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Rare French Boy Names

Charming French baby names for boys, far beyond old-fashioned Jean and Jacques, are just waiting to be discovered. Traditional names such as Charles and Louis are among the top French names for boys in the US today, although they also have a British feel from their connection to England’s Royal family.

Rare French boy names do not rank in the US Top 1000. French names for boys that are uncommon in the US but rank in the France Top 100 include Maël, Gabin, Clément, Marceau, Sohan, Maxence, Malo, and Basile. Stylish French names that are rare in both the US and France include Amaury, Corentin, Sylvain, and Victorien.

Also included here are French word names, such as Vrai, and familiar French surnames, including Didier and Thoreau. If you’re searching for a French name for any reason, these are some of our favorite options.

Remi

Meaning: oarsman

Origin:French, variation of Remy
1389
Corentin

Meaning: tempest, hurricane

Origin:French, Breton
1444
Aubin

Meaning: white, blond

Origin:French form of Alban
1755
Florent

Meaning: flowering

Origin:French from Latin
1773
Yves

Meaning: yew wood

Origin:French
355
Lucien

Meaning: light

Origin:French form of Lucian
189
Olivier

Meaning: olive tree

Origin:French
930
Blaise

Meaning: to lisp, stammer

Origin:French
457
Claude

Meaning: lame; enclosure

Origin:French from Latin
508
Laurent

Meaning: of Laurentium or bay laurel

Origin:French variation of Lawrence
540
Nael

Meaning: gift of God

Origin:Diminutive of Nathanael, French
564
Etienne

Meaning: garland, crown

Origin:French variation of Stephen
690
Valentin

Meaning: strength, health

Origin:French, German, Russian, Czech, Scandinavian variation of Valentine
726
Darcy

Meaning: from Arcy

Origin:English from French, d'Arcy
727
Thierry

Meaning: ruler of the people

Origin:French variation of Theodoric
784
Marceau

Meaning: little warrior

Origin:French variation of Marcel
849
Anatole

Meaning: from the east, rising sun

Origin:Greek
924
Mael

Meaning: chief or prince

Origin:French or Breton
972
Malo

Meaning: shining hostage

Origin:Breton
1117
Sylvain

Meaning: wood, forest

Origin:French
1160