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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
This year, an “old first name” ranks 94th among the most given male first names in France since the year 2000, a position which testifies to its popularity and its timeless charm.
This ancient first name was very widespread in Scandinavian countries and Ireland, where it spread following the Viking invasions. It took off in English-speaking countries in the middle of the 18th century, driven by the success of the Irish writer Oscar Wilde, then by the writings of James Macpherson. Indeed, the Scottish poet claimed to have found and translated a set of texts belonging to the cycle of the poet Ossian. He claimed that Oscar, a heroic warrior, was the son of Ossian and the grandson of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a character from Irish mythology. Although their authenticity has been doubted, these stories revived the interest of the Old Continent in Celtic mythology.
A first name referring to the Gods
Of Germanic origin, Oscar means “divine spear” or “spear of the gods”. This first name has appealed to different cultures and established itself over the centuries, particularly in Sweden, England, and even in English-speaking countries. In France, although less common than first names like Léon or Gabriel, it remains an attractive option for parents who are looking for a first name that is simple, evocative and imbued with nobility. Indeed, this first name was worn by several kings of Sweden and Norway.
Parisian popularity
In France, this first name is still far from arousing the enthusiasm it arouses in Paris: Oscar is stagnating in the top 80 national ranks, far behind its 24th place in Paris acquired in 2022. However, with almost one boy on 410 named Oscar today, this first name continues to maintain a privileged place in civil status registers. Oscar is neither too common nor too rare, which makes it particularly attractive to parents looking for a name that won’t go out of style. Its charm also lies in its soft sound and its historical, literary and artistic connotations.
The first name Oscar retains its place in the landscape of male first names in 2024 thanks to its perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Its ranking of 94th in France since the start of the millennium shows that it remains a popular choice for parents seeking sobriety and distinction.
Slide: Top 20 old names for boys