This list brings together 30 French boy names, running alphabetically from “Étienne” to “Elouann”. Most carry roots in Greek, Latin, Breton, or Germanic tradition, and parents use them for naming newborn sons, choosing family or nostalgic names, or exploring options with regional or historical ties. Whether you want something classic and timeless or distinctly regional, this list covers a wide range of options.

French boy names are given names used to identify and address male children in France, often chosen for their sound, meaning, or connection to family and heritage. Many, like Erwan and Efflam, trace back to Breton saints and remain especially popular in Brittany, while others, such as Émile, gained fame through French literature. Together they reflect centuries of cultural exchange between France and neighboring traditions.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.

Name: the French boy name itself, shown in its standard spelling so you can see exactly how it’s written and used.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide that shows you how to say each name out loud, even without knowing French.

Meaning: the original sense or root behind each name, giving you insight into what it historically represents.

Description: background on each name’s origin, popularity, and cultural context, helping you decide if it fits what you’re looking for.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Étienneeh-tee-EN“crown”
Émileeh-MEEL“rival” or “eager”
Émilieneh-mee-LYAN“rival, eager”
Édouardeh-DWAR“wealthy guardian”
Erwanehr-WAHN“yew” (Breton form of Yves)
Erwannehr-WAHN“yew” (variant of Erwan)
Eweneh-WEN“young warrior” or “born of yew”
Elouaneh-loo-AHNlinked to a Breton saint, exact meaning uncertain
Eliotteh-LYOT“Jehovah is God”
Ethaneh-TAN“strong” or “firm”
Evaneh-VAHN“God is gracious”
Estebanes-teh-BAHN“crown” (Spanish form of Stephen)
Éloieh-LWAH“chosen”
Élianeh-LYAHN“sun” or a form linked to Gabriel
Enguerrandahn-geh-RAHN“angel” and “raven” (Germanic roots)
Eugèneuh-ZHEN“well-born”
Ériceh-REEK“eternal ruler”
Ernestehr-NEST“serious” or “resolute”
Edmonded-MOHN“wealthy protector”
Edgared-GAR“wealthy spearman”
Eliaseh-LYAS“Yahweh is God”
Élieeh-LEE“Yahweh is God”
Elioeh-LYO“sun” (from the Greek Helios)
Elyaseh-LYAS“Yahweh is God” (variant of Elias)
Emmanueleh-mah-nu-EL“God with us”
Edwined-WEEN“wealthy friend”
Eddyeh-DEE“wealthy guardian” (short form of Edward/Édouard)
Efflameh-FLAHMlinked to a Breton saint, meaning uncertain
Ewaldeh-VALD“powerful ruler” (Germanic)
Elouanneh-loo-AHNlinked to a Breton saint (variant of Elouan)

Descriptions

Étienne
A timeless French classic derived from the Greek Stephanos, historically borne by saints and kings, and still a common name for boys across France today.
Émile
Popularized by writer Émile Zola, this soft, literary name comes from the Latin Aemilius and has remained fashionable in France for generations.
Émilien
A more elaborate cousin of Émile, this name carries the same Latin roots and has enjoyed a revival among French parents in recent decades.
Édouard
The French form of Edward, this name has a regal, old-fashioned charm and has been used by French nobility and everyday families alike.
Erwan
A Breton name tied to Saint Erwan, patron of lawyers, it’s especially popular in Brittany and has spread across France as a nature-rooted choice.
Erwann
An alternate spelling of Erwan with the same Breton roots, favored by parents wanting a slightly softer visual form of the name.
Ewen
A Breton and Celtic name with warrior connotations, Ewen feels both rugged and gentle, and is common in western France.
Elouan
A distinctly Breton name honoring a local saint, Elouan has become one of the more stylish choices for boys in modern France.
Eliott
The French adaptation of Elliott, this name blends English charm with French phonetics and has surged in popularity over the last twenty years.
Ethan
Borrowed from Hebrew via English usage, Ethan became a major hit in France in the 2000s and remains a top choice for newborn boys.
Evan
A Welsh form of John that crossed into French naming trends, Evan is short, easy to pronounce, and widely used across the country.
Esteban
Adopted from Spanish naming tradition, Esteban has found a steady following in France, especially in southern regions with Hispanic ties.
Éloi
Rooted in the name of Saint Eligius, a 7th-century bishop and goldsmith, Éloi is an old French name that has quietly returned to favor.
Élian
A modern, sunny-sounding name that rose quickly in popularity in France during the 2010s among parents seeking something soft yet distinctive.
Enguerrand
A distinguished medieval French name once carried by knights and nobles, Enguerrand has a strong historical pedigree though it remains rare today.
Eugène
A classic French name from the Greek Eugenios, Eugène had its heyday in the 19th century and retains an elegant, old-world charm.
Éric
Derived from Old Norse, Éric became widely popular in France in the mid-20th century and still feels solid and approachable today.
Ernest
A dignified Germanic name that was common among French boys a century ago, Ernest has been making a gentle vintage comeback.
Edmond
An Old English name adapted into French, Edmond carries a literary, storybook quality and appears often in classic French novels.
Edgar
Introduced to France via English and Germanic roots, Edgar has a vintage-cool appeal and has seen renewed interest among French parents.
Elias
A biblical name shared across many European languages, Elias is used in France as a softer alternative to the more traditional Élie.
Élie
The traditional French biblical form of Elijah, Élie is short, strong, and has remained a steady, well-loved choice for generations.
Elio
A bright, modern-sounding name popularized partly by Italian influence, Elio has gained fans in France for its warmth and simplicity.
Elyas
A phonetic variant of Elias favored by some French families, Elyas keeps the same meaning while offering a distinct spelling.
Emmanuel
A powerful biblical name used throughout France, Emmanuel has both religious weight and everyday familiarity, often shortened to Manu.
Edwin
An English-origin name with Germanic roots, Edwin is used sparingly in France but appeals to parents wanting an Anglo-French blend.
Eddy
A friendly, casual name popularized in France partly through music and pop culture, Eddy works well as both a full name and a nickname.
Efflam
A rare and distinctly Breton name tied to a local patron saint, Efflam is chosen by parents wanting a strong regional identity.
Ewald
An uncommon Germanic name found occasionally in eastern France near the Alsace region, reflecting the area’s Germanic naming heritage.
Elouann
An alternate spelling of Elouan, this Breton name offers the same saintly heritage with a slightly different visual style.
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