French boy names come in many forms, from short modern picks to old Breton saints’ names with centuries of history behind them. This list covers 35 names, running alphabetically from “Maël” to “Marlon.” Most parents look to names like these for a child’s birth certificate, a family tree, or simply for inspiration when choosing something that sounds distinctly French.

French boy names are given names traditionally used for males born in France or in French-speaking families, and many trace back to Latin, Breton, or biblical roots. Saint Martin of Tours, one of France’s most beloved historical figures, lent his name to generations of boys named Martin. Others, like Maxence and Maxime, reflect a long-running French fondness for names tied to greatness and strength.

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

Name: the French boy’s name itself, spelled the way you’d see it on a birth certificate or family record in France.

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

Meaning: the literal or historical meaning behind the name, drawn from its Latin, Greek, Breton, or biblical origin.

Description: background on where the name comes from and why it matters, including saints, historical figures, or trends that shaped its use in France.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Maëlmah-EL“prince” or “chief”
Mahémah-AY“prince”
Malomah-LOHlinked to Saint Malo
Marcmark“warlike” (from the god Mars)
Marceaumar-SOHdiminutive of Marcel
Marcelmar-SEL“little warrior”
Marcellinmar-seh-LAN“little warrior”
Mariusmah-RYUS“of Mars”
Martialmar-SYAL“warlike, of Mars”
Martinmar-TAN“of Mars”
Mathiasmat-YAS“gift of God”
Mathieumat-YUH“gift of God”
Mathismat-EES“gift of God”
Mathurinmat-oo-RANuncertain, linked to an early saint
Mattéomat-AY-oh“gift of God”
Mauricemoh-REES“dark-skinned, Moorish”
Maxencemak-SÃS“the greatest”
Maximemak-SEEM“the greatest”
Maximilienmak-see-mee-LYAN“the greatest”
Mayeulmah-YULuncertain, possibly Germanic
Médéricmeh-deh-REEK“powerful ruler”
Melchiormel-KYOR“king of light”
Michelmee-SHEL“who is like God”
Mickaëlmee-kah-EL“who is like God”
Milanmee-LAHN“gracious” or “dear”
Milomee-LOH“merciful” or “soldier”
Modestemoh-DEST“modest”
Moïsemoh-EEZ“saved from the water”
Morganmor-GAHN“sea-born” or “sea circle”
Malachiemah-lah-SHEE“my messenger”
Macairemah-KAIR“blessed”
Magloiremah-GLWAHR“great glory”
Melainemeh-LENlinked to an early Breton bishop
Michéemee-SHAY“who is like Yahweh”
Marlonmar-LOHNuncertain, possibly from Merlin

Descriptions

Maël
A Breton name honoring a 6th-century Welsh saint who became a hermit-bishop in Brittany. It has surged in popularity across France since the 1990s.
Mahé
A Breton variant of Maël, sharing the same root meaning. It remains a regional favorite in western France, especially Brittany.
Malo
Named after the Welsh monk who founded the Breton port city of Saint-Malo. The name carries strong maritime and Breton associations.
Marc
The French form of Mark, rooted in the Roman god of war. It has been a steady, classic choice in France for generations.
Marceau
Popularized partly by French Revolutionary general François Séverin Marceau, this name blends military history with old-fashioned French charm.
Marcel
A Latin-derived name meaning “young follower of Mars.” It was hugely fashionable in early 20th-century France and retains a vintage appeal today.
Marcellin
An elaboration of Marcel, historically borne by several early Christian saints and bishops in Gaul.
Marius
A name with Roman roots, long associated with Provence and southern France, notably through Marcel Pagnol’s beloved character Marius.
Martial
Derived from the Roman god Mars, this name was borne by an early bishop of Limoges venerated as a French saint.
Martin
One of France’s most enduring names, tied to Saint Martin of Tours, a beloved 4th-century bishop known for his charity.
Mathias
A biblical name referring to the apostle chosen to replace Judas. It remains a timeless, widely used French choice.
Mathieu
The French form of Matthew, honoring the New Testament evangelist. It has been consistently popular throughout French history.
Mathis
A streamlined modern variant of Mathieu that became one of the most fashionable French boys’ names in the 2000s and 2010s.
Mathurin
An old-fashioned French name tied to a 3rd-century Roman martyr venerated in France; now rare but historically significant.
Mattéo
An Italian-influenced spelling of Matthieu that became extremely popular in France in the early 2000s.
Maurice
From the Latin Mauritius, borne by Saint Maurice, a Roman legionary martyred for his Christian faith. A classic French name of the 20th century.
Maxence
A refined French name derived from the Roman emperor Maxentius, enjoying renewed popularity among modern French parents.
Maxime
The French form of Maximus, consistently ranked among the top boys’ names in France for decades.
Maximilien
A grander, more formal French rendering of Maxime, often shortened to Max in everyday use.
Mayeul
An old French name borne by Saint Mayeul, a revered 10th-century abbot of the Cluny monastery in Burgundy.
Médéric
A rare, old-fashioned French name tied to a 7th-century hermit saint venerated near Paris.
Melchior
Traditionally the name of one of the Three Wise Men who visited the infant Jesus, still used occasionally in France, especially around Christmas heritage.
Michel
The classic French form of Michael, immensely popular through much of the 20th century and still widely recognized today.
Mickaël
A phonetic French spelling of Michael that became fashionable from the 1970s onward, especially among younger generations.
Milan
A short, modern name that has climbed steadily in French popularity since the 2000s, appreciated for its simplicity across languages.
Milo
A trendy, internationally recognized short name that has become increasingly common among newborn boys in France.
Modeste
A virtue name from Latin, once fairly common in 19th-century France and now considered charmingly old-fashioned.
Moïse
The French form of Moses, referencing the biblical prophet found among the reeds of the Nile.
Morgan
A Breton and Welsh-rooted name used in France since the medieval Arthurian legends, still popular in Brittany.
Malachie
The French form of Malachi, the final prophet of the Old Testament; a rare but recognizable biblical choice.
Macaire
From the Greek “makarios,” this name was borne by several early Christian saints and hermits venerated in France.
Magloire
A Breton saint’s name honoring a 6th-century bishop of Dol; now uncommon but rich in regional history.
Melaine
Named after Saint Melaine, a 6th-century bishop of Rennes, this is a distinctly Breton heritage name.
Michée
The French form of Micah, a minor Old Testament prophet known for his call to justice and humility.
Marlon
A modern French favorite of ambiguous origin, boosted in popularity partly through pop culture and its sleek, easy sound.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.