Insee Première · September 2026 · n° 2127

80 Years of First Names: Increasing Diversity

Whilst Gabriel and Louise were the most popular first names in 2025, the landscape of first names given to babies born in France has undergone a profound transformation over 80 years. From 8,007 different first names given to children born in 1946 to 65,940 for those born in 2025, parents’ choices have become much more diverse, largely due to the relaxation of regulations. With this much wider range of first names available today, fewer and fewer babies are given the same name: the five most popular first names in 2025 accounted for 6% of boys' births and 4% of girls' births, compared with 33% and 21% in 1946. Even timeless names such as Marie and Jean, deeply rooted in the tradition of naming, are chosen far less frequently. As true generational markers, first names have an increasingly short cycle of popularity. They emerge, spread rapidly, reach a peak in popularity, and their use then declines. Certain first names, such as Louise or Louis, are coming back into fashion after decades out of the limelight. Unique first names are becoming more common, reflecting parents’ quest for originality.