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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Diminutive of Nathanaël or certain Breton first names, such as Gwenaël, this first name is enjoying great success today. It is also the 62nd most given male first name since 2000. Find out!
According to the authors of the book L’Officiel des Prénoms (First Editions), defining the etymological origin of this first name is not easy. Is it the diminutive of Nathanaël (“God gave”)? Or certain Breton first names, like Gwenaël (“white angel”)? Or the Arabic translation of “who has quenched his thirst”? Whatever its roots, this vast semantic register allows it to be daring and could well appeal to many future parents.
Naël, a first name that is seeing its popularity rise to the top
Non-existent in 2000, the first name Naël had more than 1,000 births in 2010, and almost doubled the number 10 years later. Today he proudly displays his 19th rank in the ranking. Judging by this alert pace of growth, we can bet that it has not yet reached its peak. This first name is a real “chameleon” for its ability to assimilate current trends and identity differences. Quick to adapt and rich in its multiple references, it appeals to parents looking for a first name that is short, up-to-date and anchored in distinct cultures and religions. We therefore promise him a bright future! Moreover, Naël is the 62nd most given first name since the year 2000. It is given to almost one boy in 160 today.
In terms of character, we attribute to Naël courage, curiosity, independence, dynamism and a certain charisma. Little boys who don’t go unnoticed!
Note: Some celebrities have this pretty first name. This is the case of Naël Marandin, actor and director, born in 1980 as well as the trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf who chose to call his son Naël.
Its more shy female version in the ranking
Naël’s female career is more uncertain. Although she preceded her male counterpart by emerging in the registers in the 1980s, Naëlle has enjoyed esteemed success in the last 2 decades. But its apotheosis is currently capped at 500 births. It will be difficult for him to emerge from the shadow of his little brother Naël. In addition, Maëlle, the latest muse of the genre to make a mark, demonstrated that the endings in “ëlle” arouse less enthusiasm in the feminine than in the masculine. On the other hand, Anaëlle, the Breton form of Anne, climbs into the top 130. A little extra letter opens up the field of possibilities.
Slide: Breton first names for your child: our list of inspiring ideas