Are you looking for a first name that is authentic, poetic and anchored in a legendary culture? Let yourself be seduced by the strength and mystery of first names from Brittany.
Inspired by the ocean, Celtic myths or figures of Armorican royalty, the Breton first names are attracting more and more future parents well beyond the borders of Brittany. Carrying a strong identity and often soft or rhythmic sounds, they evoke wild nature, the sea and travel. Whether you fall for a timeless classic with familiar sounds or for a more traditional rare gem for your little girl or boy, our selection of Breton first names invites you to discover the origin, the meaning and the most beautiful trends of these first names from the Land of Misty.
The most common Breton first names in France
Which Breton female first names to choose?
In the list of first names from Brittany for a girl, we find translations of the great French classics, such as Aesawhich means Isabelle, and whose origin is “god is fullness”, or even Azilizwhich refers to Cécile. Katell is the equivalent of Catherine, a classic which means “purity”, like Soizig refers to Françoise, also an old French first name. Another essential, which comes in different ways, is Marie: in Breton, this gives May, Mariig, May Also. A derivative, which is very popular in the region, is Maïwennnamed after the famous French director and actress.
What are the Breton male first names?
Among boys, we find Breton classics like Tristan (which evokes the story of Tristan and Isolde), Gwen, Gwenaël, Malo which inspired the name of one of the prettiest towns in Brittany. There is also Morvan, Armand, Anatol, Conan, which are first names from the historical heritage of the region, worn by characters who left their mark on Brittany. Among Breton boy names, there are also names that are very sweet to the ear like Pol, Million, Eliaz, Ael, Azel, Enor, or even longer and original first names like Kaourintin, Meriadeg, Neventer, Paskwiten, Rivodius, Sterenn, Tegwenn.
The charm of old Breton first names
If you are looking for a rare pearl full of history and mystery, old Breton first names offer a particularly poetic return to basics. For little girls, forgotten first names are coming back to the forefront, likeAzenor (meaning “honor”) or Rosen, which celebrates the beauty of wild nature through its translation of “rose”. We also think of Maiwen, a strong and melodious traditional first name, born from the association of Marie and Gwenn (“white, pure”). On the boys’ side, the first names of old kings and Armorican saints bring a unique character and a rhythmic sound. This is the case of Gwendal (“white front” or “trustworthy”), Maeldan (meaning “prince of fire”) or even Tual (or Tudual, which translates as “valiant people”). Choosing one of these ancient first names means offering your child a strong identity, cradled by the legends and authenticity of Celtic culture.
What are the short Breton first names in 4 letters?
Among the first names for boys in 4 letters, from Brittanywe find Yann, Your, Yoan, Soig, which can also be spelled Saig. Breton first names Reun, Nothing, Riou, Riog are also four-letter options for boys! For girls, we think of Luna, Yuna, Mari, Kael, Aela, Liza, Lena. The particularity of short Breton first namesis that they tend to be very soft to the ear, more delicate than long names.
What are the mixed Breton first names?
Among the Breton mixed first nameswe obviously think of Gwennwhich is used for both genders, and which comes from Gwenaëlle for girls and Gwénolé for boys. Diversity is also found on the side of Meven, Maho, Melen or even Melar. Jud or even Jil, Juhel can be given to girls as well as boys. This is also the case of Judicaël, which is however not spelled the same way for girls: Judicaëlle. Available in different versions, we also find Louen, Lowen, Louan, Louanewhich are mixed depending on the writings we choose. Gaël and Gaëlle are also Breton first names that suit both baby girls and little boys.
Ideas for rare Breton first names
Are you looking for a rare first name for your baby, from Brittany? For boys, you have the choice between first names Gralon, Gourmelen, Gloutron, Gaiwin, Houarnon, HouarvianFor example. Rarely given, there are also: Getenok, Armel, Awenig, Brivaël and Budogan. On the girls’ side we also find rare first names, like Rozven (meaning wind rose), inspired by Rozen, which means “Rose”. Brewen is also a rarity, as Armaelle, Joeva, Jaoua, Kaelig, Kadvaelle, Maëlane, Merwen, Rivelen.
