If you’re looking for a unique and stylish French name for your son, you’re in luck. There are many great names to choose from, but it can be tricky to pick the perfect one. Here are some tips to help you choose the best French name for your baby boy.
1. Picking a French name for your son
Picking a French name for your son can be a daunting task. Not only does the child have to live with the name for the rest of his life, but there are rules and customs to be observed, and if you choose the wrong name, people may never let your son forget it. Some French names even vary depending on whether they’re used for boys or girls — like Pierre and Marie.
There are, however, some naming traditions that are less complicated. For example, the custom in France is to put the family name before the given name so that your son becomes Jean Dupont instead of Dupont Jean. Your son’s first name should be a French masculine name because there are very few feminine names in common usage today — unless your last name is a very unusual one.
2. Popular French names for boys
- Arthur: The name of the legendary king, it ideal for people who are natural leaders and strong-willed. This name is often chosen by parents who want their child to follow in great footsteps. As a matter of fact, this was also one of the favorite names chosen by martial artist Bruce Lee for his three children. The name Arthémis, meaning “maiden”, was also used as a variant of this very popular name.
- Lucas: Derived from the Latin word lux which means “light”, it is a common French name that can be found in other countries as well (like Brazil). In France, it is associated with the popularity of a comic book series called “Lucas et Augustin”. The name also has a meaning that implies hope and prosperity.
- Hugo: This Germanic name means “intelligent mind”, which describes its bearer perfectly if we look at his parents’ decision to choose this name for him. It is also one of the names used by an influential French writer Victor Hugo in his novels. This name is very popular among French parents, who are often looking for uncommon but also meaningful baby boy names.
- Léo: Derived from the Latin word Leo, meaning “lion”, it is a common name in France which has been made popular by celebrities such as actors Léo Férré, Léonardo DiCaprio or directors Léos Carax. It is also a name that means “the boy”.
- Noah: The name of the biblical figure and one of the most popular baby names in France due to its meaning: “wandering” or “wanderer”. The name has been made popular thanks to French singer/songwriter Noé where the name comes from.
- Hugo: See above! It is a very popular choice for parents looking simple, but meaningful baby names for their son.
3. How to choose the perfect name for your child
French parents choose very carefully the first name of their child for several reasons: on one hand many French first names carry a meaning or come from some historical event or an important person. On the other hand, as the “behind every successful man, there is a woman” expression goes, you can say that for French people it’s also true about behind every successful man there is a strong and noble first name. It helps you to fulfill your destiny and continues the family tree!
4.The name should have cultural roots
What does this mean? Names are often linked to traditions, legends or famous characters in history. Do your research! It could be that the name of the character in your favorite TV series is actually a popular name for kids in France. But you’ll need to know how to spell and say it correctly.It should be:
- a) simple and easy to write
- b) easy and pleasant to pronounce
- c) phonetic (it doesn’t sound like any other word in the French language)
It’s usually best to choose a name that sounds similar to its original spelling. For example, “Charles” is fine but if you want to give your son the same name as his grandfather you should probably go for “Carlos”. Otherwise, people will have trouble pronouncing it! It would be best to avoid strange sounds too
5. Tips to pick French name for your son
The birth of a baby is always a moment of celebration and, once one becomes an adult, choosing the right name for him can be a real challenge. Here are some simple tips to make sure you pick the perfect French names for boys:
Be original! Rather than “John” or “Susan”, which may sound old-fashioned, try to find something more creative. “Yann” or “Ethan” are great examples of simple French names that can be given to boys.
Be symbolic! Think about the meaning of the name you’re considering and how it reflects your family values. If you want your child’s life to be full of energy, for example, then “Liam” would be the perfect option.
When it comes to picking the perfect French names for boys, there are a million things to consider. But if you’re looking for a name with a touch of French flair, these ten names are sure to please. From fashionable choices like Antoine and Maxime to more classic options like Jacques and Charles, there’s something for everyone on this list. So take a look and see if one of these beautiful French names is the perfect choice for your little boy.