This feminine first name has been a hit in France since the 1980s. Abroad, it is its variant that appeals to young parents, for several reasons.
Certain first names have a symbolism of their own, as soon as they are pronounced. And when they are available in several languages, their success is resounding. This is the case of this feminine first name which was rather discreet until the end of the 19th century with two peaks, in 1918 and 1945. But since the 1980s, undoubtedly helped by the generational success of the film La Boum, the first name Victoire sees her popularity skyrocket. Sophie Marceau who plays Vic has contributed to the interest of this pretty feminine first name for young parents.
With its more polyglot sound, the first name Victoria “is also taking on the international charts, ignoring borders. It is gaining recognition in German-speaking, English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking and Italian-speaking countries”, specifies the Official First Names (editions First). In French-speaking countries, the first name Victoria is also a success, reaching the top 20 in Quebec, Wallonia and French-speaking Switzerland, explain the authors of the book Stéphanie Rapoport and Claire Tabarly Perrin.
So, Victoire or Victoria? It all depends on the cities and countries: Victoria will be easier to pronounce abroad, and is also a hit in Paris since this first name has been in the top 20 for several years. The first name Victoire is rather in the lead at the national level, climbing into the first 25 places in the ranking, and slightly takes over in number of births over the first name Victoria. In 2022, there were 1772 Victoires and 1452 Victorias in France.
It must be said that this first name is steeped in history, referring to Queen Victoria who reigned in the United Kingdom from 1837 to her death in 1901. It is also one of the longest reigns in history. , so much so that his period is called the Victorian era. This feminine first name which comes from the Latin Victoria also echoes the patroness of the Roman legions, represented by a winged goddess who hands a laurel wreath to the winner. A first name that should inspire many parents as the Olympic Games approach this year.