This list covers 26 French boy names, running alphabetically from “Paul” to “Perrin.” Most of these names carry roots in Latin, Greek, or Old Germanic, and many honor early Christian saints or historic French kings. Parents use them for everyday naming, family tradition, or to connect a child to French heritage and history.

French boy names are given names traditionally used for male children in France and other French-speaking regions, often drawing on saints, royalty, or virtue words for their meaning. Many, like “Pierre” and its regional cousins “Pierrick” and “Perrin,” share the same root meaning “rock,” showing how one name can branch into several distinct French forms over centuries.

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

Name: the French given name itself, listed alphabetically so you can quickly scan through all 26 options from start to finish.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing how to say each name out loud, helpful if you’re unfamiliar with French sounds and spelling.

Meaning: the original meaning behind the name, tracing back to its Latin, Greek, or Germanic roots and what it was meant to convey.

Description: background on the name’s history and popularity in France, including notable figures or traditions, so you can judge if it fits your taste.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Paulpol“Small” or “humble”
Pierrepee-EHR“Rock”
Philippefee-LEEP“Friend of horses”
Pascalpas-KAL“Relating to Easter”
Patrickpa-TREEK“Nobleman”
Patricepa-TREES“Nobleman”
Prosperpros-PEHR“Fortunate” or “successful”
Percevalpehr-suh-VAL“One who pierces the valley”
Pierrickpee-REEK“Rock”
Polpol“Small” or “humble”
Poncepons“Of the sea”
Placidepla-SEED“Calm” or “peaceful”
Prudentproo-DAHN“Wise” or “careful”
Polycarpepo-lee-KARP“Much fruit”
Paulinpo-LAN“Small” or “humble”
Philibertfee-lee-BEHR“Very bright” or “much loved”
Priampree-AM“Redeemed” (traditionally linked to Greek myth)
Porphyrepor-FEER“Purple”
Parfaitpar-FEH“Perfect”
Princeprans“Prince”
Privatpree-VA“Private” or “set apart”
Ponspons“Bridge”
Primepreem“First”
Pacômepa-KOHM“Broad-shouldered”
Paternepa-TEHRN“Fatherly”
Perrinpeh-RAN“Rock”

Descriptions

Paul
One of France’s most enduring classic names, Paul has been popular for centuries thanks to Saint Paul the Apostle and has recently come back into fashion among French parents.
Pierre
A timeless French staple derived from the Greek word for stone, Pierre honors Saint Peter and has been a top pick for French boys for generations.
Philippe
A distinguished name carried by several French and Belgian kings, Philippe has a noble, old-world charm rooted in Greek royal tradition.
Pascal
Originally given to children born near Easter, Pascal became widely known through philosopher Blaise Pascal and remains a familiar, respected French name.
Patrick
Though associated with Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick has long been used in France as a stylish, internationally recognizable choice for boys.
Patrice
The French form of Patrick, Patrice shares the same noble root and enjoyed strong popularity in France during the mid-20th century.
Prosper
A hopeful, old-fashioned name meaning good fortune, Prosper has quietly returned to favor among French parents drawn to vintage names with warm meanings.
Perceval
Famous as the Arthurian knight who sought the Holy Grail, Perceval is a rare, romantic French name steeped in medieval legend.
Pierrick
A Breton variation of Pierre, Pierrick keeps the same rock-solid meaning while giving the name a distinctly regional French flavor.
Pol
The Breton form of Paul, Pol is a short, punchy regional name still used in Brittany and among families honoring Celtic French heritage.
Ponce
A rare but historic French name derived from the Latin Pontius, Ponce recalls early Christian saints and has largely fallen out of everyday use.
Placide
A gentle, old-fashioned name inspired by an early Christian saint, Placide suits a child parents hope will grow up serene and even-tempered.
Prudent
An old virtue name meaning cautious and sensible, Prudent was more common in earlier centuries but still appears in French records.
Polycarpe
Named after an early Christian bishop and martyr, Polycarpe is a rare, weighty French name with deep religious roots.
Paulin
A softer, diminutive-style variant of Paul, Paulin carries the same modest meaning with a slightly more old-fashioned French feel.
Philibert
An old Germanic-French name honoring a 7th-century saint, Philibert has a distinguished, historic ring still found in French family trees.
Priam
Borrowed from the legendary king of Troy in Greek mythology, Priam is an unusual, dramatic French name for parents drawn to classical stories.
Porphyre
Referencing the rich purple stone porphyry, Porphyre is an exceptionally rare French name tied to an early Christian saint of the same name.
Parfait
A striking virtue name meaning flawless or complete, Parfait is used across the French-speaking world, especially in Francophone Africa.
Prince
A bold, title-inspired name used occasionally in France and more widely across Francophone Africa, Prince signals distinction from birth.
Privat
Linked to a 3rd-century French bishop and martyr, Privat is a regional saint’s name still found in parts of southern France.
Pons
A short, ancient name meaning bridge, Pons has roots in both Latin and Occitan tradition and appears in older French genealogies.
Prime
A simple, meaningful name denoting “first” or “firstborn,” Prime is uncommon today but has historical use in French Christian naming traditions.
Pacôme
Honoring Saint Pachomius, founder of Christian monastic communities, Pacôme is a distinctive French name with deep religious history.
Paterne
A rare French name tied to early bishop-saints, Paterne evokes warmth and guidance, fitting for its fatherly Latin meaning.
Perrin
A medieval diminutive of Pierre, Perrin has a light, friendly sound while keeping the same steady “rock” meaning at its core.
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