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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
“Bohemian” and “retro” first names are very popular, especially in big cities. Doctissimo tells you more about a granny name that has become trendy in recent years.
The trends that influence the fashion of first names can be grouped around several themes. In 2024, the authors of the book L’Officiel des Prénoms (First Editions) count five (for girls):
- Short ones (1 to 2 syllables);
- The retro;
- The medievals;
- First names from biblical sources (Old Testament);
- The deities and first names from different mythologies.
It is a bohemian and retro first name that has sparked the interest of the editorial staff. It ranks in the top 300 most popular first names in 2024, a popularity that is stabilizing according to the experts of the book on first names but which should please many future parents.
Madeleine, a French and English first name
Madeleine means “high tower” in Greek. On the historical side, Madeleine Paulmier (a Lorraine servant in the 18th century), made small egg cakes in the shape of shells for the visit of Duke Leszczynski. These madeleines, which caused a sensation, took her name and are today appreciated throughout the world. A name that could therefore seduce the most gourmands!
On the characterology side, we attribute to little Madeleine discovery, audacity, energy, originality and resolution. A little girl who is not afraid and who lights up with her energy.
The madness of retro first names
Among the retro female first names that are coming back to the forefront, the authors of L’Officiel des Prénoms, Claire Tabarly and Stéphanie Rapoport, have chosen to offer a list for future parents: Adèle, Agathe, Aimée, Alice, Angèle, Anna, Antoinette, Apolline, Augustine, Blanche, Candice, Céleste, Célie, Clarisse, Colette, Églantine, Élise, Émilienne, Emma, Eugénie, Félicie, Hortense, Irène, Jeanne, Joséphine, Juliette, Léontine, Léopoldine, Louise, Lucie, Lucienne, Marcelle, Marguerite, Mathilde, Mona, Ophélie, Pauline, Rosalie, Rose, Sidonie, Simone, Suzanne, Victoria, Victorine, Zélie, Zoé.
And if originality is an important criterion, why not bet (like Madeleine) on a first name ending in “ène”, certainly against the current trends but so unique! Here is a small inspiring list: Adrienne, Arlène, Audrène, Carène, Célène, Célimène, Charlène, Cheyenne, Chimène, Chrislaine, Damienne, Darlène, Ébène, Émilienne, Fabienne, Germaine, Ghislaine, Gratienne, Hélène, Irène, Keren, Lorène, Lorraine, Lucienne, Magdeleine, Marjolaine, Marlène, Montaine, Mylène, Philomène, Reine, Romaine, Ségolène, Sélène, Sereine, Solène, Sosthène, Sylvaine, Tiphaine, Verlaine, Violaine, Yolaine.
Slideshow: Retro but trendy female first names!