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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
In a context where classic first names are making a comeback, certain feminine names, imbued with nobility and simplicity, appeal to today’s parents. Doctissimo highlights a French first name of Germanic origin.
The first name Aude is a feminine first name of Germanic origin, coming from the term “ald” which means “old” or “noble” or even “wealth”. It is part of the lineage of historical first names which combine sobriety and elegance. This short and powerful first name evokes strength and dignity, while remaining imbued with a certain gentleness.
A story that dates back to the Middle Ages
Aude is a first name that has stood the test of time. It became popular in the Middle Ages, particularly through female figures like Saint Aude, a pious and faithful servant of Saint Geneviève in Paris. This first name is also associated with medieval literature and poetry, where it often embodies noble and loyal characters.
If Aude is not a very publicized first name, it nevertheless appears in literature, notably in La Chanson de Roland, where Aude is the fiancée of the knight Roland. This literary reference further reinforces the image of a noble first name, linked to loyalty and heroism.
However, after reaching a peak of popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in France, it experienced some decline from the 1990s onwards. In 2024, Aude is no longer a very common first name in new births, but it remains appreciated by parents looking for a classic first name, both rare and easily identifiable.
The first name Aude has several variations: Audélia, Audélie, Audeline, Haude. There are also three Occitan forms: Auda, Audeta, Audia.
The return of classic first names in 2024
In recent years, we have observed a return to simple and timeless first names, in a context where retro first names are making a comeback. Aude fits perfectly into this trend. Unlike more modern or inventive first names, Aude is seen as a solid, elegant and easy to wear name throughout life. It also benefits from a certain rarity, which appeals to parents who want a distinct but not eccentric first name.
The renewed success of short first names, often monosyllabic, also helps to revive interest in Aude. Its absence of diminutives or complicated nicknames appeals to families who prefer full first names, carrying their own identity.
Slide: French girl’s first name: the top French female first names