Choosing a name for a child has evolved significantly since the repeal of the Bonaparte law in 1993, with a vast increase in options available today. Historically, the name Marie dominated female naming trends in France, largely due to its biblical roots and royal associations. However, its popularity has declined, with only 597 newborns named Marie in 2023 compared to over 52,000 in 1901. Contemporary trends favor names like Emma and Jade, signaling a shift towards uniqueness over tradition.
The Evolution of Baby Names: A Shift in Trends
Choosing the perfect name for your child can be quite a challenge. Prior to the repeal of the Bonaparte law in 1993, parents had a limited selection of approved names. According to *L’Officiel des Prénoms 2025*, published by Editions First, the variety of names has expanded dramatically, with 20 times more options available today compared to a century ago. This has resulted in a greater number of individuals sharing the same name, while the significance of names has evolved into a symbol of our individuality, impacting both personal and professional aspects of life.
Marie: The Timeless Name of the Past
Naming trends have always been in flux. For many years, a particular female name consistently topped the charts but has since fallen from grace. Can you guess which name enjoyed immense popularity in the early 1900s? Since the dawn of the 20th century, this female name has been one of the most frequently given names in France, boasting over 2.2 million instances since 1900. Names like Jeanne, Françoise, Monique, and Catherine also appear among the most common names throughout the last 123 years, according to the 2023 Insee report.
The name in question is *Marie*. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to several factors, including its strong biblical ties; Marie, the mother of Jesus, is a prominent figure in the Gospels. Additionally, this name is woven into the fabric of French history, associated with notable queens such as Marie de Médicis and Marie-Antoinette. The name has maintained its popularity since the Middle Ages, taking on various forms like Maria or Mary, and it dominated the name charts from 1900 to the mid-20th century.
Despite its rich historical significance, Marie’s prominence in modern naming practices is on the decline. While still a common choice, it no longer holds the same esteem as in previous generations. In 2023, it was recorded among the top 100 female names, but the numbers tell a different story: only *597 newborns* were given the name Marie, a stark contrast to the 52,150 instances in 1901. The landscape of names has diversified significantly, favoring innovation and uniqueness over traditional choices.
As new, trendy names like *Emma, Louise, Gabrielle,* and *Jade* gain popularity, classic names are becoming increasingly rare. While *Marie and Jean* continue to carry historical weight, having been bestowed upon more than 800,000 individuals, the winds of change are evident in France’s naming trends. In their work, authors Stéphanie Rapoport and Claire Tabarly Perrin suggest that these classic names may soon become relics of the past, unlikely to see a resurgence in widespread use moving forward.