Baby Name Generator
Finding the name, the right one, the one that will sound just right for a lifetime: it may be the sweetest and the hardest decision of pregnancy. This baby name generator draws from 300 hand-picked names, enriched with official civil registry statistics: for each idea, you know whether the name is rare or widespread, and whether it's rising or declining. Filter, generate, keep your favorites.
A beautiful first name can sound off with certain last names. Try it:
Statistics from the Insee (the French national statistics institute) first-names file (civil registry, France). Averages calculated over the last five years published.
How does this baby name generator work?
Most generators shuffle thousands of names without telling you the essential: is this name given to three children a year, or three per classroom? Here, each name is linked to the official civil registry data published by Insee, which has recorded births by first name since 1900. You can see at a glance its real rarity, from “very rare” (fewer than 10 births a year) to “very popular” (more than 2,000), and its trend: a name can be discreet today and shoot up, or the other way around.
Another deliberate choice: a short, carefully curated database rather than a directory. The 300 names offered were chosen one by one, with a verified origin, so that every suggestion is a real lead and not filler.
Current trends, backed by figures
On the boys' side, civil registry data show the lovely comeback of retro names: Marius and Marceau are climbing clearly, carried by the wave of grandfathers' names that have become stylish again. Malo confirms the breakthrough of Breton names, and Nino that of Italian sounds. On the girls' side, Iris, Luna and Alba illustrate the trend for short, luminous names, while Victoria and Giulia play the Latin charm card. Use the “rarity” filter to find the same elegance a notch before everyone else.
How to choose a baby name well
What French law says
Since 1993, parents have been free to choose their child's first name. The civil registrar may, however, alert the public prosecutor if a name seems contrary to the child's interests: the courts have already refused Nutella or Fraise. Between those extremes, anything goes, including inventing a name or drawing on any language in the world.
The habits that prevent regrets
Say the name out loud with the last name, several times, in every situation: the teacher calling roll, the waiting room, the Wednesday-night scolding. Check the initials (Paul-Ugo Tessier will thank his parents). Think about the nickname that will inevitably emerge. And if you're torn between two, keep the second as a middle name: it will remain available for life, and a change to a middle name already on record is the simplest procedure.
Rare or classic?
A very common name brings peace of mind, but your child will share a classroom with two namesakes. A very rare name makes an impression, but it will have to be spelled out for life. The “uncommon” names in our generator often offer the best balance: recognized without being everywhere.
Explore names by origin
Want to dig into a lead? Our detailed guides give the meaning and history of the most beautiful names by origin:
And if the big day is approaching faster than the decision, our due date calculator will tell you exactly how much time you have left to decide.
Frequently asked questions
How many first names can you give a child?
The law sets no maximum, but town halls recommend staying reasonable: three or four first names cover every use. Only the first will be the default everyday name; the others remain available for life.
Can you invent a name?
Yes, freedom of choice has been the rule since 1993. The only limit is the child's interests, assessed by the civil registrar and then, in case of dispute, by the judge. An invented name that is pronounceable and not obviously ridiculous goes through without difficulty.
Which names are banned in France?
There is no official list. Names deemed contrary to the child's interests are refused case by case: brand names, pejorative terms, grotesque names. Case law has rejected Nutella, Fraise and even MJ, but accepted very original names as long as they do not harm the child.
When do you have to declare the name?
The birth declaration must be made within five working days after delivery, at the town hall of the place of birth. That is when the name becomes official. Nothing stops you from arriving at the maternity ward with two finalists and deciding once you meet your baby.
A unisex name: good or bad idea?
Camille, Sacha, Alix, Eden or Deniz cross generations with no difficulty. Civil registry data show a steady rise in unisex names. The only real criteria remain how it goes with the last name and your attachment to the name.
Can you change a first name later?
Yes. Since 2016, the procedure is handled at the town hall, free of charge, simply by showing a legitimate interest. Switching to one of the child's other first names already recorded in the civil registry is even simpler: a marginal note is enough.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace the instructions of your town hall for the birth declaration.