This list covers 25 French boy names, running alphabetically from “Calixte” to “Cyrille.” Most of these names trace back to Latin, Greek, Germanic, or Breton roots, and many honor saints, popes, kings, or historical figures. Parents in France still use them today for their sons, whether they’re drawn to something classic and enduring or a name with quiet, understated charm.

French boy names are given names traditionally used for males born in France, often shaped by centuries of Catholic saint veneration, royal history, and regional culture. Many carry meanings tied to virtues like peace or steadfastness, while others simply honor a beloved local saint. Charles, for instance, was borne by Charlemagne himself and remains a strong, enduring choice generations later.

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

Name: the French given name itself, spelled the way it commonly appears on birth records and in everyday use across France.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing you how to say each name out loud, so you don’t have to guess at the French sounds.

Meaning: the name’s linguistic root and original sense, helping you understand what it literally conveys or where it came from.

Description: a short note on the name’s history, notable namesakes, or cultural background, giving you context beyond the bare definition.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Calixtekah-LEEKST“Most beautiful” (Greek)
Camillekah-MEELFrom Latin “camillus,” a ceremonial attendant
Casimirkah-zee-MEER“Proclaims peace” (Slavic)
Cassienkah-SYANFrom the Roman family name Cassius
Célestinsay-les-TAN“Heavenly” (from Latin caelestis)
Céliansay-LYANModern variant related to Cyprian roots
Césarsay-ZARFrom the Roman family name Caesar
Cédricsay-DREEKLiterary name of uncertain origin, popularized by “Ivanhoe”
CharlesSHARL“Free man” (Germanic)
Christiankris-TYAN“Follower of Christ”
Christophekris-TOF“Bearer of Christ”
Clémentklay-MAHN“Merciful, gentle”
Cloviskloh-VEES“Famous warrior” (Frankish)
Colinkoh-LANDiminutive of Nicolas, “victory of the people”
Colombankoh-lom-BAHN“Dove”
Constantkon-STAHN“Steadfast”
Constantinkon-stan-TAN“Constant, steadfast”
Corentinkoh-rahn-TANBreton origin, meaning uncertain
CômeKOHM“Order, beauty” (from Greek kosmos)
Crépinkray-PAN“Curly-haired” (from Latin crispus)
Cypriensee-pree-AN“From Cyprus”
CyrSEER“Lord” (from Greek kyrios)
Cyriaquesee-ryak“Belonging to the Lord” (Greek)
Cyrilsee-REEL“Lordly, masterful” (Greek)
Cyrillesee-REELVariant spelling of Cyril

Descriptions

Calixte
A rare, elegant name borne by early popes and occasionally revived by French parents seeking something distinctive.
Camille
A classic French name historically given to boys, popularized further by composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
Casimir
Originally Polish, this name honors Saint Casimir and has long been used among French noble families.
Cassien
Tied to Saint Cassian of Imola, this understated name has seen a gentle revival in France in recent years.
Célestin
Borne by several popes, this graceful name remains a timeless choice among French classics.
Célian
A soft, contemporary French name that has grown steadily in popularity since the 1990s.
César
A bold, classical name tied to Julius Caesar that has enjoyed a strong resurgence in modern France.
Cédric
Invented by Sir Walter Scott, this name was adopted widely in France during the 20th century.
Charles
A royal French name borne by kings including Charlemagne, still a popular and enduring choice today.
Christian
A widely used European name reflecting Christian faith, common in France since medieval times.
Christophe
The French form of Christopher, linked to the patron saint of travelers and widely used across generations.
Clément
A soft-sounding name borne by several popes, remaining fashionable among French parents today.
Clovis
The name of the first king to unite the Frankish tribes, evoking deep roots in French history.
Colin
A short, friendly French name traditionally used as an affectionate form of Nicolas.
Colomban
Honors the Irish missionary Saint Columbanus, who evangelized parts of France and left a lasting monastic legacy.
Constant
An old French virtue name reflecting reliability, once common and still occasionally revived.
Constantin
The French form of Constantine, recalling the Roman emperor who legalized Christianity.
Corentin
A beloved Breton saint’s name, especially cherished in western France and Brittany.
Côme
The French form of Cosmas, associated with the twin healer saints Cosmas and Damian.
Crépin
Named for Saint Crépin, patron saint of shoemakers, still celebrated in French tradition each October.
Cyprien
Derived from Saint Cyprian, a third-century bishop and martyr, giving this name classic French roots.
Cyr
A short, ancient name honoring a child martyr venerated in French tradition, also echoed in the town Saint-Cyr.
Cyriaque
A rare early Christian martyr’s name that is still occasionally given in France today.
Cyril
Linked to Saint Cyril, the missionary credited with helping create the Cyrillic alphabet.
Cyrille
The more traditionally French spelling of Cyril, honoring the same saints and history.
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