🇫🇷 France
10,000
Total names
5,000
Male names
5,000
Female names
France's 1993 reform of Article 57 of the Civil Code transformed the country from one of Europe's most restrictive naming regimes into one of the most permissive. Today, parents have nearly complete freedom — the État civil only intervenes when a name could harm the child or create absurdity.
French parents currently favour two distinct streams: vintage French names (Léon, Jeanne, Lucie, Hugo) revived from the late 19th century, and classical Greek and Roman names — Athéna, Pénélope, Hector, Léo — which sit comfortably in the French tradition. See our guide to Greek mythology baby names and the Roman & Latin names guide.
Famous French historical names include Charlemagne, Jeanne d'Arc, and modern cultural figures from Marie Curie to Édith Piaf. The French tradition embraces both deeply Catholic names (Marie, Jean, Pierre) and pre-Christian Gallo-Roman heritage.
Naming Rules
Free choice since 1993
Parents can choose almost any name since the liberalization law of 1993. Prior to that, names had to come from an approved list.
Registrar can flag harmful names
If the civil registrar believes a name is contrary to the child's interest, they can refer the case to a family court judge.
Judge makes final decision
A family court judge can order a name change if the name is deemed harmful to the child.
No explicit gender requirement
France does not strictly require names to indicate gender.
Legal basis: Article 57 of the Code Civil (Civil Code) as amended by Law No. 93-22 of 8 January 1993.
Authority: Officier d'etat civil (civil registrar)
Popular Names in France
Top 15 Boy Names
1.Gabriel
2.Leo
3.Raphael
4.Arthur
5.Louis
6.Jules
7.Adam
8.Maël
9.Lucas
10.Hugo
11.Noah
12.Liam
13.Nathan
14.Ethan
15.Sacha
Top 15 Girl Names
1.Emma
2.Jade
3.Louise
4.Alice
5.Ambre
6.Lina
7.Rose
8.Chloe
9.Mia
10.Lea
11.Anna
12.Mila
13.Juliette
14.Romy
15.Nina
Check a specific baby name in France
50 of the most popular European baby names with full legal-status pages for France. Click any name to see its meaning, France spelling, registration process, and FAQ.
Further reading
Check a name in France
Search 10,000 names in our France database — plus 24 more European countries.
Check a Name →Last updated: April 2026. For informational purposes only. Always consult your local Officier d'etat civil for definitive answers.