Breton Names
Breton names originate from the Celtic language spoken in the Brittany region of France.
Breton boy names include Gael, Malo, Kavan, and Oan, and Breton girl names include Maelie, Senara, Anaelle, and Azenor.
Browse all of our Breton baby names here, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Gael
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"Gaelic"Description:
This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S. in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. It's especially popular in Texas.
- Mael
Origin:
French or BretonMeaning:
"chief or prince"Description:
The name of a fifth century Breton saint, Mael is a popular boys' name in contemporary France, though it is usually spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut - Maël. Mael is the Breton spelling, and the pronunciation is almost like the English word mile, with two distinctive syllables.
- Malo
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"shining hostage"Description:
Malo, the name of an important sixth century Breton saint who founded St. Malo, the charming port town in Brittany -- is considered quite au courant in France right now, ranking firmly in the Top 100.
- Senara
Origin:
Variation of Azenor, BretonMeaning:
"light"Description:
The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose mother-in-law cast her out to sea in a trunk. Other stories say she was a mermaid turned Christian.
- Maelie
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"Princess"Description:
The French Miley? This trendy choice from Brittany, which is pronounced either as Miley or May-lee, is related to the traditional (male) saint's name Mael, traditionally feminized as Maelle.
- Kavan
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"battle"Description:
Rarely heard, and all too likely to be confused with Kevin.
- Enora
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"honor"Description:
Unusual Honor or Nora alternative, but we prefer the originals.
- Anaelle
Origin:
Breton form of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.
- Conwenna
Origin:
Cornish, Welsh or BretonDescription:
Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.
- Oan
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"lamb"Description:
A too-literal spin on Owen.
- Azenor
Origin:
Breton form of Elinor or HelenMeaning:
"light"Description:
One way to spin grandma Helen or Ellen's name off the beaten track. The legendary Azenor was a tragic 6th century Breton princess who was mother to a saint. This personage also may be known as Senara.
- Devi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"divine"Description:
Devi is the name of a Hindu goddess. Deva or Dev are male forms.
- Yvan
Description:
Yvan is a masculine name primarily used in French-speaking regions and Eastern Europe, serving as a variant of Ivan, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' The name has deep historical roots across Europe, with Ivan being the Slavic equivalent of John. Yvan offers a distinctive spelling that maintains the traditional pronunciation while giving the name a more unique written appearance. Popular in Quebec, France, Russia, and other Slavic countries, Yvan carries a cosmopolitan appeal that crosses cultural boundaries. The name projects strength and dignity while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce. Less common than Ivan or Jean in most regions, Yvan provides a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with international resonance and historical depth.
- Kerouac
Origin:
Breton literary nameDescription:
Kerouac could make for a meaningful possible modern literary inspiration, via On the Road author Jack. The writer's baptism certificate read Jean Louis Kirouac, though he later claimed his full name was Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac.
- Oanez
Origin:
Breton variation of AgnesMeaning:
"lamb."Description:
Kind of a combination of Agnes and Inez, a name rarely heard in the US.
- Perlezenn
Description:
Perlezenn is a rare feminine name of Breton origin, derived from the Breton word for "pearl" (perlez). In Breton culture, which comes from the Celtic region of Brittany in northwestern France, names often have connections to nature and natural beauty. The suffix "-enn" is typical in Breton feminine names, adding a distinctive regional quality. This uncommon name carries the same symbolic associations as Pearl – purity, rarity, and natural beauty – while offering a strong connection to Breton heritage and language. Perlezenn remains extremely rare outside of Brittany, making it a unique choice that reflects Celtic linguistic traditions. Its melodic quality and unusual sound pattern give it an exotic yet elegant feel.
- Nanig
Description:
Nanig is an extremely rare feminine name with unclear origins, possibly derived from Armenian, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous roots. It might be a variation of names like Nanig, Nanic, or Nanuk found in various cultures. In some contexts, it could be related to the Armenian name Nanik or represent a diminutive form of Ana or Nan with the addition of a cultural suffix. The name's brevity and soft sound give it a gentle quality, while its rarity makes it highly distinctive. Nanig remains virtually unknown in most Western countries, making it an unusual choice that would stand out in any community. For those seeking a truly uncommon name with a melodic quality and potentially rich cultural connections, Nanig offers considerable uniqueness while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.
- Katell
Origin:
Breton variation of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Original twist on this classic.
- Jaffrez
Description:
Jaffrez is an uncommon masculine name with unclear origins, possibly a modern variant of Geoffrey or Jeffrey. These names derive from the Germanic name Godfrey, meaning 'peace of God' or 'divine peace.' The unusual spelling of Jaffrez might represent a creative adaptation or a cultural variation from French or Creole influences. The 'z' ending gives the name a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more traditional spellings. As a rare name, Jaffrez has very limited usage statistics and doesn't appear in most popularity charts. Parents choosing this name likely appreciate its uniqueness while maintaining connections to the more familiar Jeffrey lineage. The name offers a contemporary twist on a classic name with rich historical roots.
- 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.