French names have long captivated people around the world with their elegance, charm, and rich history. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a baby name, curious about French culture, or simply love the sound of a beautiful name, you’re in the right place! From classic names that have stood the test of time to modern favorites gaining popularity, this list of 100 male French names is sure to enchant you.
Check out The 100 most popular French female names
The Top 100 French Male Names
Here’s a blend of traditional and modern names that are commonly used in France:
- Louis – Meaning “renowned warrior,” Louis is one of the most iconic French names.
- Gabriel – A biblical name meaning “God is my strength.”
- Léo – Short and strong, meaning “lion.”
- Raphaël – Meaning “God has healed,” with artistic and angelic associations.
- Arthur – A name associated with legends, meaning “bear.”
- Jules – A timeless classic, derived from the Roman family name.
- Hugo – Meaning “mind” or “intellect.”
- Lucas – A modern favorite, meaning “light.”
- Adam – A biblical name, meaning “man” or “earth.”
- Nathan – Derived from Hebrew, meaning “he gave.”
- Théo – Short for Theodore, meaning “gift of God.”
- Paul – A simple yet classic name, meaning “small” or “humble.”
- Maxime – Meaning “greatest.”
- Antoine – A French form of Anthony, meaning “priceless.”
- Clément – Meaning “merciful” or “gentle.”
- Martin – Derived from the Roman god of war, Mars.
- Émile – Meaning “industrious” or “eager.”
- Noah – A biblical name, meaning “rest” or “comfort.”
- Victor – Meaning “winner” or “conqueror.”
- Alexandre – A strong name meaning “defender of the people.”
- Matthieu – The French version of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
- Baptiste – A name referring to Saint John the Baptist.
- Simon – A name with biblical roots, meaning “listener.”
- Samuel – Another biblical favorite, meaning “heard by God.”
- Quentin – Meaning “fifth,” traditionally given to the fifth-born child.
- Charles – A regal name meaning “free man.”
- Thomas – A classic name, meaning “twin.”
- Sacha – A diminutive of Alexander, widely popular in France.
- Benjamin – Meaning “son of the right hand.”
- David – Meaning “beloved,” with a rich historical and religious background.
- Tristan – A legendary name, meaning “sad” or “sorrowful.”
- Nicolas – Meaning “victory of the people.”
- Romain – Meaning “Roman” or “from Rome.”
- Pierre – The French form of Peter, meaning “rock.”
- Adrien – Meaning “from Hadria,” a region in northern Italy.
- Gaël – A name of Breton origin, meaning “generous” or “leader.”
- Valentin – Derived from the Latin “valens,” meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
- Florian – A floral name, meaning “flowering” or “blooming.”
- Yanis – A popular name in France, derived from John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Robin – A name linked to the famous hero, Robin Hood, meaning “bright fame.”
- Jean – A classic, biblical name, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Augustin – Meaning “great” or “venerable.”
- Guillaume – The French form of William, meaning “resolute protector.”
- Marius – Meaning “of the sea” or “male.”
- Damien – Meaning “to tame” or “subdue.”
- Kylian – A modern favorite, derived from the Celtic name “Cillian,” meaning “war” or “strife.”
- Thierry – Meaning “ruler of the people.”
- Léon – A strong name, meaning “lion.”
- Luc – Meaning “light,” a shorter form of Lucas.
- Cédric – A name of Celtic origin, meaning “bounty” or “chief.”
…and 50 more:
- Benoît
- Pascal
- Dominique
- Grégoire
- Hervé
- Fabien
- Étienne
- François
- Rémi
- Éric
- Stanislas
- Christophe
- Olivier
- Julien
- Laurent
- Philippe
- Michel
- Henri
- Alain
- Marc
- Maurice
- Jacques
- Gaspard
- Arnaud
- Bastien
- Edgar
- Georges
- Raoul
- Roland
- Serge
- Jérôme
- Blaise
- Ludovic
- Sylvain
- René
- Pablo
- Constantin
- Xavier
- Vincent
- Gaston
- Didier
- Félix
- Alfred
- Eugène
- Norbert
- Raymond
- Étienne
- Gérard
- Clovis
- Thibault
The Appeal of French Male Names
French male names are versatile and often have deep cultural or historical significance. Whether they’re chosen for their strong, classic appeal or their modern charm, these names are timeless, elegant, and rich in meaning. From names of kings to those of great artists and leaders, the names on this list carry a legacy of strength, beauty, and grace.