This list covers 15 French boy names, running alphabetically from “Olivier” to “Ovide.” Most carry roots in Latin, Greek, or Germanic languages, and many trace back to mythology, literature, or the Catholic tradition. Parents use these names to give a son a sound that feels distinctly French while still carrying a deeper story behind it.

French boy names are given names used in France for male children, often chosen for their history, sound, or cultural weight. Many, like “Orphee” and “Oreste,” come straight from Greek mythology, while others, such as “Odilon,” gained new life through famous artists and writers. This mix of old-world roots and modern use is part of what makes them so distinctive.

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

Name: the French boy name itself, shown exactly as it’s written and used in France today.

Pronunciation: a simple guide showing you how to say each name the way a French speaker would.

Meaning: the original sense or root of the name, so you know what it literally stands for.

Description: background on where the name comes from and why it’s still chosen, including notable people who’ve carried it.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Olivieroh-lee-VYAYOlive tree
OscarOSS-karGod spear / deer lover
Octaveok-TAHVEighth
Octavienok-tah-VYENEighth
Odilonoh-dee-LOHNLittle wealthy one
Odonoh-DOHNWealth, riches
Ossianoss-YAHNLittle deer
OrsoOR-soBear
Onesimeoh-neh-ZEEMUseful, profitable
Oswaldos-VALDDivine power
Owenoh-WENYoung warrior / well-born
Oresteoh-RESTOne who stands on the mountain
Orpheeor-FAYOrpheus
Oseeoh-ZAYSalvation
Ovideoh-VEEDShepherd

Descriptions

Olivier
A classic French name tied to the olive tree, a symbol of peace, made famous by the medieval hero Olivier, loyal companion of Roland.
Oscar
Though rooted in Old Norse and Gaelic, Oscar has long been embraced in France, boosted by Oscar Wilde’s fame and the film awards.
Octave
Derived from the Latin “Octavius,” this refined name was common among French aristocracy in the 19th century and still feels stylish today.
Octavien
A more elaborate variant of Octave, linked to the Roman Octavianus (Emperor Augustus), giving it a noble, historical air.
Odilon
A Germanic-rooted name meaning wealth or fortune, made memorable by French Symbolist painter Odilon Redon.
Odon
An old French form related to Otto, historically borne by medieval nobles, abbots, and several French bishops.
Ossian
A romantic, literary name that spread in France after the 18th-century “Ossian” poems attributed to a legendary Gaelic bard.
Orso
A rare, evocative name of Corsican and Italian origin meaning bear, occasionally chosen in southern France.
Onesime
A biblical name from the Greek “Onesimos,” long used in Catholic France and still found among older generations.
Oswald
A Germanic name meaning god and power; uncommon in France but sometimes chosen for its strong, old-world sound.
Owen
A Welsh name that has crossed into French use in recent decades, valued for its short, modern feel.
Oreste
The French form of Orestes, the tragic hero of Greek mythology, lending the name a dramatic, classical resonance.
Orphee
The French rendering of the mythological musician Orpheus, favored by parents drawn to its poetic, artistic associations.
Osee
The French form of the biblical prophet Hosea, a traditional name with religious roots still used in French Christian families.
Ovide
The French form of the Roman poet Ovid’s name, chosen for its literary heritage and understated elegance.
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