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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Worn by around 6,500 people in France and ranked among the 400 most popular first names in 2024, this old first name still appeals to many parents. Behind his success lies a major historical and religious figure: a talented craftsman who became a close royal advisor, before ending up as a bishop.
The first name Eloi, worn by around 6,500 people in France today, continues to appeal to young parents. In 2024, it is among the most popular first names in the country, ranking in the top 400 most assigned first names. But where does this very particular first name come from, imbued with both spirituality and historical tradition? Doctissimo reveals all the secrets of this name to you.
Eloi: a first name of holiness and history
The history of the first name Eloi is closely linked to that of Saint Eloi, a character whose fame goes far beyond the boundaries of time. Born at the start of the 7th century, Eloi was a brilliant goldsmith, known for his skill in working precious metals. His reputation was such that he was called to the court of King Dagobert I, where he became his chief financier and a close advisor.
It is in the famous song of King Dagobert that the memory of Saint Eloi has crossed the centuries, immortalized in a playful way. In this childish nursery rhyme, we find an implacable and conscientious Eloi, who reminds the dazed king that his pants are on backwards. An anecdote full of humor which highlights the rigor of the great saint in the face of the human weaknesses of the king. This amusing passage shows that Eloi, a man of rigor and discipline, gave the king no respite, while remaining a respected character without rancor.
But who really was this great man against whom Dagobert expressed no bitterness? Saint Eloi, beyond his role as a financial advisor, is also known to have played a major role in the Church. After faithfully serving his king, he became bishop of Noyon. In addition to his qualities as an artisan and financial manager, he was also a zealous evangelizer in the most remote regions of Gaul.
If the first name Eloi is crowned with holiness, it is in particular because Saint Eloi is one of the rare historical figures who occupied a political and economic function to end up canonized. This detail is quite singular: it is indeed unusual for a Minister of Finance to one day see himself elevated to the rank of saint. Éloi’s exceptional integrity and his deep commitment to the Christian faith undoubtedly explain this exceptional recognition.
A first name between tradition and modernity
The first name Eloi, long associated with the pious figure of the saint, has survived the ages and adapted to modern trends. Even today, it inspires thousands of parents, charmed by its history and its ancient resonance. Éloi is not only the first name of a man of God and trust, but also that of an artisan, an advisor close to power and a protector of the weak. It is a first name that embodies loyalty, rigor and humility, while remaining imbued with simplicity.
If we wonder about the popularity of this first name in 2024, it is possible that its timeless aspect, associated with a strong and virtuous personality, explains its lasting success. With its history both rich and accessible, the first name Eloi continues to shine, uniting religious tradition, historical value and modernity in the choice of French families.
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