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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Both rare and full of sweetness, this name of Greek origin, meaning “harmony” or “order”, seduces with its timeless elegance. Symbol of a return to old and refined names, it embodies a new trend in the choice of masculine names.
This ancient first name is full of history. Referring to the universe, the Medici family, the patron saint of surgeons or even the romantic shores of a famous Italian lake; it should appeal to future parents eager for culture. Discover the history, meaning and ranking of this masculine first name.
Côme, a first name with universal dimensions
In Greek, cosmos means “universe”, and by extension, order and harmony. This universal dimension suits the Medici family perfectly, which gives its letters of nobility to the first name. This old first name, formerly spelled Cosme, has long remained confidential in use. Attributed to a handful of French people until the 1980s, it takes off with the passion of a new first name, and nothing seems to stop it today. It could take root in the Parisian top 30 and soon do the same at the national level. Outside of France, Côme is struggling to make a career in French-speaking countries, with the exception of the Walloons who raise it to the edge of the top 30. Cosma, Cosmo and Cosimo, its best-known variants, are Italian. The feminine version Cosima is very rare in France.
Italian and cultural influence
The famous Florentine dynasty was founded by Cosimo the Elder, a banker and statesman. Having become the richest merchant in Florence, he became interested in painting and architecture. He invested his fortune generously, to the point of remaining known as the prince of arts and sciences in history. During the Italian Quattrocento, in the 15th century, one of his descendants, also named Cosimo, perpetuated this family tradition of cultural patronage. Still in Italy, but to the north this time, Lake Como and its romantic shores inspired illustrious musicians and writers. Franz Liszt fell madly in love with the countess and writer Marie d’Agoult there. From their union was born a daughter, Cosima (the feminine version of Cosimo in Italian), who married Wagner. The great figures of literature also succumbed to her charm. George Sand came to mourn her unhappy love affair with Alfred de Musset. Finally, in The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal, the lake site is the scene of the hero’s childhood.
Saint Cômepatron saint of surgeons, practiced medicine to help the poor, and is said to have performed the first leg transplant on a gangrenous patient. He was persecuted by the Romans in the 3rd century AD.
Côme, a first name with strong growth in the top 200
In 2024, the male name Côme is growing in popularity, although it is still relatively rare. This name is attracting more and more parents looking for names that are both classic and original. Côme has a discreet and elegant charm, which contributes to its appeal among families looking to stand out from more common names. This trend is reinforced by the return to favor of old and little-used names, emphasizing soft sounds and strong meanings.
Côme is the 134th most popular boy’s first name in France since 2000. This first name is given to almost one in 260 boys today.
Slideshow: Old first names: the top 20 boys’ first names