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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
The authors of the book L’Officiel des Prénoms analyze first name trends each year. In its 2024 edition, the book highlights a first name from the Old Testament given to nearly one in 150 boys today. Find out.
This name from the Old Testament spread from the 15th century in English-speaking countries and appeared consistently in the 1970s and 1980s in the American and English top 30s. Its European take-off is more recent. Find out which name ranks 53rd most given male first name in France since 2000.
Aaron, a name for stubborn little boys
Aaron means “spirit” in Hebrew, but (according to the experts of the Official First Names book) it certainly has an ancient Egyptian origin. Indeed, in the 7th century, Aaron, a physician from Alexandria, wrote a compilation of landmark medical treatises. Coming from the prestigious Levi tribe, Aaron, the brother of Moses in the Old Testament, intercedes with the pharaoh to ask for the liberation of his people. Despite the episode of the Golden Calf (during the prolonged absence of Moses, Aaron gave in to pressure from the people and created this symbolic substitute for God), he was forgiven and elevated to the rank of high priest. He dies without being able to enter the Promised Land.
In France, the first name Aaron appears as a young unknown: at the beginning of the 1990s, fewer than 200 French people had this first name! Following in the footsteps of Adam, another burgeoning biblical nugget, Aaron is experiencing exponential growth. He ranked 20th in France in 2019 and consolidates his position in the leading group today. Currently, Aaron is the 53rd most given male first name in France since the year 2000. It is given to almost one in 150 boys today!
Characteristically, we attribute to little Aaron a certain tenacity, method, as well as commitment. They are reliable boys who can be trusted. They like to make decisions and enjoy great leadership.
Aaron’s Arabic form attempts a breakthrough into the top 100
Haroun, the Arabic form of Aaron, is experiencing some momentum among parents, but has not yet broken into the top 100. But it is one of the first names experiencing strong growth. Moreover, in the top 200, we find first names like César, Emilio, Ezra, Gaston, Gianni, Gustave, Haroun, Ilyan, Léonard, Maëlo, Malone, Marcel, Mylan, Octave, Swan, Thiago, Tylio and Ulysse who grow vigorously; they are just waiting to break into the top 100. In 2024, 5,500 people will have the first name Haroun. Several variations are possible: Arun, Arouna, Harouna, or even Harun. Little Harouns are courageous, dynamic, curious and have a great sense of analysis. They also like to solve problems. A character that could appeal to many future parents.
Slide: Muslim and Arab first names: the top 30 male names