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Pride or burden: what the French really think of their first name

undefined undefined 1 mars 2025 undefined 09h30

The Editor

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Whether we love it or hate it, our first name stays with us for our entire life. And whether we like it or not, it influences how others perceive us. This is what a brand new study by FLASHS demonstrates, analyzing the relationship that the French have with their first names.

We know that when it's time to choose a name for your future child, whether they are born, on the way, or just a figment of your imagination, it's something pretty crucial at stake. Among the ones already used by relatives, those associated with less-than-desirable exes, or names you just can’t bear for personal reasons, it’s not always easy to find your way. Unfortunately, as human beings, it's one of the few things we can’t choose, and it’s something we carry with us for life. While some adapt quite well, others, on the contrary, suffer through it every moment of their existence.


Often mocked, rarely hated

We know that the French have a passion in life: judging others. And they can be ruthless, even when it comes to something we can’t change, like a name.

According to the new study conducted by FLASHS, nearly 1 in 3 inhabitants admit to having judged someone solely based on their first name, even before getting to know them. To further emphasize the violence we can sometimes show, 1 in 5 people say they have already been teased because of their name, especially during childhood.

Yet, all these prejudices and puns certainly do not stop the French from appreciating the name they’ve been given. And quite paradoxically, it's often those who love their name the most who are the most mocked. Overall, however, people are not too picky, since among the 2000 respondents surveyed, 93% say they are satisfied with their name. Only 7% have ever blamed their parents for it, and 11% have thought about it without actually doing anything. So, it’s a rather positive conclusion.


Choosing a name, an unspoken pressure

Especially since, well, we don’t want to point fingers at those who complain, but we would love to see them in place of ....

their parents  to choose a name for someone for the rest of their life. It's an extremely thankless task that, to ease the pressure a bit, is done together in 73% of cases. Even though, let's be honest, it’s usually women who have the final say (19% of the time, compared to only 10% for men).

Whatever the case may be, when the fateful moment arrives, as parents, we always try our best, especially not to disappoint our loved ones, whose opinions clearly matter a lot to men (in 32% of cases, the opinion of the family is essential for them). And since we know that a bad name can ruin a life, many French people are ready to tighten controls on name choices, in order to protect the children. Anyway, wherever you are in your life, we recommend starting to think about it right now.