébastien (pronounced seh-bah-STYEHN)
- Ludovic (pronounced loo-doh-VEEEK)
- Enzo (pronounced EH
- Nolhan (pronounced noh-lahn)
- Anatole (pronounced ah-nah-tohl)
- Oscar (pronounced oh-s
- Gabin (pronounced gah-BEEN)
- Absalon (pronounced ab-sah-LOHN)
- Alban (pronounced ahl-BAHN)
- Clément (pronounced kleh-MAHN)
- Timothée (pronounced tee-moh-TAY)
- Joris (pronounced zhoh-REE)
- Lorik (pronounced loh-REEK)
- Yann (pronounced YAHN)
- Tomas (pronounced TOH-mahs)
- Côme (pronounced kohm)
- Damien (pronounced deh-MYEHN)
- Edouard (pronounced eh-DWAHR)
- Guillaume (pronounced ghee-YOHM)
- Henri (pronounced ahN-REE)
- Isaïe (pronounced ee-sigh-EE)
- Joseph (pronounced zhoh-ZEHF)
Whether you are looking to name your child after a strong and powerful leader or a famous warrior who led an army into a famous battle, all of the above french boy names are great options.
Bonne chance! (That means “good luck” in French!)
