Serge

Serge is a masculine given name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Sergius. It has been adopted in many languages and has several variants, including Sergio in Italian and Spanish, Sergiu in Romanian, and Serge in Slavic regions in some contexts. In Francophone countries, Serge has been a common given name since medieval times and has been borne by artists, scientists, and public figures alike. The name is often connected to the historical Latin root Sergius, and related forms appear across Europe.

Notable individuals named Serge include Serge Gainsbourg (1928–1991), a French musician, composer, and actor known for influential contributions to French pop and chanson. Other figures with the name span fields such as politics, academia, and the arts, reflecting the name’s broad cultural reach.

Serge also denotes a type of fabric in textile terminology. Serge is a durable twill fabric, typically made from wool or wool blends, though cotton and synthetic variants exist. It features a diagonal rib created by the twill weave and is used for suits, jackets, and uniforms due to its drape and resilience. The fabric has historical ties to European textile traditions; the name is often linked to the French word serge and to early high-wort fabrics associated with medieval trade centers such as Nîmes, albeit with uncertain exact etymology. In modern use, serge fabrics are categorized by weight and weave, including worsted serge, and come in a wide range of colors and finishes.