This list brings together 20 French boy names that start with the letter B, running from “Balthazar” to “Bruno.” Many come from biblical, Latin, or Germanic roots, and they range from grand, old-world choices to short, modern picks. Parents use these names for newborns, and writers, genealogists, and anyone curious about French naming traditions will find them useful too.

French boy names are given names traditionally used for male children in France, often carrying centuries of religious, royal, or regional history. Some, like “Bixente,” come from the Basque Country, while others honor saints such as Bruno, founder of the Carthusian monastic order. Each one reflects a piece of France’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

Below you’ll find the table with the name, pronunciation, meaning, and description for each entry.

Name: the given name itself, spelled the way it officially appears in France, so you can see exactly how it’s written.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing you how to say each name out loud, with stressed syllables in capital letters.

Meaning: the original meaning behind the name, often rooted in Latin, Germanic, Hebrew, or Arabic, so you understand where it comes from.

Description: a short explanation of the name’s history and use in France, helping you decide if it fits the style you’re looking for.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Balthazarbal-ta-ZAR“Baal protects the king”
Baptisteba-TEEST“baptizer”
Barnabébar-na-BAY“son of encouragement”
Barthélemybar-tay-leh-MEE“son of Talmai”
Basileba-ZEEL“king, royal”
Bastienbas-TYEN“man of Sebastia” (revered)
Baudouinboh-DWAN“bold friend”
Benjaminban-zha-MAN“son of the right hand”
Benoîtbuh-NWAH“blessed”
Bérengerbay-ran-ZHAY“bear spear”
Bernardber-NAR“brave as a bear”
Bertrandber-TRAHN“bright raven” (illustrious)
Bilalbee-LAL“moistener, refresher”
Bixentebee-SHEN-teh“conquering”
Blaiseblez“stammerer”
Bonifacebo-nee-FAS“good fate” (well-doer)
Borisbo-REES“fighter” or “snow leopard”
Brahimbra-HEEM“father of many”
Bricebreesmeaning uncertain, possibly “speckled”
Brunobru-NOH“brown-haired”

Descriptions

Balthazar
One of the three Wise Men in Christian tradition, this regal name has been used in France for centuries and carries an air of old-world grandeur.
Baptiste
The French form of “Baptist,” honoring John the Baptist; a classic name with medieval roots that remains popular with French parents today.
Barnabé
The French version of Barnabas, companion of the apostle Paul in the New Testament; a rare but dignified choice with strong biblical heritage.
Barthélemy
The French form of Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles; an old-fashioned name that has seen a gentle revival among French families.
Basile
From the Greek “basileus,” meaning king; borne by Saint Basil the Great, it’s a timeless, elegant name common across France.
Bastien
A short form of Sébastien that became a standalone favorite in France from the 1980s onward, valued for its warm, easygoing sound.
Baudouin
An old Frankish name meaning “bold ruler,” historically borne by counts of Flanders and kings of Belgium, still used in French-speaking regions.
Benjamin
A biblical name for Jacob’s youngest son that became one of France’s most popular boys’ names in the late 20th century.
Benoît
The French form of Benedict, linked to Saint Benedict of Nursia, founder of Western monasticism; a refined name with deep religious roots.
Bérenger
An old Germanic aristocratic name long used among French nobility, valued today for its distinctive, slightly medieval charm.
Bernard
A Germanic name popularized in France by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux; a solid, traditional choice especially common among older generations.
Bertrand
A Germanic name meaning “illustrious,” historically borne by French nobles and knights, and still recognized as a classic French given name.
Bilal
Of Arabic origin, honoring Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad; one of the most commonly given boys’ names in France today.
Bixente
The Basque form of Vincent, widely used in southwestern France’s Basque Country and popularized nationally by footballer Bixente Lizarazu.
Blaise
From the Latin “Blasius,” this short, punchy name gained intellectual prestige in France through philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal.
Boniface
A Latin-rooted name borne by several popes and an 8th-century missionary saint, giving it a solemn, historic French character.
Boris
Originally a Slavic name, Boris has long been adopted in France and carries a bold, worldly feel, associated with figures like singer Boris Vian.
Brahim
The North African French form of Abraham, widely used among French families of Maghrebi descent and a common name across France.
Brice
A short, crisp French name borne by Saint Brice of Tours, a 5th-century bishop; simple, modern, and easy to pronounce.
Bruno
A Germanic name meaning “brown,” borne by Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian monastic order; a warm, sturdy name long used in France.
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