This list covers 15 French boy names, ranging alphabetically from “Wandrille” to “Wladimir.” Names starting with the letter W are uncommon in French, since the letter itself is rarely native to the language, but each one carries its own story rooted in Germanic, Slavic, or English influence. You’ll find them used across France today, from formal registrations to family traditions, and many trace back to saints, medieval rulers, or noble lineages.

French boy names are first names given to boys born in France or by French-speaking families, often chosen for their sound, meaning, or family history. Many W-names, like “Wenceslas” or “Winoc,” honor saints venerated for centuries, while others, like “Wilson” or “Wesley,” reflect English-language influence, especially in the French Caribbean. Each name blends heritage with a distinct cultural flavor.

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

Name: the French boy’s name itself, shown exactly as it’s written and used in official records or everyday conversation.

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

Meaning: the original sense or root behind the name, helping you understand what it symbolizes or represents.

Description: background on where the name comes from and how it’s used, so you can see its history and cultural context at a glance.

French boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
Wandrillevahn-DREEone who dares to travel
Waldemarval-deh-MARfamous ruler
Wallerandwal-eh-RAHNruler who governs
Walterval-TEHRruler of the army
Warrenwa-RENgamekeeper, enclosure
Wenceslasvahn-sess-LASgreater glory
Wernervehr-NEHRdefending warrior
WesleyWES-leewest meadow
Wilfriedveel-FREEDhe who desires peace
Wilfridveel-FREEDhe who desires peace
Williamwee-LYAMresolute protector
Willywee-LEEresolute protector (diminutive)
Wilsonwil-SONEson of Will
Winocwee-NOKbattle, fight
Wladimirvla-dee-MEERruler of the world

Descriptions

Wandrille
A rare but authentic French name tied to Saint Wandrille, a 7th-century nobleman-turned-monk who founded a famous abbey in Normandy that still bears his name today.
Waldemar
A Germanic-rooted name occasionally used in France, especially near German-speaking borders; it carries a noble, old-world feel tied to medieval Slavic and Germanic royalty.
Wallerand
An old French and Belgian first name of Germanic origin, historically popular among noble families in northern France and Flanders, and still occasionally revived today.
Walter
Though the French form Gauthier is more common, Walter itself is used in France, particularly in Alsace and Lorraine, regions with strong Germanic naming traditions.
Warren
Derived from the Old Norman French “warenne,” meaning a protected hunting ground, this name later became an English surname and first name before seeing occasional use in France.
Wenceslas
Best known from Saint Wenceslas, the martyred Duke of Bohemia, this name has appeared in French Catholic families for centuries, often carrying royal or saintly associations.
Werner
A Germanic name found among French families near the German border, especially in Alsace, honoring a lineage of medieval saints and noblemen who bore the name.
Wesley
Originally an English surname turned first name, Wesley gained popularity in France through English-language influence and is especially common in the French Caribbean.
Wilfried
One of the more common French W-names, Wilfried blends Germanic roots with steady popularity in France since the mid-20th century, especially among francophone families.
Wilfrid
A spelling variant of Wilfried sharing the same Germanic meaning, with a longer history in France tied to an English saint venerated in parts of Europe.
William
Though Guillaume is the traditional French equivalent, William itself is widely used in France today, valued for its international appeal and strong, classic sound.
Willy
A friendly, informal French name derived from William or Wilhelm, Willy has been used as a standalone first name in France for generations, especially in earlier decades.
Wilson
Popular in francophone Africa and the French Caribbean before spreading to mainland France, Wilson carries an English-language feel while functioning as a full French first name.
Winoc
Tied to Saint Winoc, a 7th-century monk who founded an abbey in French Flanders, this rare name survives mainly in pockets of northern France today.
Wladimir
The French spelling of the Slavic name Vladimir, Wladimir has been used by French families of Eastern European descent and occasionally beyond.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.