A name is one of the first things you’ll receive in life, so it’s no wonder that so many people place such significance on names. This remains true across the world, and especially in France.
French names have changed throughout the years in response to historical events and figures, language changes, parental desires, and more. There is a wide variety of French names currently in use, a list which is ever growing as parents become more creative and seek inspiration for unique names.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most popular French names over the years, “banned” French names, inspiration for an amazing name, and fun facts about the French language.
Read more: 290 French Girl Names / 270 French Boy Names
Top Ten Most Popular French Names
Insee
, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, provides data on French names, fertility rates, and related information, starting in 1900 and running to the present.
Parents can find inspiration for names from many sources, including the past, religion, their heritage, iconic figures, and more. Learning about the history of French names is an integral part of this, as it often influences modern choices.
Their most current data is from 2019. During that year, the top ten most popular first names for girls and boys were:
| Popularity Ranking | Girl Names |
| #1 | Emma |
| #2 | Jade |
| #3 | Louise |
| #4 | Alice |
| #5 | Lina |
| #6 | Chloé |
| #7 | Rose |
| #8 | Léa |
| #9 | Mila |
| #10 | Ambre |
| Popularity Ranking | Boy Names |
| #1 | Gabriel |
| #2 | Léo |
| #3 | Raphaël |
| #4 | Arthur |
| #5 | Louis |
| #6 | Lucas |
| #7 | Adam |
| #8 | Jules |
| #9 | Hugo |
| #10 | Maël |
When compared with earlier decades and the most popular names of all time, both of which are outlined in the following sections, these names show greater diversity and creativity. They reflect the growing wish by parents to give their children more unique names, unencumbered with historical or familial weight.
However, this trend is balanced by a similarly increasing number of parents who want their child’s name to be rooted in their heritage, religion, etc. Whether you want a name that’s never been seen before or a name that’s known throughout the ages, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading for more information about historically popular French names and inspiration for French names.
Most Popular Names Through the Decades
These are the top names for girls and boys over the decades, starting with 2010 and working backwards all the way to 1900. We’ve also included the second and third most popular names in parentheses.
| Popularity Ranking | Girl Names |
| 2010 – 2019 | Emma (Jade & Louise) |
| 2000 – 2009 | Léa (Emma & Manon) |
| 1990 – 1999 | Laura (Marie & Camille) |
| 1980 – 1989 | Aurélie (Emilie & Céline) |
| 1970 – 1979 | Sandrine (Nathalie & Stéphanie) |
| 1960 – 1969 | Sylvie (Nathalie & Isabelle) |
| 1950 – 1959 | Marie (Martine & Françoise) |
| 1940 – 1949 | Marie (Monique & Nicole) |
| 1930 – 1939 | Marie (Monique & Jacqueline) |
| 1920 – 1929 | Marie (Jeanne & Jacqueline) |
| 1910 – 1919 | Marie (Jeanne & Madeleine) |
| 1900 – 1909 | Marie (Jeanne & Marguerite) |
| Popularity Ranking | Boy Names |
| 2010 – 2019 | Gabriel (Lucas & Louis) |
| 2000 – 2009 | Lucas (Enzo & Thomas) |
| 1990 – 1999 | Thomas (Alexandre & Kevin) |
| 1980 – 1989 | Nicolas (Julien & Sébastien) |
| 1970 – 1979 | Christophe (David & Stéphane) |
| 1960 – 1969 | Philippe (Eric & Pascal) |
| 1950 – 1959 | Jean (Michel & Alain) |
| 1940 – 1949 | Jean (Michel & Daniel) |
| 1930 – 1939 | Jean (Michel & André) |
| 1920 – 1929 | Jean (André & Pierre) |
| 1910 – 1919 | Jean (André & Pierre) |
| 1900 – 1909 | Jean (Louis & Pierre) |
You’ll notice a similar trend from 1900 – 1950, during which time the most popular girl and boy names remained the same. Similarly, the second and third most popular names for each gender often held steadfast for more than one decade.
If you were to look through history and the iconic figures of each decade, you’re likely to find these names popping up.
For example, Marie was one of the most popular names across several decades, which is unsurprising given the prevalence of famous French women with the same name. Marie Antoinette, Marie Curie, Marie de’ Medici, Marie Louise Marguerite Belèze, and Marie Tussaud are just a few examples of iconic figures that have risen through the years.
Most Popular Names of All Time
These are the top ten most popular names of all time, all the way from 1900 to 2019.
| Popularity Ranking | Girl Names |
| #1 | Marie |
| #2 | Jeanne |
| #3 | Françoise |
| #4 | Monique |
| #5 | Catherine |
| #6 | Nathalie |
| #7 | Isabelle |
| #8 | Jacqueline |
| #9 | Sylvie |
| #10 | Anne |
| Popularity Ranking | Boy Names |
| #1 | Jean |
| #2 | Pierre |
| #3 | Michel |
| #4 | André |
| #5 | Philippe |
| #6 | Louis |
| #7 | René |
| #8 | Alain |
| #9 | Jacques |
| #10 | Bernard |
Most of these names were ranked first or second for multiple years, while others are on the list because of the sheer quantity of people named after them.
- Marie – Ranked #1 from 1900 – 1954 and again from 1966 – 1958; as of 2019, a total of 2,232,238 people are currently named Marie.
- Jean – Ranked #1 from 1900 – 1957; as of 2019, a total of 1,914,553 people are currently named Jean.
- Jeanne – Ranked #2 from 1900 – 1927; as of 2019, a total of 557,640 are currently named Jeanne.
- Pierre – Ranked #2 in 1915; as of 2019, a total of 891,243 people are currently named Pierre.
- Françoise – Ranked #2 in 1949; as of 2019, a total of 401,471 people are currently named Franćoise.
- Michel – Ranked #2 from 1934 – 1955; as of 2019, a total of 820,295 people are currently named Michel.
- Monique – Ranked #2 from 1935 – 1948; as of 2019, a total of 399,706 people are currently named Monique.
- André – Ranked #2 from 1909 – 1914 and 1916 – 1933; as of 2019, a total of 711,845 people are currently named André.
- Catherine – Ranked #1 in 1960; as of 2019, a total of 394,662 people are currently named Catherine.
- Philippe – Ranked #1 from 1958 – 1964; as of 2019, a total of 538,421 people are currently named Philippe.
- Nathalie – Ranked #1 from 1965 – 1971; as of 2019, a total of 382,887 people are currently named Nathalie.
- Louis – Ranked #2 from 1900 – 1908 and in 2017; as of 2019, a total of 521,429 people are currently named Louis.
- Isabelle – Ranked #2 in 1966; as of 2019, a total of 378,006 people are currently named Isabelle.
- René – Ranked #4 from 1920 – 1930; as of 2019, a total of 516,171 people are currently named René.
- Jacqueline – Ranked #2 from 1928 – 1934; as of 2019, a total of 372,445 people are currently named Jacqueline.
- Alain – Ranked #3 from 1947 – 1953; as of 2019, a total of 506,898 people are currently named Alain.
- Sylvie – Ranked #1 from 1961 – 1964; as of 2019, a total of 364,632 people are currently named Sylvie.
- Jacques – Ranked #5 from 1941 and 1942; as of 2019, a total of 482,714 people are currently named Jacques.
- Anne – Ranked #11 in 1942 and 1944; as of 2019, a total of 364,416 people are currently named Anne.
- Bernard – Ranked #3 from 1942 and 1943; as of 2019, a total of 469,205 people are currently named Bernard.
Some of these are truly unique, while others are still common today. But all of them have one thing in common: they’re beautiful names that many children would love.
Read more: 290 French Girl Names / 270 French Boy Names
A Brief History of Naming Laws In France
In 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte declared that, going forward, the only first names for children allowed were those “in use in the various calendars and those of known figures from ancient history.”
Simply titled ‘Law Relating to First Names and Name Changes,’ it released a specific list of names that were acceptable and fell within the parameters mentioned above.
Names from “various calendars” referred to the names of saints in the Roman Catholic calendar. Figures from ancient history encompassed names of historical and mythological figures, such as Achilles.
For children whose names didn’t fall in line with this decree, parents could put in a request to change the first name. Those who were of legal age or emancipated could request a name change independent of their family.
Napoleon released a similar law in 1808, decreeing that all Jews without a fixed surnamed or first name must adopt one within three months of the law’s publication. Names from the Old Testament and names of towns were “expressly forbidden.”
Consistories were ordered to make a list of all the Jews in their community and report those who had not followed the law or who had adopted names that were “not in conformity” with the laws.
Anyone who did not comply with the law within three months of its release were ordered “expelled from the territory.”
The list of acceptable names was expanded on an annual basis, even after 1815 when Bonaparte was no longer in power. Names with regional significance were eventually allowed, as were popular foreign names.
But in 1993, these laws were overturned and parents were once again allowed to name their children freely… sort of.
French Names That Are Still “Banned”
There is one catch to this freedom: parents can’t name their child anything that might be “contrary to the interests of the child.” Historically, the courts have interpreted this as names that could lead to teasing or future difficulties in receiving an education, getting a job, etc.
For example, here is a list of names that French officials have rejected over the years:
- Nutella – In 2015, the courts rejected the baby named Nutella, and instead named the four-month-old child Ella after the parents failed to appear on their court date.
- Prince William – One couple in 2015 wanted to name their son Prince William and, once that was rejected, Mini Cooper (which was also rejected).
- Strawberry – The name Fraise (‘strawberry’ in French) was also rejected in 2015, replaced by the court-approved and similar-sounding name Fraisine.
- MJ – In 2012, officials ruled against the names MJ and Emjy, a homage to Michael Jackson. Instead, courts renamed the boy Jean, originally his middle name.
- Titeuf – The name of a hero from a popular comic series was rejected in 2009 by local judges, a decision that was upheld even after the parents appealed to a higher court.
- Happy – In 2006, courts ruled that parents could not name their baby Joyeux (‘happy’ in French) or the alternative Patriste (a take on pas triste, “not sad” in French).
- Folavril – Courts rejected the name Folavril, after a popular fragrance, in 1996; instead, they approved the name Zoé for the child.
- Babar – The name Babar, after an elephant from a popular children’s book, was rejected by courts in 1993.
- Manhattan – In 1983, French officials rejected a parent’s request to name their daughter Manhattan, a decision that was upheld even after appeal.
- Gloarnic – The courts rejected this name in 1980 on the grounds that it was made up, despite the parent’s claims that it was connected to their regional heritage.
The courts have also rejected names based on characters over the years. For example, officials ruled against the name Fañch in 2017 because of the use of the tilde, an accent placed over the lowercase ‘n.’ Officials stated that the French language did not recognize the character.
However, parents that run afoul of French naming officials (or parents-to-be who worry about their ideas for unique names) have some hope.
Though it took several years, the courts finally recognized the name Fañch with the traditional Breton spelling.
Inspiration for French Names
Though French officials will have the final say, there are still plenty of options when it comes to names. To help you find inspiration, we’ve included a list of topics to spark your imagination. And for easy reference, we’ve even included some example names.
- Historical Figures – Think about some famous figures in French or world history, whether that history was made last year or in the last century. Marie (as in Marie Curie and Marie Antoinette), Victor (Victor Hugo), and Coco (Ms. Chanel herself) are three examples of names that hark from historical roots.
- Literature and Art – If you’re interested in culture and love literature or arts, consider choosing a well-known name from either of those categories. Alexander (a more modern spelling of Alexandre Dumas), Claude (Claude Monet), and Paul (Cézanne and Gauguin) are three names that would easily fit in.
- Film and Television – Similar to the arts, you can also choose a name from film or TV. However, make sure the name isn’t too unique, which could lead to bullying later on. Anouk (after Anouk Aimée), Brigitte (Bardot) and Yves (Montand) are three famous figures whose names still stand out.
- Religion – Though Napoleon’s laws have since been repealed, you could still find inspiration from religious icons and texts. Adelaide, Hilary, and Geneviève are three French saints.
- Heritage – Let the past inspire your present; pick a name that resonates with your or your family’s personal history. Imad (a popular Muslim name), Michael (a Roman Catholic religious figure), and Adela (a Germanic name) are three examples of names that can connect people across time.
- Patriotism – If you love your country, then there’s nothing wrong with naming your children in honor of them. For example, the names Iris, Coco, and Faye are all in reference to France’s national flower (the Iris), national animal (coq, the Gallic rooster), and national dish (Pot-au-Feu).
- Family and Friends – Just like names inspired by your heritage, you can also source names from the family members and friends closest to you. They’d no doubt consider it an honor for your child to be named after or similar to them.
- Classic – In the lists above, we discussed the most popular baby names by year and decade. These ageless favorites would no doubt be a perfect fit. Jeanne, Louis, and Isabelle are three examples of names that have been heard throughout the past, and will no doubt continue to ring common in the future.
- Inspired – If you’re worried a name you like being rejected, think of similar names that may be more palatable for the French courts. For example, while you may not be able to name your child pomme (“apple”), Pauline could be an alternative. Similarly, Astrid is close to Astérix and Laura is vaguely alike to L’Oréal.
When in doubt, think about nouns: people, places, and things are three trustworthy and limitless sources of inspiration.
There’s plenty of people on the list above, but you can also consider famous places. Léon, Lily, and Troy are three examples of names inspired by Lyon, Lille, and Troyes, respectively. These are fairly straightforward interpretations; with some creativity and patience, we’re sure you could do even better!
And in terms of things, you’re literally surrounded by inspiration. Céline and Cici are two possible takes on arc-en-ciel (“rainbow”), just like Aimee is from aimer (“love”) and Beau is from berceau (“cradle”).
We’ve highlighted some rejected French names over the years, but you shouldn’t let the fear of this guide your choices. Instead, simply keep it in mind as you look over the nearly-endless list of names that you’ve no doubt compiled as a result of all this inspiration.
Name-Related Questions and Considerations
And just in case you’ve got a bit too much inspiration and your list of potential names is getting unwieldy, below are some points for your consideration. These may help you narrow down your choices or break the tie between two names you love.
- Gendered vs. Unisex – Do you want your baby’s name to be gendered or unisex? And as for unisex names, how long has the name been separated from a gender identifier (i.e., how long as it been since the name was considered a “boy name” or a “girl name”)?
- Future Feelings – Try to think back when you were a child; what embarrassed you? There are plenty of us that regret our parents’ pick for first or middle name. Think about which of your names could cause similar feelings in your child.
- Common vs. Unique – On the one hand, you want your child to stand out. But on the other, you also don’t want their name to be so singular that it causes issues. Try to toe this line and think about whether your name is too common, too unique, or just right.
- Deeper Meaning – Do you want your child’s name to have a deeper meaning? Some parents don’t care, while other parents want their child’s name to have a personal, historical, etc. significance.
- Memories – Are there any memories attached to the names on your list? Camille might be a beautiful name, but if it’s just going to remind you of a childhood bully or work frenemy, it may be best to steer clear.
- Alternatives – How attached are you to one name? Are you willing to change it if requested or are you willing to fight for it (for years, if need be) like Fañch’s parents? This is one instance where having a long list of beloved names can come in handy.
- Slang and Language – Language is evolving all the time, so this is a tricky question. But consider: are any of your names reminiscent of current slang? Could a sleight of tongue insert their name into a common phrase or insult?
- Historical Precedence – You may want your child’s name to be inspired by history, but this can quickly backfire if the name is shared with ill-received figures. For example, Adolf and Napoleon aren’t exactly popular names anymore (for obvious reasons).
And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for the opinion of your friends and family. They may have opinions, experiences, or insights that you hadn’t thought about before. Their input may very well sway you towards one name or the other (or make you want to steer clear of them).
Fun Facts About French Names
Just when you thought you knew it all, here are some fun facts about France and French names. Check out this list of ‘Did You Know?’s’ and myth-busting statistics to learn more about the French language and people.
The French Language Across Borders and Time
You don’t actually have to live in France to give your child a French name. Neither names nor languages are limited by borders.
French is actually an official language in more than 20 countries. These include Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Niger, and more.
And that’s not even including the places where French is spoken regardless of the national language. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear French being spoken fluently in the U.S. or South America. Even within France, the language morphs into different dialects across the country. What you hear in Paris may differ drastically from Lyon or Marseille.
And the farther back you go in history, the more this changes. In fact, French wasn’t even all that common before the French Revolution. Prior prior to L’académie française (The French Academy) being established in the 1600s, French was barely recognized or developed as its own language.
Before this, Latin was the most common language you’d hear in what we consider modern-day France. This means that French names aren’t so straightforward. If you go back far enough, “French” names actually turn into Latin and Germanic names.
But if you’re looking for a name inspired by your heritage, your country’s past, or just want something less common, these types of names are great starting points!
Least and Most Common French Letters
You may not have noticed this when we were going over all those different names, but none of them start with the letter ‘w.’ This is purposeful and not likely to change anytime soon.
The letter ‘w’ doesn’t appear in the French language commonly. There are some exceptions to this, such as for international brands or words that have no real translation across languages. “Wendy’s” and “wagon” are spelled and pronounced the same in France and America, for example.
But words that originate from France don’t tend to include this letter, despite including what we may think of a ‘w’-sounding pronunciation. “Warsaw” becomes varsovie, “walrus” becomes morse, and “want” is vouloir.
Similarly, the letter ‘ï’ (called the trema) isn’t a common sight in the French language. You’ll see it used in words such as maïs (“but”), aïoli, and naïve. Conversely, you’re going to see the letter ‘e’ a lot when it comes to the French language! ‘E’ is one of the most common letters, along with ‘a’ and ‘s.’
This isn’t really surprising, considering ‘e’ is also one of the most common letters in the English, German, and Italian languages. (We’re sure there are more languages where ‘e’ is one of the most common letters, but we don’t have room to list them all here.)
As proof of their love of the letter ‘e’ are several French words that actually have not one, not two, but three successive ‘e’s’ in a row! Agréée (“approved”), créée (“created”) and énucléée (“removed”) are three examples of these words.
So if you’re going for a really unique French name, including the letter ‘w’ or ‘ï’ is an easy way to make your baby stand out. But keep in mind, a court may reject any name with a trema, just like they initially rejected the tilde.
On the other hand, it may be difficult to avoid picking a name with the letter ‘e.’ But if you’re up for a challenge and want to have some fun with names, it’s an interesting brain teaser.
Facts About Maternity and Fertility
While names may change from year to year, other related statistics change little, if at all. For example, the average age of mothers has only slightly increased. In 2000, the average age of women with children 29.3 years old. In 2010, the average age had only risen to 29.9. And in 2020, this average rose roughly one year, to 30.8.
Data available for metropolitan France (versus more modern data that accounts for France’s entire population) also refutes the common notion that women had more children at a younger age “back in the day.”
The oldest records date back to 1946 and reveal that the average age of mothers, even then, is closer to modern statistics than many might think. In 1946, the average age of a mother was 28.8 years.
This doesn’t mean that there weren’t teenage or young mothers, but hints that the naming trends weren’t isolated to younger demographics.
With so many mothers falling in the upper-20’s and lower-30’s range, it’s likely that developments we attribute to younger generations (such as giving your child an “outlandish” or “completely unique” name) were actually more widespread across age demographics.
It just goes to show that every mother wants their child to feel special and loved, no matter what their age is. And picking out the perfect name is just one way to accomplish this.
Read more: 290 French Girl Names / 270 French Boy Names