With the France’s national statistics bureau having just unveiled the top boys' and girls' names given last year, time to delve into the country’s ranking of the most popular names. We're looking at how they compare to some of Europe’s favourite ones, as well as the current trends. What’s in a name? France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies – or – has revealed its ranking of the most popular first names given to children born over the past year.
Louise, Gabriel, Ambre...
Some are original, others more classic – especially with the rising trend of vintage names in France. Indeed, there’s a current tendency in France for more retro names, which are enjoying something of a revival. reported earlier this year that a feminine name that was very popular in the 1910s was making a comeback: Madeleine.
The retro trend also extends to boys' names, with the popular 1900-1920s name Lucien leading the way this year. The 2023 ranking revealed that names like Louise, Jade and Ambre for girls and Gabriel, Léo and Raphaël for boys, dominated the ranking, much like they did in 2022 and 2021. The list of the most popular girls' names in France in 2023 sees Louise jump from second place last year to the top spot, ahead of Ambre and Alba, and much to the detriment of Jade, now in 4th place.
Notable popularity spikes include Alma, who was only 16th last year and is now in 7th place, and Eva, who was 29th last year and is now in the top 15, holding the 11t.
