Prénoms

Prénoms, the French word for given names, are an integral part of French culture and identity. Like elsewhere, a prénom is typically chosen by parents for their child and serves as a personal identifier. The selection of a prénom often carries significant meaning, reflecting family traditions, religious beliefs, popular trends, or desired qualities.

Historically, religious names were very common, with saints' names like Marie and Jean dominating for centuries. In more recent times, a wider variety of names has become popular, influenced by international trends, literature, and historical figures. There are also regional variations in name popularity within France.

French law allows parents considerable freedom in choosing a prénom, though certain names that are considered contrary to the child's interest or that are common nouns might be refused by civil registrars. The official registration of a prénom is a crucial step in a child's life, establishing their legal identity. The practice of having multiple prénoms is also common, often honoring several family members or saints. These additional names are part of the official record but are typically not used in everyday conversation.