Hello, parents-to-be! Looking for a name for your baby boy? French names sound beautiful, have rich meanings, and never go out of style.
From royal names like Louis to artistic ones like Marcel, French names blend history and beauty in a special way. French names are loved worldwide because they sound nice and have deep meanings.
Whether you have French family roots, love French culture, or just like how French names sound, this guide of will help you find the perfect name for your little boy.
Why Pick a French Name for Your Son?
Can I share something personal? I’ve always thought French names have this perfect balance—they’re distinctive without being weird, sophisticated without being stuffy.
When you name your son Antoine or Théo, you’re giving him something that stands out on the playground but will still look amazing on a business card someday.
Have you noticed how French names just sound like music? Those soft consonants and those beautiful vowel sounds create this melody that’s seriously hard to resist.
Plus these names also work well around the world – people recognize them everywhere while they still keep their French charm.
Many famous artists, athletes, and leaders have had French names, adding to their appeal. Think of names like Jean-Paul, Claude, or Jules.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to share those stories of inspiration with your son as he grows up?
Popular French Boy Names
These classic French names have remained favorites throughout generations:
1. Antoine (ahn-TWAHN) – “Priceless” or “Highly praiseworthy”
2. Baptiste (bah-TEEST) – “Baptist”
3. Benoît (ben-WAH) – “Blessed”
4. Charles (SHARL) – “Free man” or “Manly”
5. Dominique (doh-mee-NEEK) – “Of the Lord”
6. Édouard (ay-doo-AR) – “Wealthy guardian”
7. Émile (ay-MEEL) – “Rival” or “Eager”
8. François (frahn-SWAH) – “Frenchman” or “Free one”
9. Gabriel (gah-bree-EL) – “God is my strength”
10. Henri (ahn-REE) – “Home ruler”
11. Jacques (ZHAHK) – “Supplanter”
12. Jean (ZHAHN) – “God is gracious”
13. Laurent (lor-AHN) – “Crowned with laurel”
14. Louis (loo-EE) – “Famous warrior”
15. Lucas (loo-KAH) – “Light” or “Illumination”
16. Mathieu (ma-TYUH) – “Gift of God”
17. Nicolas (nee-ko-LAH) – “Victory of the people”
18. Olivier (oh-lee-VYAY) – “Olive tree”
19. Philippe (fee-LEEP) – “Lover of horses”
20. Pierre (pee-AIR) – “Rock” or “Stone”
21. Sébastien (say-bas-TYAN) – “Revered” or “Venerable”
22. Théo (tay-OH) – “Gift of God”
23. Thomas (toh-MAH) – “Twin”
24. Victor (veek-TOR) – “Conqueror”
25. Vincent (van-SAHN) – “Conquering”
Modern French Boy Names
Contemporary French names that have gained popularity in recent years:
26. Adrien (ah-dree-AN) – “From Hadria” (northern Italy)
27. Alexandre (ah-lek-SAHND-ruh) – “Defender of mankind”
28. Amine (ah-MEEN) – “Faithful” or “Trustworthy”
29. Axel (ak-SEL) – “Father of peace”
30. Bastien (bas-TYAN) – Short form of Sébastien
31. Côme (KOHM) – “Order” or “Beauty”
32. Enzo (EN-zoh) – Italian origin meaning “Home ruler”
33. Étienne (ay-TYEN) – French form of Stephen, “Crown” or “Garland”
34. Félix (fay-LEEKS) – “Happy” or “Fortunate”
35. Florian (floh-ree-AHN) – “Flowering” or “Blossoming”
36. Gabin (gah-BAN) – “Cabinet maker”
37. Hugo (oo-GO) – “Mind” or “Intellect”
38. Joël (zhoh-EL) – “Yahweh is God”
39. Julien (zhoo-lyan) – “Youthful” or “Downy-bearded”
40. Léo (lay-OH) – “Lion”
41. Loïc (loh-EEK) – Breton form of Louis
42. Maël (mah-EL) – Breton name meaning “Chief” or “Prince”
43. Maxence (mak-SAHNS) – “Greatest”
44. Nathan (nah-TAHN) – “He gave”
45. Noé (noh-AY) – French form of Noah, “Rest” or “Comfort”
46. Raphaël (rah-fah-EL) – “God has healed”
47. Sacha (SAH-shah) – Diminutive of Alexandre
48. Timéo (tee-MAY-oh) – French variation of Timothy, “Honoring God”
49. Tristan (trees-TAHN) – “Sad” or “Sorrowful”
50. Valentin (vah-lahn-TAN) – “Strong” or “Healthy”
Classic / Traditional French Boy Names
These timeless names have been used by French families for many generations:
51. Alexandre (ah-lek-SAHN-druh): “Defender of mankind” – Royal and fancy.
52. Henri (on-REE): “Home ruler” – A name used by many French kings.
53. François (frahn-SWAH): “Frenchman; free man” – The most French-sounding name.
54. Philippe (fee-LEEP): “Lover of horses” – Classic and noble.
55. Mathieu (ma-TYUH): “Gift of God” – Traditional but still modern.
56. Antoine (an-TWAN): “Worthy of praise” – Elegant with a touch of romance.
57. Jean (ZHAHN): “God is gracious” – Simple but meaningful, a true French classic.
58. Pierre (pee-AIR): “Rock” – Strong and reliable, often used by artists.
59. Marcel (mar-SEL): “From Mars” – Cultured and slightly old-fashioned.
60. Bertrand (behr-TRAHN): “Bright raven” – Distinguished and uncommon.
61. Louis (loo-EE): “Famous warrior” – Royal and elegant, used by many French kings.
62. Charles (sharl): “Free man” – Strong and kingly, with a gentle sound.
63. Édouard (ay-doo-AR): “Wealthy guardian” – Sophisticated but friendly.
64. Jacques (zhak): “Supplanter” – Simple, classic, and very French!
65. Nicolas (nee-ko-LA): “Victory of the people” – Popular across generations.
66. Bernard (behr-NAR): “Brave as a bear” – Strong and dependable.
67. Pascal (pas-KAL): “Born during Easter” – Smart-sounding and distinctive.
68. Vincent (van-SAN): “Conquering” – Artistic and elegant.
69. Sébastien (say-bas-TYAN): “Revered” – Handsome and timeless.
70. Dominique (do-mee-NEEK): “Belonging to the Lord” – Works for boys and girls!
71. Robert (ro-BEHR): “Bright fame” – Classic and strong.
72. Christophe (krees-TOFF): “Bearer of Christ” – Traditional yet contemporary.
73. Guillaume (gee-YOME): “Determined protector” – The French version of William.
74. Benoît (ben-WAH): “Blessed” – Elegant with a gentle meaning.
75. Gérard (zhay-RAR): “Brave spearman” – Classic with a strong sound.
Unique French Boy Names
Distinctive names that offer something different:
76. Ambroise (ahm-BRWAHZ) – “Immortal”
77. Apollinaire (ah-poh-lee-NEHR) – “Destroyer”
78. Armel (ar-MEL) – “Bear prince”
79. Arsène (ar-SEN) – “Virile” or “Strong”
80. Augustin (oh-goos-TAN) – “Venerable”
81. Aurélien (oh-ray-lyan) – “Golden”
82. Barthélemy (bar-tay-lay-MEE) – “Son of Talmai”
83. Basile (bah-ZEEL) – “Royal” or “Kingly”
84. Clovis (kloh-VEES) – “Famous battle”
85. Corentin (koh-rahn-TAN) – “Hurricane”
86. Cyril (see-REEL) – “Lordly”
87. Dorian (doh-ree-AHN) – “Child of the sea”
88. Eliott (ay-lee-OT) – “The Lord is my God”
89. Émeric (ay-may-REEK) – “Work ruler”
90. Enguerrand (ahn-geh-RAHN) – “Angel of peace”
91. Fabrice (fab-REESS) – “Craftsman”
92. Flavien (flah-VYAN) – “Yellow” or “Golden”
93. Gatien (gah-TYAN) – “God is gracious”
94. Hippolyte (ee-poh-LEET) – “Freer of horses”
95. Isidore (ee-zee-DOR) – “Gift of Isis”
96. Lazare (lah-ZAR) – “God has helped”
97. Léandre (lay-AHND-ruh) – “Lion man”
98. Lucien (loo-SYAN) – “Light”
99. Marceau (mar-SO) – “Little warrior”
Short and Sweet French Boy Names
Compact names with big personality:
100. Octave (ok-TAHV) – “Eighth”
101. Alain (ah-LAN) – “Handsome” or “Cheerful”
102. Brice (BREESS) – “Speckled”
103. Bruno (broo-NO) – “Brown” or “Brown-haired”
104. Cédric (say-DREEK) – “Chief” or “Kind”
105. Eloi (ay-LWAH) – “Chosen”
106. Eric (ay-REEK) – “Eternal ruler”
107. Guy (GEE) – “Guide”
108. Jules (ZHOOL) – “Youthful”
109. Loup (LOO) – “Wolf”
110. Marc (MARK) – “Warlike”
111. Max (MAKS) – “Greatest”
112. Paul (POHL) – “Small” or “Humble”
113. Rémi (ray-MEE) – “Oarsman”
114. Rémy (ray-MEE) – Variant of Rémi
115. René (ruh-NAY) – “Reborn”
116. Roch (ROHSH) – “Rest”
117. Serge (SEHRZH) – “Servant”
118. Teo (TAY-oh) – Short for Théodore
119. Yves (EEV) – “Yew tree”
120. Yann (YAHN) – Breton form of John
Regional French Names
France’s different regions have their own special names:
121. Loïc (lo-EEK): A name from Brittany meaning “famous warrior”
122. Corentin (ko-rahn-TAN): meaning “storm, hurricane” – Powerful and unusual.
123. Yann (YAHN): Brittany form of John – Simple and strong.
124. Yves (EEV): “Yew tree” – Classic Brittany name connected to famous designers.
125. Bastien (bas-TYAN): Short form of Sébastien – Casual but sophisticated.
126. Arnaud (ar-NO): “Eagle power” – Popular in southwest France.
127. Pascal (pas-KAL): “Easter” – Traditional in southern coastal regions.
128. Alain (a-LAN): “Handsome, rock” – Classic name especially popular in Normandy.
129. Gaël (ga-EL): “Generous” – Celtic origin, common in Brittany.
130. Sylvain (sil-VAN): “Wood, forest” – Nature-inspired name from eastern France.
131. Gwenaël (gwen-ah-EL): “Blessed and generous” – A beautiful Breton name with Celtic roots.
132. Tanguy (tahn-GEE): “Fire dog” – An ancient name from Brittany with a unique sound.
133. Hervé (air-VAY): “Battle worthy” – Traditional in western France.
134. Ronan (ro-NAHN): “Little seal” – Celtic name popular in coastal Brittany.
135. Éric (ay-REEK): “Ever-powerful” – Common in northern regions.
136. Thierry (tee-AIR-ee): “Ruler of the people” – Popular in eastern France.
137. Joël (zho-EL): “Yahweh is God” – Simple but elegant, found across southern France.
138. Enzo (EN-zo): Italian-origin name popular in southern France near the Italian border.
139. Maël (mah-EL): “Prince” – Ancient Celtic name from western France.
140. Didier (dee-DYAY): “Desired” – Traditional in central and eastern regions.
French Names with Beautiful Meanings
141. Aimé (eh-MAY): “Beloved” – A name that means pure love.
142. Aurélien (o-ray-LYAN): “Golden” – Shining and precious.
143. Beau (BO): “Beautiful, handsome” – Simple and direct.
144. Côme (KOHM): “Order, decency” – Balanced and refined.
145. Desiré (day-zee-RAY): “Desired” – Shows how wanted your child is.
146. Étienne (ay-TYEN): “Crown” – Royal and distinguished.
147. Félix (fay-LEEKS): “Happy, fortunate” – A wish for a joyful life.
148. Gilbert (zheel-BAIR): “Bright pledge” – Promising and smart.
149. Lucien (loo-SYAN): “Light” – Brings brightness to the world.
150. Céleste (say-LEST): “Heavenly” – Connected to the stars and sky.
151. Florent (flor-ON): “Flowering, blooming” – Represents growth and beauty.
152. Émile (ay-MEEL): “Rival, emulating” – Striving for excellence.
153. Sébastien (say-bass-TYAN): “Revered, venerable” – Worthy of honor.
154. Gabriel (gah-bree-EL): “God is my strength” – Powerful and protective.
155. Laurent (lor-ON): “Crowned with laurel” – Symbol of victory and achievement.
156. Matthieu (ma-TYUH): “Gift of God” – Precious and divinely given.
157. Olivier (o-lee-VYAY): “Olive tree” – Representing peace and wisdom.
158. Pascal (pas-KAL): “Born at Easter” – Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
159. Alphonse (al-FONSS): “Noble and ready” – Old-fashioned charm with character.
160. Aubin (o-BAN): “White, bright” – Rare gem with a gentle sound.
Short and Sweet French Boy Names
161. Guy (GEE): “Guide, leader” – Short but meaningful.
162. Luc (LOOK): “Light” – Bright and brief.
163. Max (MAKS): Short for Maxime, “greatest” – Modern edge.
164. Noé (no-AY): French form of Noah – Bible name made simple.
165. Rémy (ray-MEE): “Oarsman” – Energetic and crisp.
166. Théo (TAY-oh): Short for Théodore – Modern favorite.
167. Enzo (EN-zo): “Ruler of the home” – Italian origin, popular in France.
168. Léo (LAY-o): “Lion” – Strong and compact.
169. Marc (MARK): “Warlike” – Classic and timeless.
170. Paul (POL): “Small, humble” – Simple elegance.
171. Hugo (OO-go): “Mind, intellect” – Brief yet sophisticated.
172. Yves (EEV): “Yew tree” – Distinctly French.
173. Jules (ZHOOL): “Youthful” – Stylish and modern.
174. Loïc (lo-EEK): “Famous warrior” – Uniquely Breton.
175. Tom (TOM): Short for Thomas – International appeal.
176. Gael (ga-EL): “Generous” – Celtic charm.
177. Axel (ak-SEL): “Father of peace” – Modern and dynamic.
178. Élie (ay-LEE): “The Lord is my God” – Spiritual and melodic.
179. Félix (fay-LEEKS): “Happy, fortunate” – Positive and concise.
180. Sacha (sa-SHA): “Defender of mankind” – Elegant simplicity.
French Boy Names by Starting Letter
A-D
- Adrien (ah-dree-EN): “From Hadria” – Sophisticated and timeless.
- Alexandre (ah-lek-SAHN-druh): “Defender of mankind” – Royal and fancy.
- Baptiste (bap-TEEST): “Baptist” – Pure-hearted and faithful.
- Benoît (ben-WAH): “Blessed” – Spiritual and gentle.
- Bertrand (behr-TRAHN): “Bright raven” – Intelligent and perceptive.
- Cédric (say-DREEK): “Chief” – Strong-willed and leadership-oriented.
- Corentin (kor-ahn-TAN): “Hurricane” – Powerful and dynamic.
- Clément (klay-MAHN): “Merciful, gentle” – Name that means kindness.
- Damien (da-MYAN): “To tame” – Thoughtful and disciplined.
- Didier (dee-DYAY): “Desired” – Classic name often used by teachers and scholars.
E-H
- Émile (ay-MEEL): “Eager, striving” – Literary with an old-fashioned charm.
- Étienne (ay-TYEN): “Crown” – Noble and distinguished.
- Fabien (fah-BYAN): “Bean grower” – Earthy and honest.
- Florent (flo-RAHN): “Flowering” – Nature-inspired elegance.
- François (frahn-SWAH): “Free man” – Classic French heritage name.
- Gaston (gas-TON): “Guest, visitor” – Charming with a touch of nostalgia.
- Grégoire (gray-GWAHR): “Watchful” – Distinguished and scholarly.
- Guillaume (gee-YOHM): “Resolute protector” – Strong and determined.
- Henri (ahn-REE): “Home ruler” – Regal and traditional.
- Hugo (OO-go): “Mind, intellect” – Strong yet easy to use.
I-L
- Ignace (ee-NYASS): “Fiery” – Uncommon but full of character.
- Isidore (ee-zee-DOR): “Gift of Isis” – Unique and meaningful.
- Jean (ZHAHN): “God is gracious” – Quintessentially French.
- Joël (zho-EL): “Yahweh is God” – Simple yet profound.
- Jacques (ZHAK): French form of James – Classic with connections to famous writers.
- Julien (zhoo-LYAN): “Youthful” – Eternally fresh and vibrant.
- Killian (kee-LYAHN): “Church, little warrior” – Celtic influence getting more popular.
- Léon (lay-ON): “Lion” – Strong and courageous.
- Louis (loo-EE): “Famous warrior” – Royal heritage with timeless appeal.
- Laurent (lo-RAHN): “Bright one” – Elegant and refined.
M-P
- Martin (mar-TAN): “Warlike” – Traditional but feels modern.
- Mathieu (ma-TYUH): “Gift of God” – Steadfast and reliable.
- Maxime (mak-SEEM): “Greatest” – Aspirational and strong.
- Michel (mee-SHEL): “Who is like God” – Timeless and dignified.
- Nicolas (nee-ko-LAH): “Victory of the people” – Timeless favorite.
- Noël (no-EL): “Christmas” – Festive and joyful.
- Olivier (o-lee-VYAY): “Olive tree” – Nature-inspired sophistication.
- Pascal (pas-KAL): “Born at Easter” – Symbolizing new beginnings.
- Philippe (fee-LEEP): “Lover of horses” – Classical and refined.
- Paul (POHL): “Small, humble” – Simple but meaningful.
Q-T
- Quentin (kahn-TAN): “Fifth” – Strong sound with historical roots.
- Raphaël (ra-fa-EL): “God has healed” – Artistic and soulful.
- Rémi (ray-MEE): “Oarsman” – Playful yet grown-up.
- Roland (ro-LAHN): “Famous land” – Historic and powerful.
- Sacha (sa-SHA): “Defender of mankind” – Modern and cosmopolitan.
- Sébastien (say-bas-TYAN): “Venerable” – Classic yet modern.
- Simon (see-MON): “He has heard” – Biblical with enduring charm.
- Théo (TAY-oh): “Gift of God” – Modern favorite with ancient roots.
- Thomas (to-MAH): “Twin” – Intellectual and thoughtful.
- Tristan (trees-TAHN): “Sorrowful” – Romantic and literary.
U-Z
- Ulysse (oo-LEES): “Wrathful” – Mythological hero with adventure spirit.
- Valentin (va-lahn-TAN): “Strong, healthy” – Warm and affectionate.
- Victor (veek-TOR): “Conqueror” – Powerful and positive.
- Vincent (van-SAHN): “Conquering” – Artistic and accomplished.
- William (wee-LYAM): “Resolute protector” – International with French flair.
- Xavier (zah-VYAY): “New house” – Distinctive and worldly.
- Yann (YAHN): “God is gracious” – Brief yet meaningful Y Name.
- Yannick (ya-NEEK): “God is gracious” – Energetic version of Yann.
- Yves (EEV): “Yew tree” – Uniquely French with natural meaning.
- Zacharie (za-ka-REE): “Remembered by God” – Bible name with French style.
A Quick Look at French Name History
French names have changed a lot over time. In medieval France, most children were named after saints and Bible figures. Names like Jean (John), Pierre (Peter), and Jacques (James) were very common.
Noble families often used names with German roots that showed strength and power, like Robert, Richard, and Henri. These names helped show family connections.
The French Revolution changed naming habits. The new government encouraged names from nature, ancient history, and revolutionary ideas.
Some children were even named Liberté (liberty) and Fraternité (brotherhood). In 1803, Napoleon made strict rules about names that lasted until 1966.
Parents had to choose from lists of saints or historical figures. Different regions like Brittany and Provence still kept some of their own naming traditions.
In recent years, French parents have started using traditional names again, like Émile, Félix, and Léon. Today, French names mix tradition with influences from many cultures.
How to Say French Names: Easy Guide
French pronunciation might seem hard, but a few simple rules help:
- The last consonant is usually silent (Louis is said “LOO-ee,” not “LOO-is”)
- The letter “r” is made in the back of the throat, like a gentle gargle
- Sounds like “an,” “en,” “in,” “on,” and “un” come through the nose (Jean sounds like “ZHAHN,” not “JEEN”)
- The French “u” is made by saying “ee” while rounding your lips
When unsure, try to hear a French person say the name before deciding. We’ve included simple ways to pronounce each name throughout this guide.
Conclusion
French boy names offer a wonderful blend of history, culture, and sophistication.
Whether you choose a classic name like Jean or Louis, or something more distinctive like Arsène or Enguerrand, a French name brings a touch of elegance that will serve your child well throughout life.
Whether you have French heritage, appreciate French culture, or simply adore the language’s beautiful sounds, a French name can be a meaningful choice for your son.
Each name offers its own character and charm, providing your child with a name that’s both distinguished and meaningful throughout life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I say French names correctly if I don’t speak French?
Focus on learning a few key sounds, like the French “r” and nasal vowels. Listen to how they sound online, and ask French speakers for help if you can. Trying to say it right shows respect for the culture behind the name.
Q. Are there rules about giving a French name if we live outside France?
Most countries allow foreign names, but check your local rules. Some countries don’t allow certain spellings or require names to fit the local language. Special marks (like é, è, ç) may be official in some countries but not others.
Q. How do French first names work with non-French last names?
French first names usually go well with last names from many backgrounds. Think about how the sounds flow—names with soft endings like Mathieu or Antoine can balance last names with harder sounds. Also, think about the initials and possible nicknames when pairing names.
