Gabriel and Louise reign supreme as the most popular first names in France, according to the latest INSEE ranking unveiled on July 9. But what about in Nord-Pas-de-Calais ? If Gabriel also wins in the North, he cedes his crown to Raphaël in Pas-de-Calais. Among girls, it's Amber who shinesdominating both departments, a success that she had already achieved in 2022.
In detail, the North sees Gabriel followed by RaphaelAdam and Léo, while Pas-de-Calais places Raphaël in the lead, ahead of Jules and Maël. The girls display a beautiful uniformity: Ambre precedes Jade and Romy in the North, while in Pas-de-Calais, Louise and Jade complete the podium. First names like Alba, Victoire or Sacha, previously uncommon, are now comfortably in the lists, as shared by France Bleu.
A star name in the 90s
INSEE data also reveals spectacular falls. Océane, star of the 2000s, fell from 637 allocations to only 8 in the region last year. Worse still, Amélie, Claire and Marion have completely disappeared from birth records in 2023. Among boys, first names like Florian, Rémi or Kévinpreviously ubiquitous, were no longer given once. Even Thomas, then essential with 790 births in 2000, was only chosen 27 times.
In addition to fashionable first names that follow current trends, certain names, like Meganego through the years with discreet elegance. Part of an atypical trajectory, this first name of Greek origin, celebrated this January 8, meaning “
perle », had its hour of glory in the 1990s before gradually disappearing. But beyond the numbers, what does it say about those who wear it?
A rare first name full of sweetness
Appearing in France in 1986, Mégane, which is reminiscent of a famous car model signed Renault, took off with a
marked rise in popularitypeaking in 1995, when it was allocated to 343 newborns. Since then, its use has been reduced, reaching only 20 births in 2019. However, this first name, rare, but still appreciated, evokes much more than a simple choice on a civil register. Mégane embodies a
generous personality and deeply turned towards others.
Protective and devoted, she stands out for her ability to
take on challenges with determination, while remaining attentive to those around him. As a child, she loves moments shared with family and avoids discord, preferring the warmth of a harmonious environment. However, his need for attention and his propensity for indecision can sometimes lead him to be influenced. Helping her to cultivate her autonomy and strengthen her self-confidence then becomes essential.
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Shutterstock Mégane, a rare first name, embodies generosity, determination and a deep connection to others
A popular first name in the North
The first name Mégane, now rare, has however known its
heyday in the 90sas reported
Magicmaman. In 1995 he reached his peak with 2,951 births registeredmarking a decade where it was among the popular first names. However, a few years earlier, in 1985, he was still confidentialwith only 5 newborns so named.
In the French landscape, the Northern department (59) stands out as the birthplace of Mégane,
counting 1,009 birthswhile Aveyron (12) only has three. Young parents living in Pas-de-Calais also favor this choice. This first name, predominantly feminine, has also been given to 21 boys since 1900, representing a tiny share of 0.13% of 15,917 Méganes registered to this day. The average age of people with this first name is now 29 years oldtestifying to its past growth.
