Say Bonjour to the Perfect French Boy Names

So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect French name for your little garçon? First of all—félicitations! 🎉 Second, get ready to dive into a world of names that sound effortlessly cool, make you feel like you’re strolling through Paris with a baguette, and come packed with history, charm, and a sprinkle of je ne sais quoi.

French names are elegant yet modern, strong yet sweet, and let’s be real—there’s just something about them that makes everything sound a little fancier. Say Jean-Pierre out loud. Feels like you should be sipping espresso in a Parisian café, right? ☕✨

But don’t worry, you don’t have to name your kid after a 19th-century poet (unless that’s your vibe—respect). Today’s French boy names are short, stylish, and totally wearable no matter where you live. Whether you’re looking for a classic powerhouse like Louis, a modern favorite like Léo, or something a little off-the-beaten-path like Malo, we’ve got you covered.

So, grab a croissant, settle in, and let’s explore the top French boy names that are making waves in 2025! 

Modern & Trendy French Boy Names (Popular in France Today)

These are super common in French nurseries right now and are often chosen by younger parents:

1. Léo – “Lion,” symbolizing strength and courage.
2. Maël – “Prince” or “chief,” a Celtic name with a royal feel.
3. Timéo – “To honor God,” a modern twist on Timothy.
4. Noé – “Rest” or “peaceful,” the French form of Noah.
5. Théo – “Gift of God,” short for Théodore.
6. Gabriel – “God is my strength,” a timeless classic.
7. Raphaël – “God heals,” elegant and artistic.
8. Sacha – “Defender of mankind,” the French take on Alexander.
9. Évan – “God is gracious,” sleek and modern.
10. Axel – “Father of peace,” bold and energetic.
11. Eden – “Delight” or “paradise,” fresh and serene.
12. Milo – “Soldier” or “merciful,” short and stylish.
13. Arthur – “Bear,” linked to King Arthur’s legend.
14. Jules – “Youthful,” made famous by writer Jules Verne.
15. Nolan – “Noble” or “champion,” a name of Irish origin loved in France.
16. Liam – “Strong-willed warrior,” trendy yet timeless.
17. Nathan – “He gave,” a biblical classic.
18. Mathis – “Gift of God,” a chic version of Matthew.
19. Eliott – “The Lord is my God,” friendly and international.
20. Simon – “He has heard,” a simple but solid name.

Classic & Timeless French Boy Names (Still Popular)

21. Louis – “Famous warrior,” a name of French kings.
22. Hugo – “Mind” or “intellect,” sophisticated yet fun.
23. Paul – “Humble” or “small,” a timeless favorite.
24. Victor – “Conqueror,” strong and enduring.
25. Antoine – “Priceless,” the French form of Anthony.
26. Benjamin – “Son of the right hand,” a beloved name worldwide.
27. Clément – “Gentle” or “merciful,” soft and warm.
28. Émile – “Industrious,” reflecting hard work and intelligence.
29. Romain – “Roman,” classic and noble.
30. Adrien – “From Hadria,” sleek and sophisticated.
31. Léon – “Lion,” another bold and regal choice.
32. Maxime – “Greatest,” a name filled with ambition.
33. Augustin – “Majestic” or “venerable,” classic but cool again.
34. Gaspard – “Treasurer,” unique and charming.
35. Bastien – “Venerable,” youthful and fresh.
36. Corentin – “Hurricane,” a unique Breton name.
37. Tristan – “Tumult” or “sorrowful,” from Arthurian legend.
38. Valentin – “Strong” or “healthy,” linked to love and romance.
39. Quentin – “Fifth,” traditionally given to a fifth-born child.
40. Matthieu – “Gift of God,” the French version of Matthew.

Unique & Stylish French Boy Names

41. Gaël – “Generous leader,” from Breton origins.
42. Lazare – “God has helped,” rare yet meaningful.
43. Côme – “Order” or “harmony,” short and sophisticated.
44. Malo – “Bright pledge,” a rare yet striking name.
45. Léandre – “Lion-man,” combining power and elegance.
46. Émeric – “Ruler of work,” strong and intelligent.
47. Baptiste – “To dip” or “baptize,” rooted in history.
48. Titouan – “Beyond praise,” a modern artistic name.
49. Sohan – “Good-looking,” a name rising in popularity.
50. Ilan – “Tree,” nature-inspired and fresh.
51. Elouan – “Light,” a poetic and uncommon name.
52. Ismaël – “God listens,” a biblical yet trendy choice.
53. Maé – “Prince” or “great,” a sleek, short name.
54. Ewen – “Youth” or “born of the yew tree,” a fresh Breton name.
55. Tino – “Little fire,” a cute and energetic choice.

Modern Revivals of Vintage French Boy Names

56. Marceau – “Little warrior,” stylish and vintage.
57. Lazare – “God has helped,” strong and rare.
58. Blaise – “Stammering,” but effortlessly cool and unique.
59. Anatole – “Rising sun,” poetic and elegant.
60. Aristide – “Best purpose,” sophisticated and rare.
61. Ulysse – “Wrathful,” inspired by Greek mythology.
62. Octave – “Eighth,” a noble and refined name.
63. Timothée – “Honoring God,” the French version of Timothy.
64. Félix – “Happy” or “fortunate,” full of positive energy.
65. Éloi – “Chosen one,” rare yet regal.
66. Gustave – “Staff of the Goths,” old-school charm.
67. Hippolyte – “Freer of horses,” classic yet dramatic.
68. Ludovic – “Famous warrior,” an alternative to Louis.
69. Cédric – “Bounty,” strong and knightly.

Short & Cool French Boy Names

70. Yann – “God is gracious,” simple yet strong.
71. Ugo – “Mind” or “spirit,” the Italian version of Hugo.
72. Ivo – “Yew wood,” sleek and international.
73. Joël – “The Lord is God,” timeless and melodious.
74. Téo – “God’s gift,” the ultra-modern form of Théodore.
75. Nino – “Little boy,” cute and playful.
76. Lior – “My light,” a beautiful and luminous name.
77. Zadig – “Just” or “righteous,” from Voltaire’s famous book.
78. Eli – “Ascended” or “high,” minimal yet powerful.
79. Rémi – “Oarsman,” simple and effortlessly cool.
80. Sami – “Elevated” or “sublime,” light and global.

Key Trend in France Today:

French parents are loving short, punchy names—especially those with soft sounds:

• Names like Léo, Maël, Noé, Théo, Sacha, Milo are hot.
• Vintage names like Émile, Gaspard, Jules, Marcel are getting a stylish revival.
• International names with a French twist (e.g., Evan, Nolan) are increasingly popular.

What’s Less Common Now?

Names like Serge, Norbert, Patrice, Didier, Gérard, Hervé feel more dated and are rarely given to babies in 2025. They’re more likely to be the names of someone’s dad or grandpa.

So, If You Want Modern French Names for Boys:

Focus on:

• Léo, Maël, Timéo, Noé, Théo, Milo, Arthur, Sacha, Gabriel, Raphaël

If You Want Unique Boy Names with Meaning (But Still Used in France):

Look at:

• Gaspard, Malo, Anatole, Léandre, Côme, Émeric

If You Love Classic, Timeless French Names:

Go for:

• Louis, Hugo, Jules, Victor, Paul, Antoine, Simon

The Perfect Name Awaits

And there you have it—a full menu of the finest French boy names, served with a side of charm and a dash of ooh là là! Whether you’re drawn to modern French boy names like Léo and Maël, timeless picks like Louis and Hugo, or cool French names for boys like Gaspard and Malo, there’s something for every little monsieur out there.

Trends may come and go, but a great name lasts a lifetime. So whether you’re imagining your future artist, scientist, adventurer, or baguette-loving philosopher, rest assured that French boy names bring both history and flair to the table.

So, what’s it going to be? A classic? A trendsetter? Or a name that’s totally unique? Whatever you choose, your little one is sure to carry it with style—because when it comes to French names for boys, it’s all about effortless elegance.

Bonne chance, and may your bébé’s name be as magnifique as he is! 🎩✨

Fiona

Fiona Bailey  is a mom of three, a certified Child Development expert, and a pro at juggling sippy cups and sticky fingers. After her first child, Casey traded the office for the living room, embracing the stay-at-home mom life with open arms (and lots of baby wipes). With a degree in Child Development, she combines her academic knowledge with hands-on experience, delivering relatable, insightful, and often hilarious content for parents who are just trying to keep it together — one snack break at a time.