Benoît

Blessed.

Benoît is a French masculine name with the meaning “blessed”. It belongs to the same name family as Benedict, though its French form gives it a very different sound. The connection offers a sense of continuity without the longer, firmer ending of the English form. In French, Benoît is pronounced /bə.nwa/: approximately buh-nwah. The first vowel is light, the final t is silent, and the second syllable ends in an open “ah” sound. The circumflex belongs over the i; Benoit is also an attested spelling. Its brief opening and broad final vowel can make Benoît feel gentle and unhurried. To our ear, it has a classic, understated quality rather than an elaborate one. It may appeal if you like a name with a substantial meaning but a light spoken shape.

Etymology: The French form of Benedict, ultimately from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning “blessed”.