This list covers 26 French boy names, running alphabetically from “Gabriel” to “Gonzague.” Most of these names carry deep roots in biblical tradition, medieval history, or regional Breton culture, and many have stayed popular in France for generations. Parents choose them for a mix of reasons: some want a name with saintly or royal history, others prefer something short and easy to pronounce, and many simply like how these names sound when said in French.

French boy names are given names traditionally used for males born in France, often drawing from Latin, Germanic, Celtic, or biblical origins. Many carry surprising history, like “Guillaume,” the French form of William and one of the country’s most enduring names, or “Gustave,” a Scandinavian import made famous by figures like Gustave Eiffel. Others, like “Guénolé” and “Gwenaël,” reflect Brittany’s strong Celtic naming traditions.

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

Name: the French given name itself, shown in its standard spelling so you can see exactly how it looks in writing.

Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide showing you how to say each name out loud, even if you don’t speak French.

Meaning: the literal or historical meaning behind the name, giving you insight into what it originally represented.

Description: background on the name’s origin, notable namesakes, or cultural significance, helping you understand why it might suit your child.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Gabrielgah-bree-EL“God is my strength”
Gaëlgah-ELRooted in “Gael,” tied to the Celtic peoples
Gaspardgas-PARPossibly “treasurer” or “keeper of the treasure”
Gastongas-TOHN“Guest,” or “man from Gascony”
GauthierGOH-tyay“Ruler of the army”
Geoffroyzho-FRWAH“God’s peace” or “peaceful traveler”
Georgeszhorzh“Farmer, earth-worker”
Géraldzhay-RALD“Rule of the spear”
Gérardzhay-RAR“Brave with the spear”
Germainzher-MAN“Brother, of the same blood”
Gervaiszher-VAYUncertain Germanic roots linked to “spear”
Ghislainghee-LAN“Pledge” or “hostage”
Gilbertzheel-BEHR“Bright pledge”
Gilleszheel“Young goat” (from the Greek Aegidius)
Gontrangohn-TRAHN“Battle raven”
Grégoiregray-GWAHR“Watchful, vigilant”
Guillaumeghee-YOHM“Resolute protector”
Gustavegoo-STAHV“Staff of the Goths” (disputed origin)
Guyghee“Guide,” from a Germanic root meaning “wood” or “wide”
Guénolégway-no-LAYPossibly “white,” from the Breton “gwenn”
Gwenaëlgwen-ah-EL“Blessed and generous” (Breton)
Godefroygod-FRWAH“God’s peace”
Grégorygray-goh-REE“Watchful, vigilant”
Gauvaingo-VANDebated; possibly “hawk of the battlefield”
Gédéonzhay-day-OHN“Feller” or “destroyer” (Hebrew)
Gonzaguegohn-ZAHGFrom the Italian noble house “Gonzaga”

Descriptions

Gabriel
A timeless biblical name borne by the archangel who delivers divine messages; it has remained a top choice for French boys for decades.
Gaël
A modern Breton favorite that surged in popularity across France from the 1980s onward, prized for its short, punchy sound.
Gaspard
The French form of Caspar, one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Jesus, giving it a classic, storybook charm.
Gaston
A dashing, old-fashioned name tied to the Gascony region of southwestern France, made famous by the cartoon character Gaston Lagaffe.
Gauthier
A refined Germanic name suggesting strength in leadership, historically popular among French nobility and still elegant today.
Geoffroy
A medieval French name carried by counts and crusaders, evoking chivalry and history.
Georges
The French version of George, honoring the dragon-slaying Saint George; a sturdy, enduring classic.
Gérald
A Germanic warrior name blending strength and leadership, popular through much of the 20th century in France.
Gérard
A bold, battle-ready name that has stayed in steady use in France since medieval times.
Germain
Honors Saint Germain, a beloved patron of Paris, and carries a warm sense of kinship and loyalty.
Gervais
An old saint’s name tied to a martyr venerated in Paris, giving it a quiet historical dignity.
Ghislain
A Belgian-French name honoring Saint Ghislain, especially popular in northern France and Wallonia.
Gilbert
A Norman-French name that traveled to England with William the Conqueror and has remained a French classic ever since.
Gilles
A simple, ancient name carried by the hermit Saint Giles, patron of the disabled and beggars.
Gontran
A rare, striking Merovingian name once borne by a sixth-century Frankish king who was later canonized.
Grégoire
The French form of Gregory, linked to several popes and suggestive of wisdom and attentiveness.
Guillaume
The French equivalent of William, one of the most enduring and popular boys’ names in French history.
Gustave
A Scandinavian import that became fashionable in 19th-century France, carried by figures like Gustave Flaubert and Gustave Eiffel.
Guy
A short, punchy name with medieval roots, familiar internationally yet distinctly French in its pronunciation.
Guénolé
A Breton saint’s name honoring the founder of Landévennec Abbey, especially popular in Brittany.
Gwenaël
A Breton name blending “white/blessed” and “generous,” reflecting Brittany’s strong Celtic naming traditions.
Godefroy
An older variant of Geoffroy tied to Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade.
Grégory
A more modern spelling of Grégoire that became especially popular in France during the late 20th century.
Gauvain
The French name for Sir Gawain, nephew of King Arthur, giving it a romantic, legendary flavor.
Gédéon
A biblical name borne by the judge Gideon, used sparingly in France but rich in Old Testament history.
Gonzague
Popularized by Saint Aloysius de Gonzague (Louis Gonzaga), it carries an aristocratic, Italianate flair despite its use in France.
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