270+ French Boy Names
- Danial
Description:
Danial is a variant spelling of Daniel, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly distinctive written form. The biblical Daniel was known for his wisdom and interpretation of dreams, particularly in the lion's den story, giving the name strong religious associations across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Danial has been consistently used throughout history but remains less common than the traditional spelling. While especially popular in Muslim communities as a form of the Arabic Danyal (دانيال), this spelling variant appears across various cultures. The name conveys qualities of wisdom, faith, and integrity, regardless of its spelling.
- Arnou
Description:
Arnou is an uncommon masculine name with possible Germanic or French origins. It likely represents a variant spelling of Arnau, Arnaud, or Arno, names deriving from Germanic elements meaning 'eagle' and 'power' or 'rule.' This distinctive spelling gives the traditional name a fresh appearance while maintaining its historical roots. Arnou remains extremely rare in English-speaking countries, offering significant distinctiveness for parents seeking an unusual name with historical depth. The name has a sophisticated European quality and projects strength through its connection to eagle symbolism. While uncommon enough to be unique, its pronunciation follows intuitive patterns, making it accessible despite its rarity. Arnou combines ancient meaning with contemporary styling in its variant spelling.
- Godefroi
Description:
Godefroi is a masculine name of Old Germanic origin, representing the medieval French form of Godfrey or Geoffrey. The name combines the elements "god" (god) and "frid" (peace), literally meaning "God's peace" or "divine peace." Godefroi was popularized during the Crusades, notably through Godefroi de Bouillon, a Frankish knight who became one of the leaders of the First Crusade and the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This historical name carries a strong sense of nobility and medieval heritage. While uncommon in modern usage, particularly outside of French-speaking regions, Godefroi offers a distinctive classic option with rich historical associations. The name's traditional character and French pronunciation give it an aristocratic quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and European flair.
- Léonce
Description:
Léonce is a masculine French name with ancient roots, derived from the Latin name 'Leontius,' which means 'lion-like' or 'belonging to the lion.' This distinguished name carries connotations of strength, courage, and nobility. Léonce has been used historically in France and French-speaking regions since medieval times, though it has never been among the most common names. The name experienced modest popularity in the 19th century but has become increasingly rare in modern times. Léonce has a sophisticated, somewhat aristocratic feel with its French accent mark and elegant pronunciation. The name's leonine associations give it a subtle power while maintaining its refined character.
- Fidèle
Description:
Fidèle is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Latin 'fidelis' meaning 'faithful' or 'loyal.' This name carries significant historical and religious connotations, as it embodies the cherished virtue of fidelity. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Fidèle has maintained a presence in Francophone regions, particularly in parts of Europe and former French colonies. The accent over the second 'e' (è) indicates the French pronunciation with emphasis on that syllable. As a given name, Fidèle offers a distinctive choice with clear positive associations, appealing to parents drawn to names with virtuous meanings and European heritage. The name's connection to steadfastness and devotion gives it a timeless quality despite its relative rarity.
- Parc
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"park"Description:
Of course, you can just name him Park. But that's so pedestrian.
- Coty
Origin:
French surnameDescription:
Cosmetic reinvention of Cody.
- Gérald
Description:
Gérald is the French form of Gerald, a masculine name with Germanic origins combining elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power.' The accent mark over the 'e' creates the distinctive French pronunciation with emphasis on the first syllable. While Gerald has declined in popularity in English-speaking countries since its peak in the mid-20th century, Gérald maintains usage in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium. The name carries associations of strength and leadership from its martial origins while the French spelling adds a touch of sophistication and continental flair. Gérald offers the friendly nickname options of Gerry or Gé, balancing formality with approachability.
- Lasimonne
Description:
Lasimonne is an extremely rare masculine name with obscure origins, possibly representing a modern invented name or a highly unusual variant from French or African naming traditions. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its multiple syllables and soft consonants. The prefix 'La-' suggests possible French influence, while the overall structure has a musical, rhythmic quality that some parents might find appealing. Given its rarity, Lasimonne offers the appeal of being truly distinctive, with little chance of a child sharing this name with classmates or colleagues. The name's exotic sound and unusual letter combination create a memorable impression. Without widespread usage, Lasimonne lacks established cultural associations, allowing the individual to define the name's character rather than being defined by preexisting expectations.
- Onfroi
Description:
Onfroi is a masculine name of Germanic origin that evolved through Old French. It derives from the Germanic elements "hun" (meaning bear cub or warrior) and "frid" (peace). Onfroi is a medieval French variant of the name that eventually evolved into Humphrey in English. Popular among Norman nobility after the conquest of England, the name has strong historical connections to medieval European aristocracy. Today, Onfroi remains exceedingly rare, offering a distinctively antique and sophisticated option for parents drawn to names with historical depth. Its unusual sound pattern and noble heritage make it an uncommon choice with significant historical resonance.
- Caton
Description:
Caton is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old English 'catt' meaning 'cat,' possibly originating as a nickname for someone with cat-like qualities. Alternatively, it could be related to the ancient Roman name Cato, meaning 'wise' or 'skilled,' associated with several important Roman statesmen. As a surname, Caton has roots in various regions of England. The name has a strong, concise sound with historical undertones yet feels fresh and distinctive in modern usage. While never widely popular as a first name, Caton has appeal for parents seeking something unusual with solid historical foundations. Its brief two-syllable structure and familiar consonant sounds make it accessible despite its rarity. In contemporary naming, Caton offers a balance of uniqueness and substance.
- Silvestre
Description:
Silvestre is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The name essentially translates to 'from the forest' or 'wild,' conveying a natural, untamed quality. Popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Silvestre has ancient roots, notably carried by Pope Saint Sylvester I in the 4th century. The name maintains steady usage in Latin American countries, Spain, and Portugal, though it remains less common in English-speaking regions. It experienced modest peaks of popularity in the early 20th century and has seen periodic revivals. Parents may be drawn to Silvestre for its melodic quality, connection to nature, and cross-cultural appeal. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while evoking imagery of natural strength and wilderness.
- Gervaise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"skilled with a spear"Description:
Unusual saint's name rarely heard outside Roman Catholic rectories until it made an appearance on a reality-TV show; has an attractive French feel.
- Jordon
Description:
Jordon is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Jordan, which derives from the Hebrew name 'Yarden,' referring to the Jordan River in the Middle East. The river holds significant religious importance in Christianity as the site where Jesus was baptized. As a personal name, Jordon gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. This alternative spelling with an 'o' rather than an 'a' offers a subtle distinction while maintaining the name's recognized sound and heritage. Jordon peaked in usage in the 1990s in the United States but remains a steady choice for parents seeking a name with biblical connections that still sounds contemporary. The name conveys strength and has a modern, masculine feel.
- Arhambault
Description:
Arhambault is an unusual masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Archambault, a French surname derived from the Germanic personal name 'Erkanbald,' combining elements meaning 'genuine' and 'bold.' As a first name, it is exceedingly rare, with very few documented instances of its use. The name carries an aristocratic, old-world European quality with its distinctive pronunciation and spelling. Parents might choose this name seeking something with historical resonance and uniqueness. Its rarity gives it an exclusive quality, though the spelling variation might require frequent clarification. The name's connection to French heritage might appeal to families with French ancestry seeking an uncommon name with cultural significance.
- Siffre
Description:
Siffre is an extremely rare masculine name that likely derives from a surname of French origin. It may be related to or derived from the Old French name 'Siffrid' or 'Siegfried,' which has Germanic roots meaning 'victory' and 'peace.' The name gained some recognition through Labi Siffre, a British poet, singer-songwriter, and musician known for his work in the 1970s and his influence on later musicians. As a first name, Siffre remains highly unusual, offering a distinctive choice with artistic associations. The French pronunciation would place emphasis on the second syllable, giving it an elegant, sophisticated sound quality that balances uniqueness with cultural heritage.
- Candide
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"naive"Description:
French saintly name, used for both boys and girls. Although not common in France, it has been used in small numbers for boys in the 2010s and 2020s. Candide, in its sense as the French word for "naive", was the title character of a satirical novel by Voltaire.
- Gauther
Description:
Gauther is a masculine name with Germanic origins, likely a variant of Gautier, the French form of Walter. The name derives from elements meaning 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior,' reflecting its military heritage. Historically, variations of this name were common among medieval nobility across Western Europe. Gauther maintains a distinctive old-world charm while being uncommon in modern usage, making it an option for parents seeking a name with historical depth but little current popularity. The unique spelling gives the name a subtle French or aristocratic quality, differentiating it from the more common Walter or Gauthier variants while preserving its noble connotations.
- Bernot
Description:
Bernot is a masculine name with French and Germanic origins, likely derived as a variant or diminutive of Bernard. The root name Bernard combines the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' thus conveying the meaning 'strong as a bear.' Bernot is considerably rare, even in France where it occasionally appears as a surname. As a given name, it offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Bernard, maintaining the strong etymological connection to courage and strength while having a softer ending. The name carries an old-world European charm and might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical resonance but minimal current usage.
- Gautier
Origin:
French variation of WalterMeaning:
"ruler of an army"Description:
Often spelled Gauthier, this could make a distinctive way to honor Grandpa Walter, but first syllable pronounced 'goat' might be a problem.