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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
The first name, more than the last name, is now the central element of a person’s identity. The choice of parents is all the more decisive. To guide you, Doctissimo deciphers the first name trends. Discover one of them which will be a hit in the next months.
When it comes to finding a name for their future baby, parents can face a real headache. In fact, the national directory has 20 times more first names today than a century ago. Parents are literally… spoiled for choice!
Here is a male name that has seen its popularity increase since 1980.
Andrea, the Italian form of André
According to the Official First Names (2024 edition by First éditions), the double Greek etymology, andreia (strength, courage) and andros (masculine gender), should have convinced this first name to assume its masculinity. The history and semantic evolution which sometimes take ironic detours have made it a mixed first name. It has, in both genders, the same spelling (apart from the feminine accent). It is definitely masculine in Italian, resolutely feminine in German, Spanish or Portuguese. In French, it blurs the lines since it is attributed to both sexes.
In terms of character, little Andreas are intelligent and independent. They have a penchant for meditation and are real leaders. They do not hesitate to make decisions. We celebrate the Andreas on November 30.
Increasing popularity
This first name enjoyed some favor in the feminine before emerging in the masculine in the 1990s. Begun in the 1980s, its career in the masculine is recent and has dusted off the outdated André. Andrea grew up wisely in the shadow of flamboyant Italian first names, like Enzo or Matteo. 20 years ago, 10 times more little Andreas were born than little Andreas. Today, the relationship is reversed with twice as many male births (nearly 1,500 in 2024).
Its success is only just beginning because the new generation of parents no longer hesitates to choose mixed first names and “a” endings for their little boy. It is today worn by more than 4,000 boys in France and is one of the top 400 most given first names.
Top 20 boy names in 2024
If you prefer to find a first name that is already very popular, here are the projections of the top 20 male first names (the ranking was made in descending order of attribution).
1. Gabriel
2. Leo
3. Raphael
4. Noah
5. Mael
6. Louis
7. Jules
8. Arthur
9. Adam
10. Lucas
11. Isaac
12. Gabin
13. Eden
14. Leon
15. Hugo
16. Sasha
17. Aaron
18. Liam
19. Nael
20. Malo / Noah
Finally, remember that it is up to the parents to choose their baby’s first name. So, Aunt Yvonne’s opinion is not necessarily to be taken into account in your list of first names for your future child. Do not hesitate to consult the Official First Names (First Editions) which is full of ideas and advice.
Slide: Boy’s name in 3 letters: 40 ideas for short names for your baby