A recent survey by FLASHS reveals that 7% of the French population dislikes their names, with women expressing more dissatisfaction than men. While 93% appreciate their names, many find them ordinary or outdated, leading to teasing experiences. Parents prioritize pronunciation, originality, and family approval when naming children, yet 8% regret their choices. Annually, around 10,000 name changes occur in France, with growing support for naming regulations, although many advocate for parental freedom in naming.
Understanding Name Preferences in France
Marie-Andrée, a resident of Metz, expresses her dissatisfaction with her first name, describing it as “a bit heavy” and “a bit long.” Her feelings resonate with a surprising 7% of the French population who share a dislike or even hatred for their given names, according to a recent survey by the FLASHS organization. This study, which analyzed responses from 2,000 individuals, including 1,300 parents, reveals that a significant majority, nearly 93%, appreciate their names, with 48% stating they love them and 45% feeling neutral towards them. Interestingly, a gender divide exists, with women more likely to be unhappy with their names—9% of women compared to just 4% of men.
Perceptions and Experiences Surrounding Names
Among those who express dissatisfaction, common sentiments include finding their names “ordinary,” as stated by 27% of respondents, while 14% categorize their names as “old-fashioned.” Maryline, who was interviewed at the Metz market, shared her frustration with her name, linking it to Marilyn Monroe and describing it as outdated. This association with a bygone era or a famous personality can often lead to unwanted teasing, which 21% of French individuals have experienced, particularly during their school years. Even today, 5% continue to face such ridicule. Shopkeepers Aline and Aline find humor in the teasing they receive daily, referencing a popular song when customers learn their names.
On the flip side, 20% of the population considers their names “original,” especially if the name aligns well with their profession. For instance, Marie-Rose, a florist, humorously reflects on how her name was a fitting choice, even if it wasn’t intentional. Notably, only 18% of individuals have expressed grievances towards their parents regarding their names or have contemplated a name change without discussing it with them.
Parental Concerns and Name Changes in France
The study indicates that a substantial 73% of couples collaborate on naming their children. Their primary considerations include ease of pronunciation (33%), the desire to prevent teasing (32%), the aim of choosing an original name (31%), and selecting a name with a meaningful significance (28%). Family approval also influences name choices, with 26% of parents opting for names that resonate with their loved ones, while 11% adhere to family traditions.
Annually, around 10,000 individuals in France officially change their first names. Interestingly, 8% of parents regret their choices. This regret can stem from a lack of conviction in their decision (3%) or realizing the implications of their choice over time (5%). An illustrative case involved a couple wishing to rename their child just three weeks after birth, only to have their request denied due to legal stipulations regarding name changes.
This year, the Court of Cassation acknowledged that prolonged use of a different name could constitute a legitimate interest for a name change, particularly in instances where the child had been called by a different name for over three years.
While many parents recognize the potential weight of their naming choices, others may underestimate their impact. For instance, in Denmark, prospective parents must select names from an approved list to prevent negative consequences. Although such regulations do not exist in France, a notable 58% believe some form of oversight should be implemented, with 11% advocating for stricter regulations on permissible names. Conversely, nearly 19% of respondents argue that parents should have complete freedom in naming their children.