France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) has recently published its annual list of the most popular baby names for 2023. The rankings reveal a mix of timeless classics and emerging trends, reflecting a growing preference for vintage names in the country.
For girls, Louise has claimed the top spot, followed by Ambre and Alba, while Jade, previously ranked higher, has slipped to fourth place. Notable risers include Alma and Eva, showing significant popularity gains compared to last year.
On the boys’ side, Gabriel maintains its leading position, with Raphaël and Léo following closely behind. Louis has made a notable climb to fourth place, and Adam has entered the top ten, displacing Lucas from the previous year.
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Across different regions of France, preferences vary slightly, with Ambre and Alba topping some areas while Louise remains dominant in others. Overseas territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique favor the name Inaya.
Comparing with other European countries, the UK sees Olivia reclaiming the top spot for girls’ names, reflecting a broader trend influenced by cultural icons and media. In Spain, Lucía leads the girls’ list, while Hugo is favored for boys.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Sophia continues to be popular for girls, alongside Noah for boys, reflecting stable naming traditions. Italy similarly favors classic names like Sofia and Leonardo.
Overall, while influences from pop culture and historical figures shape naming trends, classic names continue to resonate strongly across Europe.
