🇫🇷 France
10,000
Total names
5,000
Male names
5,000
Female names
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 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.