The search for a baby name is an exciting time; looking at ancient dialects or languages can be a great source of inspiration to name your child.
Many Breton names are related to Irish or English but have a slightly different spelling or pronunciation, so they can be an original twist on a classic name. This article gives you a comprehensive list of female Breton names and male Breton names, as well as their meaning.
Breton (or "brezonegh" to its native speakers) is a language spoken in Brittany (or "Breizh" in Breton), a region in the North West of France. Breton belongs to the Celtic language family, so it is related to Irish, Cornish and Welsh. The word "Breton" refers to the language but also the people from Brittany, and can be used as a name itself!
The roots of the Breton civilisation are ancient; it is estimated to have appeared around the ninth century AD. It is not recognised as an official language of France, but it is an important part of the country's heritage and still celebrated in Brittany. Nowadays, only about 200,000 people speak Breton fluently and most of them live in Brittany. However, the language is seeing a resurgence in popularity as more children are learning it in bilingual schools - all the more reason to give your child a Breton name!
If you are on the search for more Celtic name ideas, take a look at this list of Irish names for boys. If you haven't found the perfect name there, try this collection of original Basque names, another dialect which is spoken in the south of France and Northern Spain.
Jenovefa (female) which comes from the Old French word for "juniper tree".
Maden (neutral), which means "good". It is pronounced Mahden.
Ewen, Ewan (male) which means "of the yew tree". The spelling with an "a" is popular in England and Scotland.
Malo (male)is formed of the Breton words "mach" and "lou" and means "bright pledge". Saint Malo is a famous Welsh saint, who gave his name to a beautiful port in Brittany.
Kerouac, Origin: Breton literary name ~ View Detail
Youenn (male), which means "little archer". It is pronounced Yooenne.
Malo, Meaning: shining hostage Origin: Breton ~ View Detail
Azelice (female), which means "who is noble". It is pronounced Ahzeleece.
Gwilherm (male), the Breton form of the Germanic Wilhelm, meaning "will helmet".
Katell, Meaning: pure Origin: Breton variation of Katherine
Bernez (male), which means "brave as a bear".
Yvan, Origin: French
Argant, Argantael (male), which means "silver" in Breton.
Enora (female), which means "honour".
Nolwenn (female)comes from the Welsh language and means "shining" or "holy". Nolwenn Leroy is a very popular French singer from Brittany.
Oanez, Meaning: lamb. Origin: Breton variation of Agnes
Samzun (male), the Breton form of Sampson which means "sun child" or "little sun".
Gael, Meaning: Gaelic Origin: Breton
Conwenna, Origin: Cornish, Welsh or Breton
Judoc (male), which comes from the Breton "iud" which means "lord".
Oanez (male) the Breton form of Agnes which comes from the word for "lamb".
Tanet (neutral), which means "fire". It is pronounced Tahnet.
Elouan (male) a gorgeous boy's name which comes from the Breton word for "light". It is pronounced Elwan.
Annaeg (female), which means "grace" or "favour".
Enora, Meaning: honor Origin: Breton
Pierrick (male) the Breton form of Peter, which means "rock" or "stone".
Ronan (male), which means "promising oath".
Mikael (male) is the Breton or Scandinavian form of Michael, which means "who is like God" in Hebrew.
Paol (male), the Breton form of Paul, which comes from the word for "small" or "humble".
Bleuenn (female) which means "white flower".
Senara, Meaning: light Origin: Variation of Azenor, Breton
Guénolé (male)which means "valour". It is pronounced Gaynowlay.
Oan, Meaning: lamb Origin: Breton
Azenor, Meaning: light Origin: Breton form of Elinor or Helen
Derrien (male), which means "wealthy" in Breton.
Emilion (male), which means "rival".
Kavan, Meaning: battle Origin: Breton
Alouarn (male), which means "the one with an iron brow". It is pronounced Alooahrne.
Maelie, Meaning: Princess Origin: Breton
Perlezenn, Origin: Breton
Devi, Origin: Indian
Iouen (male)which means "lion".
Tifenn (female), which means "manifestation of God". It is pronounced Tihffen.
Kirus (male) which means "sun". It is pronounced Kayrus.
Rozenn (male)which means "rose".
Anaelle, Meaning: grace Origin: Breton form of Anna
Yuna (female), which means "the archer". It is pronounced Yoona.
Solenn (female), which means "sunshine".
Mari (female)is the Breton, Welsh and Scandinavian form of Marie, most often associated with the Virgin Mary but also to French queen Marie Antoinette.
Maugan (male), which means "well born boy". It is pronounced Morganne.
Maiwenn (female), which means "the one who raises". It is pronounced Maywen.
