ABÉLARD:

French form of German Abelard, meaning “noble strength.”

ABSOLON:

French form of Hebrew Abiyshalowm, meaning “father of peace.”

ACE:

Variant form of Norman French Asce, meaning “noble at birth.” Compare with another form of Ace.

ACELET:

Pet form of Norman French Ace, meaning “noble at birth.”

ACELIN:

Diminutive form of Norman French Ace, meaning “little noble one.”

ACHILLE:

French and Italian form of Latin Achilles, possibly meaning “he who embodies the grief of the people.”

ADALARD:

Norman French form of Old High German Adalhard, meaning “noble strength.”

ADELARD:

Variant spelling of Norman French Adalard, meaning “noble strength.”

ADNET:

Medieval French form of Hebrew Adam, meaning “earth” or “red.” It is now a surname.

ADNOT:

Medieval French form of Hebrew Adam, meaning “earth” or “red.” It is now a surname.

ADOLPHE:

French form of Latin Adolphus, meaning “noble wolf.”

ADRIEN:

French name derived from Latin Adrianus, meaning “from Hadria.”

AILLARD:

Middle English and Old French form of Old High German Adalhard, meaning “noble strength.”

AIMÉ:

Masculine form of French Aimée, meaning “much loved.”

AIMERI:

Abbreviated form of Norman French Aimeric, meaning “home-ruler.”

AIMERIC:

Norman French form of Middle High German Haimirich, meaning “home-ruler.”

ALAIN:

French form of Celtic Alan, meaning “little rock.”

ALAIRE:

Variant form of French Hilaire, meaning “joyful; happy.”

ALARD:

Norman French name derived from Old High German Adalhard, meaning “noble strength.”

ALBAIN:

Perhaps a French form of Gaelic Ailpein, meaning “white.”

ALBERI:

Norman French form of Old High German Albirich, meaning “elf ruler.”

ALBERT:

French name derived from Latin Albertus, meaning “bright nobility.” Compare with other forms of Albert.

ALEXANDRE:

French and Galician-Portuguese form of Latin Alexandrus, meaning “defender of mankind.”

ALFONSE:

Variant spelling of French Alphonse, meaning “noble and ready.”

ALLARD:

Variant spelling of Middle English and Old French Aillard, meaning “noble strength.”

ALOYS:

Variant spelling of French Provençal Looys, meaning “famous warrior.”

ALPHONSE:

French name derived from Latin Alphonsus, meaning “noble and ready.”

ALVERÉ:

Norman French form of Latin Alvredus, meaning “elf counsel.”

ALVIN:

Norman French name derived from Latin Alvinius, meaning “elf friend.”

AMABLE:

French name derived from Latin amabilis, meaning “lovable.”

AMADIEU:

French form of Latin Amadeus, meaning “to love God.”

AMADOUR:

French form of Latin Amator, meaning “lover.”

AMAUGER:

Norman French name derived from German Amalger, meaning “work-spear.”

AMAURI:

Variant spelling of French Amaury, meaning “work-power.”

AMAURY:

Variant form of Norman French Emaurri, meaning “work-power.”

AMBROISE:

French form of Latin Ambrosius, meaning “immortal.”

AMÉ:

French name meaning “beloved.”

AMÉDÉÉ:

French form of Latin Amadeus, meaning “to love God.”

ANASTASE:

French form of Latin Anastasius, meaning “resurrection.”

ANATOLE:

French form of Latin Anatolius, meaning “east” and “sunrise.”

ANCEL:

Variant spelling of French Ansel, meaning “divine helmet.”

ANCELL:

Variant spelling of French Ansell, meaning “divine helmet.”

ANDRÉ:

French form of Greek Andreas, meaning “man; warrior.”

ANDRIEN:

French form of Greek Andreas, meaning “man; warrior.”

ANDRION:

Variant spelling of French Adrien, meaning “from Hadria.” This form of the name can be found in An Index to the Given Names in the 1292 Census of Paris, by Colm Dubh.

ANGE:

French name meaning “angel, messenger.” Compare with feminine Ange.

ANSEL:

Contracted form of French Anselme, meaning “divine helmet.”

ANSELL:

Variant spelling of French Ansel, meaning “divine helmet.”

ANSELME:

French form of German Anselm, meaning “divine helmet.”

ANTOINE:

French form of Latin Antonius, possibly meaning “invaluable.”

ANTONIN:

French form of Latin Antoninus, possibly meaning “invaluable.”

AOUSTEN:

Old form of French Augustin, meaning “venerable.”

APOLLINAIRE:

French form of Roman Latin Apollinaris, meaning “of Apollo.”

ARCHIMBAUD:

French form of German Archimbald, meaning “genuine courage.”

ARISTIDE:

French form of Latin Aristides, meaning “best physique.”

ARLUIN:

Variant spelling of Norman French Herluin, meaning “noble friend” or “noble warrior.”

ARMAN:

Variant spelling of Old French Armand, meaning “bold/hardy man.” Compare with another form of Arman.

ARMAND:

Old French form of German Harmand, meaning “bold/hardy man.”

ARMEL:

French form of Welsh Arthfael, Old Breton Arthmael, meaning “bear chief” or “warrior prince.”

ARNAUD:

Norman French form of German Arnwald, meaning “eagle power.”

ASCE:

Norman French form of German Azzo, meaning “noble at birth.”

ASTOR:

French and German name derived from Occitan astor, meaning “goshawk,” itself from Latin acceptor, a variant of accipiter, meaning “hawk.” It was originally a derogatory term for men with hawk-like, predatory characteristics.

ATHANASE:

French form of Greek Athanasios, meaning “immortal.”

AUBEN:

Variant spelling of Norman French Aubin, meaning “from Alba.”

AUBERON:

Variant form of Norman French Alberi, meaning “elf ruler.”

AUBERT:

French form of Old High German Adalbert, meaning “bright nobility.”

AUBIN:

Norman French form of English Albin, meaning “like Albus,” i.e. “white.”

AUDRIC:

French form of German Aldrich, meaning “old ruler; long time ruler.”

AUGUSTE:

French form of Latin Augustus, meaning “venerable.”

AUGUSTIN:

French form of Latin Augustinus, meaning “venerable.”

AURÈLE:

French form of Roman Latin Aurelius, meaning “golden.”

AURELIEN:

French form of Roman Latin Aurelianus, meaning “golden.”

AVERY:

English surname transferred to unisex forename use, originally a Norman French form of Middle English Alfred, meaning “elf counsel.”

AYMERIC:

Variant spelling of Norman French Aimeric, meaning “home-ruler.”

BALDOIN:

Old French form of Old High German Baldawin, meaning “brave friend.”

BAPTISTE:

French equivalent of Italian Battista, meaning “baptist.”

BARNABÉ:

French form of Greek Barnabas, meaning “son of exhortation.”

BARTHÉLMY:

French form of Latin Bartholomaeus, meaning “son of Talmai.”

BARTHOLOMIEU:

French Provençal form of Latin Bartholomaeus, meaning “son of Talmai.”

BARTHOMIEU:

Contracted form of French Provençal Bartholomieu, meaning “son of Talmai.”

BASILE:

French form of Latin Basilius, meaning “king.”

BASTIEN:

Short form of French Sébastien, meaning “from Sebaste.”

BAUDOUIN:

French form of Old High German Baldawin, meaning “brave friend.”

BAYARD:

Old French name derived from the word baie, meaning “reddish brown” or “bright bay color.” In medieval romances, this was the name of a magic horse from the legends of the chansons de geste (“Songs of Heroic Deeds”) which was given to Renaud by Charlemagne.

BEAUMONT:

From the Old French surname, derived from a place name composed of the elements beau “beautiful” and mont “hill, mountain,” hence “beautiful mountain.”

BEAUREGARD:

From the Old French surname, derived from a place name composed of the elements beau “beautiful” and regard “aspect, outlook,” hence “beautiful aspect” or “beautiful outlook.”

BÉDOIER:

French form of English Bedivere, possibly meaning “grave-knower,” inferring “one who knows (Arthur’s) grave.”

BÉNÉDICT:

French form of Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed.”

BENEOIT:

Old French surname derived from Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed.”

BÉNÉZET:

French Provençal form of Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed.”

BENJAMIN:

French form of Greek Beniamín from Hebrew Binyamin, meaning “son of the right hand.” Compare with another form of Benjamin.

BENOÎT:

Old French form of Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed.

“BERENGER:

Old French form of Latin Berengarius, meaning “bear-spear.”

BERNARD:

Norman French form of Old High German Bernhard, meaning “bold as a bear.” Compare with another form of Bernard.

BERTRAND:

Medieval French form of Old High German Berhtram, meaning “bright raven.”

BLAISE:

French form of Roman Latin Blasius, meaning “talks with a lisp.”

BRIAN:

Old French derogatory byname derived from the Old Occitan word brian, meaning “maggot.” Compare with another form of Brian.

BRIANT:

French form of Irish Brian, meaning “high hill.” Compare with another form of Briant.

BRICE:

French form of Scottish Bryce, meaning “pied, spotted, speckled.”

BRIEFBRAS:

French form of Welsh freichfras (“strong-armed”), but meaning “short arm.” In Arthurian legend, this is a nickname for Sir Caradoc.

BRUCE:

Scottish surname transferred to forename use, possibly meaning “woods; thicket.” It was originally a Norman French baronial name but the exact location from which it was derived has not been identified and the number of possibilities are numerous. In use by the English.

CAÏN:

French form of Hebrew Qayin (“acquired, possessed”) and Greek Kaïn (“maker; fabricator” i.e. “smith”).

CAMILLE:

French unisex form of Roman Latin Camilla, possibly meaning “attendant (for a temple).”

CAMPION:

Norman French surname transferred to English forename use, derived from the word campion, which was originally a status name for a professional “champion.”

CÉLESTIN:

French form of Latin Cælestinus, meaning “heavenly.”

CERF:

From the French byname cerf “hart” (hart: from proto-Germanic *kherut-, from PIE base *ker- “horn”), referring to the animal’s presumed lustful nature.

CESAIRE:

French form of Roman Latin Cæsar, meaning “severed.”

CÉSAR:

French and Spanish form of Roman Latin Cæsar, meaning “severed.”

CHANDLER:

Old French occupational surname transferred to English forename use, meaning “candle merchant.”

CHARLEMAGNE:

Derived from French Charles le Magne, meaning “Charles the Great.”

CHARLES:

English and French form of German Karl, meaning “man.”

CHARLOT:

Pet form of French Charles, meaning “man.”

CHRESTIEN:

Old French form of Latin Christianus, meaning “believer” or “follower of Christ.”

CHRÉTIEN:

Later form of Old French Chrestien, meaning “believer” or “follower of Christ.”

CHRISTOPHE:

French form of Latin Christophorus, meaning “Christ-bearer.”

CLAUDE:

French form of Latin Claudius, meaning “lame.”

CLÉMENT:

French form of Latin Clement, meaning “gentle and merciful.”

CLOTAIRE:

French form of Latin Chlotharius, meaning “loud warrior.”

CLOVIS:

French form of German Hlodovic, meaning “famous warrior.”

COLOMBAIN:

French form of Latin Columbanus, meaning “dove.”

COLOMBE:

French unisex form of Latin Columba, meaning “dove.”

CÔME:

French form of Latin Cosmo, meaning “order, beauty.”

CONSTANTIN:

French and Romanian form of Latin Constantinus, meaning “steadfast.”

CORBIN:

From an Old French and Middle English byname composed of the word corb, “crow, raven,” and a diminutive suffix, hence “little crow” or “little raven.”

CORIN:

French form of Roman Latin Quirinus, meaning “men together.” Compare with another form of Corin.

CORNEILLE:

French form of Latin Cornelius, meaning “of a horn.”

COSME:

French form of Latin Cosmo, meaning “order, beauty.”

CUPIDON:

French form of Latin Cupido, meaning “desire.”

CYPRIEN:

French form of Latin Cyprianus, meaning “from Cyprus.”

CYRILLE:

French unisex form of Greek Kyrillos, meaning “lord.”

DAMIEN:

French form of Latin Damianus, meaning “to tame, to subdue” and euphemistically “to kill.”

D’ARTAGNAN (dar-tan-yun):

French habitational surname transferred to forename use, meaning “from Artagnan.”

DEGARÉ:

From the medieval romance Sir Degaré, probably from the French word égaré, meaning “strayed, lost.”

DENIS:

French form of English Dennis, meaning “follower of Dionysos.” Compare with another form of Denis.

DÉODAT:

French form of Roman Latin Deodatus, meaning “given to God.”

DÉSIRÉ:

French name meaning “desired.”

DEVEREUX:

French surname transferred to English forename use, meaning “from Evreux.” Evreux is a commune of Normandy, France which got its name from the Eburovices, the name of a gallic tribe, meaning “those which overcome by the yew.” Yew wood was used to make weapons: bows, arrows, spears, etc.

DIDIER:

French form of Latin Desiderius, meaning “longing.”

DIEUDONNÉ:

French name meaning “god-given.”

DIODORE:

French form of Latin Diodorus, meaning “gift of Zeus.”

DION:

French name derived from Latin Dio, a short form of longer names of Greek origin beginning with Dio-, meaning “Zeus.”

DOMINIQUE:

French unisex form of Latin Dominicus, meaning “belongs to the lord.”

DONATIEN:

French form of Latin Donatus, meaning “given (by God).”

EDGARD:

French form of Anglo-Saxon Eádgár, meaning “rich spear.”

EDMOND:

French form of Anglo-Saxon Eadmund, meaning “protector of prosperity.”

ÉDOUARD:

French form of Latin Eduardus, meaning “guardian of prosperity.”

ÉLIE:

Old French form of Hebrew Eliyah, meaning “the Lord is my God.”

ELLIOT:

English surname transferred to forename use, originally a Norman French diminutive form of Old French Élie, meaning “the Lord is my God.”

ÉLOI:

French form of Latin Eligius, meaning “to choose.”

ÉLOY:

French form of Latin Eligius, meaning “to choose.”

EMAURRI:

Norman French form of German Emmerich, meaning “work-power.”

ÉMILE:

French form of Latin Æmilius, meaning “rival.”

ÉMILIEN:

French form of Latin Æmilianus, meaning “rival.”

EMMANUEL:

Latin form of Greek Emmanouel, meaning “God is with us.” In the Old Testament bible, this is the name of the promised Messiah as prophesied by Isaiah. In the New Testament, it is a name given to Christ by Matthew. In use by the English and French.

ENÉAS:

French and Portuguese form of Latin Aeneas, meaning “praise.”

EREC:

French form of German Erich, meaning “ever-ruler.”

ERMENEGILDE:

French form of Teutonic Ermingild, meaning “all-giving.”

ESCLADOS:

French Arthurian legend name of the first husband of Laudine, from Norman French escalogne, from Latin escalonia, meaning “from Ascalon,” a seaport in southwestern Levant.

ESMÉ:

Old French unisex name meaning “esteemed, loved.”

ÉTIENNE:

French form of Latin Stephanus, meaning “crown.”

EUDES:

Variant form of Norman French Eudo, meaning “child.”

EUDO:

Norman French form of Scandinavian Eutha, meaning “child.” This name and its variants are sometimes confused with Odo, Otto, and Audo.

EUDON:

Variant spelling of Norman French Eudo, meaning “child.”

EUGÈNE:

French form of Latin Eugenius (2), meaning “well born.”

EUSTACHE:

Old French form of Latin Eustachius, meaning “fruitful.”

ÉVARISTE:

French form of Latin Evaristus, meaning “well-pleasing.”

EVERARD:

Norman French form of Old High German Eberhard, meaning “strong as a boar.” This name replaced Anglo-Saxon Eoforheard after the Norman invasion and was used in England during the 12th and 13th centuries.

EVRARD:

Variant spelling of Norman French Everard, meaning “strong as a boar.”

FABIEN:

French form of Latin Fabianus, meaning “like Fabius.”

FABRICE:

French name derived from Roman Latin Fabricius, meaning “craftsman.”

FELICIEN:

French form of Roman Latin Felicianus, meaning “happy” or “lucky.”

FÉLICITÉ:

French unisex form of Latin Felix, meaning “happy” or “lucky.”

FÉLIX:

French form of Latin Felix, meaning “happy” or “lucky.”

FERNAND:

French form of Spanish Fernándo, meaning “ardent for peace.”

FERRAND:

Old French form of Visigothic Frithnanth, meaning “ardent for peace.”

FERRANT:

Variant spelling of French Ferrand, meaning “ardent for peace.”

FIACRE:

French form of Irish Gaelic Fiachra, meaning “raven.”

FILIBERT:

French form of German Filabert, meaning “very bright.”

FILIMOR:

Norman French name composed of the Germanic elements filu “very” and mári “famous,” hence “very famous.”

FIRMIN:

French name derived from Latin Firminus, meaning “firm, steadfast.”

FLORENCE:

English and French form of Latin Florentius, meaning “blossoming.” Compare with another form of Florence.

FLORENTIN:

French form of Latin Florentius, meaning “blossoming.”

FOLQUET:

Provençal form of French Foulques, meaning “people, tribe.”

FOULQUES:

French form of Old Norse Folki, meaning “people, tribe.”

FRANC:

French form of Latin Franciscus, meaning “French.”

FRANCK:

French form of Latin Franciscus, meaning “French.”

FRANÇOIS:

French form of Latin Franciscus, meaning “French.”

FRASER:

French surname transferred to forename use, of Norman origin, but the derivation has been lost due to corruption of form by association with the French word fraise, meaning “strawberry.” In English and Scottish use.

FRÉDÉRIC:

French form of Latin Fredericus, meaning “peaceful ruler.”

FRERY:

Middle French pet form of French Frédéric, meaning “peaceful ruler.”

FULBERT:

French form of German Filabert, meaning “very bright.”

GAËL:

Masculine form of French Gaëlle, meaning “holy and generous.”

GAËTAN:

French form of Roman Latin Caietanus, meaning “from Caieta (Gaeta, Italy).”

GAHARIET:

French form of Celtic Gahareet, meaning “old.” In Arthurian legend, this is the name of a Knight of the Round Table, a son of King Lot of Orkney.

GALEHOT:

Perhaps the French equivalent of English Galahad, a form of Hebrew Gilad, meaning “hard, stony region.” In Arthurian legend, this is the name of a Knight of the Round Table who was called “Lord of the Remote Islands.”

GARLAND:

Old French unisex name meaning “garland, wreath.” Compare with another form of Garland.

GASCON:

From the Old French regional name denoting someone “from Gascony.”

GASPARD:

French form of Portuguese/Spanish Gaspar, meaning “treasure bearer.”

GASTON:

Later form of French Gascon, meaning “from Gascony.”

GAUTHIER:

Variant spelling of French Gautier, meaning “ruler of the army.”

GAUTIER:

Old French name derived from Old High German Walther, meaning “ruler of the army.”

GAUVAIN:

Norman French form of Middle English Gawain, meaning either “May hawk” or “white hawk.”

GEOFFROI:

French name perhaps derived from Norman French Godefrei, meaning “God’s peace.”

GEORGES:

French form of Latin Georgius, meaning “earth-worker, farmer.”

GÉRALD:

French form of Latin Geraldus, meaning “spear ruler.”

GÉRARD:

French form of Old High German Gerhard, meaning “spear strong.”

GÉRAUD:

French form of German Gairovald, meaning “spear ruler.”

GERMAIN:

French form of Roman Latin Germanus, meaning “from Germany.”

GERVAIS:

Variant spelling of French Gervaise, meaning “spear servant.”

GERVAISE:

Norman French form of Latin Gervasius, meaning “spear servant.”

GILEBERT:

Old French name derived from Latin Gilebertus, meaning “pledge-bright.”

GILLES:

French name derived from Late Latin Ægidius, meaning “shield of goatskin.”

GISBERT:

French form of Old High German Gisilbert, meaning “pledge-bright.”

GODARD:

Norman French form of Old High German Godehard, meaning “god-strong.”

GODDARD:

Later form of Norman French Godard, meaning “god-strong.” Compare with another form of Goddard.

GODEFREI:

Norman French form of Old High German Godafrid, meaning “God’s peace.”

GODEFREY:

Variant spelling of Norman French Godefrei, meaning “God’s peace.”

GORLOIS:

French Arthurian legend name of Igraine’s first husband, the Duke of Cornwall, before she married Uther Pendragon. The name may have been derived from Gorlassar, an Old Welsh epithet belonging to Uther, possibly meaning “above the blue” or “higher than the sky.”

GOSSE:

Old French form of German Gozzo, meaning “good” or “god.”

GRATIEN:

French form of Roman Latin Gratian, meaning “pleasing, agreeable.”

GRÉGOIRE:

Norman French form of Latin Gregorius, meaning “watchful; vigilant.”

GRÉGORY:

French Provençal form of Latin Gregorius, meaning “watchful; vigilant.”

GRINGOLET:

French Arthurian Legend name probably meaning either “white-hardy” or “handsome-hardy.” This was the name of Sir Gawain’s horse, famous for his ability in combat. He first appears in Chretien de Troyes’s Erec and Enide where he is borrowed by Sir Kay for a joust against Sir Erec.

GROSVENOR:

French surname transferred to forename use, composed of the Anglo-Norman French elements gros “chief, great” and veneur “hunter,” hence “chief hunter” or “great hunter.”

GUARIN:

French form of Germanic Warin, meaning “cover, shelter.”

GUARINOT:

Pet form of French Guarin, meaning “protection, shelter.”

GUILBERT:

Norman French form of Latin Gilebertus, meaning “pledge-bright.”

GUILLAUME:

French form of Latin Guillelmus, meaning “will-helmet.”

GUL:

Pet form of French Guillaume, meaning “will-helmet.”

GUSTAVE:

French form of Latin Gustavus, meaning “meditation staff.”

GUY:

Variant form of Norman French Gy, a derivative of Latin Wido, meaning “wide.” This name was popular until 1605 when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament after which it acquired the negative connotation “grotesque man.” In Arthurian legend, this is the name of a son of Bevis of Hamptoun. In use by the English.

GWENAËL:

French name composed of the Breton elements gwenn “fair, holy, white” and hael “generous,” hence “holy and generous.”

GY:

Norman French name derived from the medieval Latin name Wido, meaning “wide.”

GYSBERT:

Variant spelling of French Gisbert, meaning “pledge-bright.”

HAMBLIN:

Variant spelling of Norman French Hamlin, meaning “tiny little home.”

HAMELET:

Old French diminutive form of the German word hamel (“little village”), a diminutive of ham “village,” hence “tiny little village.”

HAMELIN:

Variant spelling of Norman French Hamlin, meaning “tiny little home.”

HAMLIN:

Norman French double diminutive form of German Haimo (“home”), meaning “tiny little home.”

HAMNET:

Diminutive form of Norman French Hamon “home,” hence “little home.” This was the name of Shakespeare’s son who died at age eleven. The names Hamnet and Hamlet seem to have been interchangeable in Shakespeare’s time.

HAMON:

Old Norman French form of German Heimo meaning “home.”

HENRI:

French form of Latin Henricus, meaning “home-ruler.” Compare with another form of Henri.

HERCULE:

French form of Latin Hercules, meaning “glory of Hera.”

HERLUIN:

Norman French name composed of the Germanic elements erl “nobleman, warrior” and wini “friend,” hence “noble friend” or “noble warrior.”

HERVÉ:

French form of Breton Haerveu, meaning “battle worthy.”

HILAIRE:

French name derived from of Latin Hilarius, meaning “joyful, happy.”

HONORÉ:

French form of Latin Honorus, meaning “honor, valor.”

HORACE:

English and French form of Roman Latin Horatius, meaning “has good eyesight.”

HRODGER:

Norman French form of Old High German Hrodgar, meaning “famous spear.”

HUBERT:

Old French form of Latin Hubertus, meaning “bright heart/mind/spirit.”

HUGON:

Old form of French Hugues, meaning “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.”

HUGUES:

French name of Germanic origin, derived from the element hug, meaning “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.”

IGNACE:

French form of Latin Ignatius, possibly meaning “unknowing.”

ILBERT:

Norman French form of German Hilbert, meaning “battle-bright.”

IRÉNÉ:

French form of Latin Ireneus, meaning “peaceful.”

ISAÏE:

French form of Latin Isaias, meaning “God is salvation.”

IVES:

Older form of French Yves, meaning “yew tree.”

IVON:

Variant spelling of French Yvon, meaning “yew tree.” Used in Germany and infrequently by the English.

JACQUES:

French diminutive form of Latin Jacobus, meaning “supplanter.”

JAMES:

Middle English and Old French vernacular form of Late Latin Jacomus, from Greek Iakobos, meaning “supplanter.” In the New Testament bible, this is the name of several characters, including two apostles and a half-brother of Jesus.

JEAN:

A derivative of Anglo-Norman French Jehan, meaning “God is gracious.” Compare with feminine Jean.

JEAN-BAPTISTE:

French compound name composed of Jean “God is gracious” and Baptiste “baptist.”

JEANNOT:

Pet form of French Jean, meaning “God is gracious.”

JEHAN:

Old French form of Latin Johan, meaning “God is gracious.”

JÉRÉMIE:

French form of Greek Ieremias, meaning “Jehovah casts forth” or “Jehovah hurls.”

JÉRÔME:

French form of Latin Hieronymus, meaning “holy name.”

JOËL:

French form of Greek Ioel (Hebrew Yowel), meaning “Jehovah is God” or “to whom Jehovah is God.”

JORI:

French Provençal form of Latin Georgius, meaning “earth-worker, farmer.”

JOSCE:

Norman French form of Latin Jodocus, meaning “lord.”

JOSCELIN:

Norman French form of Old High German Gautelen, meaning “Gaut.”

JOSUE:

French and Spanish form of Hebrew Yehowshuwa, meaning “God is salvation.”

JOURDAIN:

French form of Hebrew Yarden, meaning “flowing down.”

JULES:

French form of Roman Latin Julius, meaning “descended from Jupiter (Jove).” In use by the English.

JULIEN:

French form of Roman Latin Julianus, meaning “descended from Jupiter (Jove).”

JUSTE:

French form of Roman Latin Justus, meaning “fair, just.”

LAMMERT:

Low German form of Germanic Landebert, meaning “land-bright.” In use by the Dutch and French.

LANCE:

Old French form of German Lanzo, meaning “land.” Compare with another form of Lance.

LANCELOT:

Norman French Arthurian legend name of the bravest Knight of the Round Table who betrayed King Arthur by having an affair with Queen Guinevere. The name is probably a diminutive form of Lance (“land”) or the word lance (the weapon), meaning either “little land” or “little lance.”

LAUNCE:

Short form of French Launcelot, meaning either “land” or “lance (the weapon).”

LAUNCELOT:

Variant spelling of Norman French Lancelot, meaning either “little land” or “little lance.”

LAURENT:

French form of Roman Latin Laurentius, meaning “of Laurentum.”

LAURENTIN:

French form of Roman Latin Laurentinus, meaning “of Laurentum.”

LAZARE:

French form of Latin Lazarus, meaning “my God has helped.”

LÉANDRE:

French form of Latin Leander, meaning “lion-man.”

LEGÉR:

French form of German Luitger, meaning “people-spear.”

LEMOINE:

French surname transferred to English forename use, derived from the Old French word moine, meaning “monk.”

LÉOLIN:

French form of Welsh Llywelyn, meaning “oath of Belenus.”

LÉON:

French form of Latin Leo, meaning “lion.”

LÉONARD:

French form of German Leonhard, meaning “lion-strong.”

LÉONCE:

French form of Latin Leontius, meaning “lion-like.”

LÉONIDE:

French form of Latin Leonides, meaning “lion’s son.”

LÉOPOLD:

French form of Old High German Liutpold, meaning “people-bold.”

LEROY:

French name, meaning “the king.” In use by the English.

LIONEL:

Anglo-Norman diminutive form of French Léon (“lion”), hence “little lion” or “young lion.” In Arthurian legend, this is the name of a Knight of the Round Table. He was the younger son of King Bors, and cousin to Lancelot and Hector de Maris.

LOOIS:

Old French name derived from Middle Latin Ludovicus, meaning “famous warrior.”

LOOYS:

Old French name derived from Middle Latin Ludovicus, meaning “famous warrior.”

LOTHAIR:

Variant spelling of French Lothaire, meaning “loud warrior.”

LOTHAIRE:

French form of Latin Lotharius, meaning “loud warrior.”

LOUIE:

Pet form of French Louis, meaning “famous warrior.”

LOUIS:

Middle French form of Old French Loois, meaning “famous warrior.”

LOUP:

French form of Latin Lupus, meaning “wolf.”
LOUVEL: Old Norman French byname derived from a diminutive form of the word lou “wolf,” hence “little wolf.”

LUC:

Norman French form of Latin Lucas, meaning “from Lucania.”

LUCIEN:

French form of Roman Latin Lucianus, meaning “light.”

MACAIRE:

French form of Latin Macarius, meaning “blessed.”

MAINARD:

Norman French form of German Meinhard, meaning “strong and hardy.”

MAINFRED:

Norman French form of German Manfred, meaning “strong peace.”

MALGIER:

Norman French form of German Malger, meaning “work-spear.”

MARC:

Short form of French Marceau, meaning “defense” or “of the sea.” Compare with another form of Marc.

MARCEAU:

French form of Latin Marcus, meaning “defense” or “of the sea.”

MARCEL:

French form of Roman Latin Marcellus, meaning “defense” or “of the sea.”

MARCELLIN:

French form of Roman Latin Marcellinus, meaning “defense” or “of the sea.”

MARCELON:

Diminutive form of French Marcel “defense” or “of the sea,” hence “little one of the sea.”

MARIN:

French form of Roman Latin Marinus, meaning “of the sea.”

MARROK:

Possibly a French form of Latin Marcus, meaning “defense” or “of the sea.” In Arthurian legend, this is the name of a knight who was also a werewolf.

MARTIN:

French form of Roman Latin Martinus, meaning “of/like Mars.” Compare with another form of Martin.

MATHIEU:

French form of Hebrew Mattithyah, meaning “gift of God.”

MATHIS:

French and German form of Greek Mattathias, meaning “gift of God.”

MATTHIEU:

Variant spelling of French Mathieu, meaning “gift of God.”

MAUGER:

Short form of Norman French Amauger, meaning “work-spear.”

MAUGIER:

Variant form of Norman French Mauger, meaning “work-spear.”

MAURICE:

Contracted form of Roman Latin Mauricius, meaning “dark-skinned; Moor.” Introduced to Britain by the Normans. Infrequently used by the French and English.

MAXENCE:

French form or Roman Latin Maxentius, meaning “the greatest.”

MAXIME:

French form of Latin Maximus, meaning “the greatest.”

MAXIMILIEN:

French form of Roman Latin Maximilianus, meaning “the greatest rival.”

MICHEL:

French form of Greek Michaēl, meaning “who is like God?”

MILUN:

French form of Latin Milon, meaning “little soldier.”

MODESTE:

French form of Roman Latin Modestus, meaning “moderate, sober.”

MOISÉ:

Old French form of Hebrew Moshe, meaning “drawn out.”

NAPOLEON:

French form of Italian Napoleone, a very rare name borne by a short emperor (5’6″), probably meaning “elf, dwarf, Nibelung (son of the mist).”

NARCISSE:

French form of Latin Narcissus, possibly meaning “numbness; sleep.”

NAZAIRE:

French form of Latin Nazarius, meaning “of Nazareth.”

NEL:

Norman French form of Scandinavian Njal, meaning “champion.”

NICODÈME:

French form of Latin Nicodemus, meaning “victory of the people.”

NICOLAS:

French form of Latin Nicolaus, meaning “victor of the people.”

NIHEL:

Anglo-Norman French form of Middle English Nigel, meaning “champion.”

NOÉ:

French form of Greek Noe, meaning “rest.”

NOËL:

French name derived from Latin natalis dies, meaning “day of birth.”

NORBERT:

Old French name composed of the Germanic elements nord “north” and berht “bright, famous,” hence “bright northman” or “famous northman.”

ODA:

Old French form of German Otto, meaning “wealthy.” Compare with feminine Oda.

ODILON:

French form of German Odo, meaning “wealthy.”

OLIVIER:

Of Norman French origin, thus ultimately of Germanic origin, probably from German Alfihar, meaning “elf army.” The name was first used as a character name in the French epic La Chanson de Roland.

ONESIME:

French form of Latin Onesimus, meaning “profitable, useful.”

ONFROI:

Norman French form of Norman Germanic Hunfrid, meaning “giant peace.”

OTES:

Norman French name derived from German Otto, meaning “wealthy.”

PAPILLION:

French name derived from the word papillon, meaning “butterfly.”

PASCAL:

French name derived from Latin Paschalis, meaning “Passover; Easter.” This name was popular with early Christians, mainly given to sons born at Easter time.

PASCHAL:

Variant spelling of French Pascal, meaning “Passover; Easter.”

PATRICE:

Medieval French form of Latin Patricius, meaning “patrician; of noble descent.”

PAUL:

English and French form of Latin Paulus, meaning “small.” In the bible, this is the name of the author of the 14 epistles of the New Testament.

PÉPIN:

Old French name, possibly derived from the word pepin/pipin, meaning “seed of a fruit.”

PERCEVAL:

Variant spelling of French Percevel, meaning “pierced valley.”

PERCEVEL:

French name based on Celtic Peredur (of unknown meaning), but composed of the Old French elements perce(r) “to pierce” and val “valley,” hence “pierced valley.”

PERRIN:

Pet form of French Pierre, meaning “rock, stone.”

PHILBERT:

Variant spelling of French Philibert, meaning “very bright.”

PHILIBERT:

Variant spelling of French Filibert, meaning “very bright.”

PHILIPPE:

French form of Latin Philippus, meaning “lover of horses.”

PIERRE:

French form of Latin Petrus, meaning “rock, stone.”

PIERRES:

Older form of French Pierre, meaning “rock, stone.”

PONS:

French form of Roman Latin Pontius, meaning “of the sea; seaman.”

QUENTIN:

Old French form of Latin Quintinus, meaning “fifth.”

QUINTIN:

Variant spelling of Old French Quentin, meaning “fifth.”

QUINTON:

Variant spelling of Old French Quentin, meaning “fifth.” Compare with another form of Quinton.

RAIMOND:

Old French form of Frankish German Raginmund, meaning “wise protector.”

RAIMUND:

Norman French form of German Raginmund, meaning “wise protector.”

RAINIER:

French form of German Rainer, meaning “wise warrior.”

RAOUL:

Old French form of German Radulf, meaning “wise wolf.”

RAPHAËL:

French form of Hebrew Rephael, meaning “healed of God” or “whom God has healed.”

RAULF:

Norman French contracted form of German Radulf, meaning “wise wolf.”

RÉGIS:

French occupational surname transferred to forename use, derived from Old French régir (“to rule or manage”), hence “manager, ruler.”

REINALD:

Old French form of German Reinhold, meaning “wise ruler.”

RÉMI:

Variant spelling of French Rémy, meaning “oarsman.”

RÉMY:

French form of Roman Latin Remigius, meaning “oarsman.”

RENARD:

Variant spelling of Old French Renart, meaning “wise and strong.”

RENART:

Old French form of Old High German Reginhard, meaning “wise and strong.”

RENAUD:

Variant spelling of Norman French Reynaud, meaning “wise ruler.”

RENÉ:

French form of Latin Renatus, meaning “reborn.”

REYNAUD:

Variant spelling of Norman French Reynold, meaning “wise ruler.”

REYNOLD:

Norman French form of Old Norse Rögnvaldr, meaning “wise ruler.”

RICHAUD:

Norman French form of Latin Ricardus, meaning “powerful ruler.”

RICHE:

Medieval French name of Germanic origin, used as a short form of longer names beginning with Rich-, meaning “power.”

ROBERT:

Norman French form of Latin Robertus, meaning “bright fame.” Compare with another form of Robert.

ROCH:

French form of Italian Rocco, meaning “rest.”

RODOLPH:

Variant spelling of French Rodolphe, meaning “famous wolf.”

RODOLPHE:

French form of Latin Rudolphus, meaning “famous wolf.”

RODRIGUE:

French form of Old High German Hrodric, meaning “famous power.”

ROGIER:

French form of Latin Rogerius, meaning “famous spear.”

ROLAND:

Norman French form of German Hrodland, meaning “famous land.”

ROLANDE:

Variant spelling of Norman French Roland, meaning “famous land.”

ROMAIN:

French form of Latin Romanus, meaning “Roman.”

ROUL:

Old Norman French form of German Radulf, meaning “wise wolf.”

ROUSEL:

Old French byname for a red-head, composed of the word rous “red,” and a diminutive suffix, hence “little red one.”

SACHA:

French form of Russian unisex Sasha, meaning “defender of mankind.”

SACHEVERELL:

Old Norman French surname transferred to forename use, derived from the place name Saute-Chevreuil, meaning “roe-buck leap.”

SALOMON:

Medieval Latin form of Greek Solomōn, meaning “peaceable.” In use by the French.

SÉBASTIEN:

French form of Latin Sebastianus, meaning “from Sebaste.”

SÉRAPHIN:

French form of Latin Seraphinus, meaning “burning one” or “serpent.”

SERGE:

French form of Latin Sergius, possibly meaning “sergeant.”

SÉVÈRE:

French form of Roman Latin Severus, meaning “stern.”

SÉVERIN:

French form of Roman Latin Severinus, meaning “stern.”

SIMON:

English and French form of Greek Simōn, meaning “hearkening.” In the New Testament bible, this is the name of many characters, including a sorcerer and a brother of Jesus. It is often confused with Simon (2).

STÉPHANE:

French form of Latin Stephanus, meaning “crown.”

STUART:

French form of English Stewart, meaning “house guard; steward.” In use by the English and Scottish.

SYLVAIN:

French form of Roman Silvanus, meaning “from the forest.”

SYLVESTRE:

French form of Latin Silvester, meaning “from the forest.”

TELESPHORE:

French form of Latin Telesphorus, meaning “bearing fruit.”

THÉO:

Short form of French Théodore, meaning “gift of God.”

TH�ODORE:

French form of Latin Theodorus, meaning “gift of God.”

THÉOPHILE:

French form of Latin Theophilus, meaning “friend of God.”

THIBAULD:

Old French form of Middle Latin Theobaldus, meaning “people-bold.”

THIBAULT:

Variant spelling of Old French Thibauld, meaning “people-bold.”

THIERRI:

Norman French form of Visigothic Thiudereiks, meaning “first of the people; king of nations.”

THIERRY:

Variant spelling of Norman French Thierri, meaning “first of the people; king of nations.”

TIMOTHÉE:

French form of Latin Timotheus, meaning “to honor God.”

TOUSSAINT:

French name meaning “all saints.”

TRISTAN:

French form of Welsh Drystan, probably meaning “riot, tumult.” The change in spelling is due to association with the French word triste, meaning “sad.”

TRISTAND:

Variant spelling of French Tristan, probably meaning “riot, tumult.”

TRISTRAM:

Variant form of French Tristan, probably meaning “riot, tumult.”

TRYSTAN:

Variant spelling of French Tristan, probably meaning “riot, tumult.”

URBAIN:

French form of Roman Latin Urbanus, meaning “of the city.”

VALENTIN:

French form of Latin Valentinus, meaning “healthy, strong.” Compare with other forms of Valentin.

VALÈRE:

French form of Roman Latin Valerius, meaning “to be healthy, to be strong.”

VALÉRIAN:

French form of Roman Latin Valerianus, meaning “to be healthy, to be strong.”

VALÉRY:

French name composed of the Germanic elements walah “foreign” and ric “power,” hence “foreign power.”

VEILLANTIF:

French form of Italian Vegliantino, meaning “the little vigilant one.”

VINCENS:

French name derived from Latin Vincentius, meaning “conquering.”

VIVIEN:

French name derived from Roman Latin Vivianus, meaning “alive, animated, lively.” Compare with feminine Vivien.

WALTIER:

Variant form of Old French Gautier, meaning “ruler of the army.”

WILLELM:

Norman French form of Old High German Wilhelm, meaning “will-helmet.”

YVAIN:

French form of Old Breton Even and Middle English Ywain, meaning “well born.” In Arthurian legend, this is the name of a Knight of the Round Table, also known by the Welsh name Owain.

YVES:

French form of German Yvo, meaning “yew tree.” Yvon shares the same etymology.

YVON:

French form of German Yvo, meaning “yew tree.” Yves shares the same etymology.

ZACHARIE:

French form of Hebrew Zekaryah, meaning “whom Jehovah remembered.”