France is a beautiful country full of culture and history so there is no surprise that their baby boy names are the same. Many of their names are inspired by the diverse culture of the country, and past and present Kings and rulers.
Our list gives you so many options from those names that are steeped in history and are truly traditional names to the more quirky and unique names that are synonymous with a fast-moving country like France.
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Here are some of our favorite picks that will hopefully inspire your name choice.
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Unique French Boy Names
These are some of the very unique French boy names that you may find being used in France but not many have been exported to other countries, so they will be truly unique.
Achille – A boy’s name of French origin and it means ‘thin-lipped.’ This is the French spin on the name of the great hero with the vulnerable heel.
Alain – A name of French origin and is the variation of the rather old fashioned name Alan.
Barbeau – The name is pronounced as bar-BOW and it’s a French occupational name that means ‘fisherman.’
Bertrand – A boy’s name of French, and German origin and means magnificent crow. It is also the name of the famed philosopher, mathematician, and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell. It’s pronounced as bare-TRAHN.
Calixte – This is a French variation of Calixto and it means ‘beautiful.’ It’s of Greek origin.
Claudian – A French variation of Claude and it means ‘lame or enclosure.’ It has origins in French from Latin.
Deveraux – A boy’s name of French origin and it means ‘riverbank.’
Daumier – A name of French origin and it’s the name of a famous French artist, Daumier. He’s known for his revealing caricatures.
Emilien – It means ‘friendly’ and it’s of French origin as is the French form of Emil.
Eustache – A name of Greek origin and it’s a variation of Eustace meaning ‘fruitful or productive.’
Fabrice – Of French origin and it means ‘skilled craftsman.’
Foulques – A name of Scandinavian origin and it means ‘people’s guardian.’
Gaetan – French form of the Italian Gaetano and it means ‘of Gaeta.’
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Godefroi – Of German origin and it means ‘God’s peace.’ It’s the French variation of Godfrey.
Hilaire – A name of French origin that means ‘cheerful.’ This is a name that has rarely made it out of native France and was originally bestowed in honor of the fourth-century bishop and theologian St. Hilaire of Poitiers.
Hippolyte – Pronounced as ee-po-LET and is of French origin meaning he who frees horses.
Jeter – A name of French and German origin. This name may be derived from the French surname Jette, which was often given to foundlings as it means thrown out, or the German occupational name that means ‘weeder.’
Kasim – A name of Arabic origin and it means ‘charitable or generous.’ It’s the French variation of Qasim.
Lafayette – A name of French origin and it means ‘faith.’ This is a name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution.
Lionellu – French variation of Lionel. With origins in Latin and it means ‘young lion.’
Mars – This is the name of the Roman god of war. It was given a modern twist when musicians Thomas and Bruno Mars (Born Peter Hernandez) used it.
Montague – A name of French origin and it means ‘pointy hill.’ The family name of Shakespeare’s Romeo.
Narcisse – A name of Greek origin that means ‘daffodil.’
Norris – Of French origin and it means ‘northerner.’ Maybe more popular than either Doris or Morris.
Onfroi – A name of German origin and it means ‘peaceful warrior.’ This is a French variation of Humphrey.
Ourson – With both English and Latin origin, meaning ‘bear cub.’ A French variation of Orson.
Pacome – Both French and Greek origin and it means of ‘strong nature or pacifier.’ Pacome is a French saint’s name that is rarely heard but is currently being revived in its native France.
Philbert – French origin and it means ‘dear, beloved’
Qassen – A name of Arabic origin and it means ‘charitable, or generous.’
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Qutien – The French variation of Quintin and it’s of Latin origin, meaning ‘fifth.’
Ranier – Of Norse origin and it means ‘mighty army or warrior of judgment.’
Romain – French variation of Roman and it means ‘citizen of Rome.’ The name is of Latin origin.
Saby – Latin in origin meaning ‘from the Sabines.’
Seraph – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘fiery.’
Tite – Of Latin origin that possibly means ‘title of honor.’
Tracy – A boy’s name of French origin that means ‘of Thracia.’ Almost always a girl’s name
Ulysse – A name of Latin origin which is a variation of the Greek Odysseus and it means ‘wrathful.’
Vallis – A boy’s name of French origin that means ‘from Wales.’ This is an interesting way to embrace your Welsh ancestry.
Vrai – Of French origin and it means ‘true.’
Yann – French and Breton origin meaning ‘God is gracious.’
Zachalie – A name of French origin and it means ‘the Lord is remembered.’ A French variation of Zachary.
Cool French Boy Names
If you want your little boy to be cool, it has to start with a really cool name and where better to look for inspiration than one of the coolest countries in the world.
Aloysius – A boy’s name of Latin origin and it means ‘fame warrior.’
Baptiste – A name of French origin and it means ‘baptist.’ This was a name traditionally used by the ultra-religious as it comes from the Greek word meaning to dip.
Bosco – A name of Italian origin and it’s the name of a saint. Unfortunately, the name is now better known as chocolate syrup.
Clovis – With origins in French and Teutonic this was an early form of Ludwig or Louis it means ‘famous warrior.’
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Darius – A name with origins in Persian or Latin from Greek meaning ‘wealth or kingly.’ This is a historic name via Emperor Darius the Great. He was a key figure in ancient Persian history and several other Persian kings.
Diego – A Spanish variation of James and it means ‘supplanter.’ The name is possibly a derivative of Santiago, Diego is a Sevillian saint.
Elio – Italian in origin and it comes from the sun god Helios.
Gabin – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘of Gabium. ‘
Joachim – Pronounced jo-AHK-eem and it’s of Hebrew origin means ‘established by God.’
Leopold – A name of English origin and it means ‘people bold.’
Marceau – French variation of Marcel and it means ‘little warrior.’
Maxence – French in origin and it’s a form of Latin Maximus meaning ‘greatest.’ It is pronounced as MAKS-ahns.
Oscar – A name of English and Irish origin meaning ‘God spear,’ or ‘deer lover,’ or ‘champion warrior.’ In Irish legend, Oscar was one of the mightiest warriors of his generation, the son of Ossian and the grandson of Finn Mac Cumhaill.
Romaine – A name of French origin and it means ‘from Rome.’ This is the French variation of Roman.
Sacha – The French variation of Sasha and it means ‘defending warrior.’ This is a name that is rising in popularity with its most prominent bearer in modern time Sacha Baron Cohen.
Thibault – A name of French origin that means ‘courageous people.’ Pronounced as TEE-bow, it is also a very common surname in France.
Vasco – Of Spanish origin and it means ‘someone from the Basque region.’
Popular French Boy Names
These are some of the most popular French boy names. Many have made a successful trip across the water to other countries while many others would still be considered unique in the US.
Algernon – A name of English origin that means ‘with a mustache.’
Andre – Of French origin and it means ‘manly.’ This is the French form of the name Andrew.
Blaise – Meaning ‘lips’ or ‘speech impediment’ and it’s of French origin.
Christophe – The French variation of Christopher and it’s of Greek origin meaning ‘Christ-bearer.’
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Corentin – A name of Irish origin and it means the name of a Breton Bishop.
Didier – This name means ‘desire’ and it’s of French origin. It is pronounced di-YAY.
Emile – A name of French origin and it means ‘to strive’ or ‘excel’ or ‘rival.’
Etienne – Of French origin and it means ‘crown.’ This is the French form of Stephen/Steven.
Florian – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘flowering.’
Gaspard – Meaning treasurer and it’s of French origin. This is a form of Jasper or Casper.
Guy – A name of German origin with an unknown meaning.
Henri – Of French origin and it means ‘ruler of the home.’ This is the French variation of Henry.
Jacquotte – A name of French origin that means ‘created name.’
Laurent – This name means crowned with Laurel and it’s of French origin.
Leo – A name of Italian origin that means ‘lion.’
Louis – Pronounced as LOO-iss, a name of German origin and it means ‘famed warrior.’
Mael – The name is of French origin and means chief or prince. It is a French form of the Breton name Mael which was derived from a Celtic word. Saint Mael was a 5th-century hermit who lived in Wales.
Marcel – The name Marcel means ‘young warrior’ and it’s of French origin.
Mathis – Meaning ‘a gift from God’ and it’s of French origin. It is a variation of the name Matthew.
Maurice – A name of French origin and it means ‘dark-skinned.’ It can be pronounced as More-EESE or More-iss.
Noe – This is a form of Noah and is pronounced as NO-eh. It is a name of French origin and it means ‘rest or peace.’
Olivier – This name means ‘elf warrior’ or ‘ancestor’s descendant’ and it’s of French origin. The name originated from either the old Norse name Aleifr or the Germanic name Alfher.
Pascal – A name of French origin that means ‘easter.’
Raphael – Of Hebrew origin and it means ‘God has healed.’ In the Bible, Raphael is an archangel who God sent to help Tobit.
Remy – This name means ‘oarsman’ or ‘remedy’ and it’s of French origin. The name originated from either Remigius or Remedius.
Sebastien – The name means ‘venerable’ and it’s of French origin.
Serge – A name of English origin and it means ‘servant.’ The English diminutive of Sergei.
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Thierry – Means ‘ruler of the people’ and it’s of French origin.
Timothee – French variation of the name Timothy of Greek origin and it means ‘to honor God.’
Yves – A name of French origin that means ‘yew.’ The most famous bearer of this name is Yves Saint Laurent, the fashion designer.
Old-Fashioned French Boy Names
Old fashioned or traditional the choice is yours but there are some fantastic names with great meanings that would suit a beautiful little boy.
Audric – This name is like Sage and it can be used to emulate the wise and old ruler.
Caspar – A name of German origin and it means ‘treasurer.’ From the same origin as Jasper.
Damien – Of Greek origin and it means ‘to tame or subdue.’ The most notorious Damien is that of the character in the film The Omen.
Dax – A name of French origin and it means ‘leader.’
Edgar – This is a name of English origin and it means ‘rich spear.’
Ignace – Of French origin and it means ‘firey one.’ It is the French form of the name Ignatius.
Javier – A name of Spanish origin and it means ‘new house.’ This is the Spanish form of the name Xavier and is pronounced Hah-vee-EYR.
Lamar – Of Spanish origin and it means ‘from the sea.’
Sage – This is a name of English origin and it means ‘herb or prophet.’ There are variations such as Saige or Sayge.
Wyatt – English in origin and it means ‘son of Guy.’ Wyatt was originally an English surname. The famous bearer of the name was Wyatt Earp who was a US lawman in the Old West.
Royal French Boy Names
There is something very profound about naming your child after a king or other royalty. It almost gives them that air of grace and that they are meant for big things. Here are some of our favorite royal French names.
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Charles – Charles VII of France was king when Joan of Arc appeared in the 1430s, during the Hundred Years War, and then she helped him crush the English troops. Eventually, they did take back most of France from the English.
Francis – Francis I was known for being a patron of the arts. He was also responsible for forming the Franco-Ottoman alliance of 1536 with the sultan Suleiman the Magnificent of the Turkish Empire. It was a very controversial decision given the very different religions of the two powers.
Henry – Henry IV was known as the Good King Henry or Henry The Great. He was the first monarch from the House of Bourbon. He was known for many great things including promoting education, public works, and the arts.
Hugh – Hugh Capet was the first ruler to call himself the King of France, rather than the King of the Franks.
Louis – There were either 18 or 19 Kings of France named Louis. It started with Louis I the Pious in 814 A.D.
Philip – King Philip of France, born in 1165. He was known for being handsome and also for loving a good party with women and wine. He also transformed France into a powerhouse in Europe. While keeping the nobleman’s power in check and giving more power to the people.
Tristan – John Tristan was the Count of Valois and a French prince born in 1250. He died young at only 20 years old while on the Eighth Crusade. But before his untimely death, he disregarded his father’s wishes for him to become a priest and instead married the Countess of Nevers.
The Final Thought
Choosing a name for your baby can be very stressful with so many things to consider and whether or not you should go with family tradition or step out of the box and go your own way.
Whichever way you decide to go these beautiful French names will truly inspire you even if you do not find the perfect name on our list.
