The author of the book The official names, Stéphanie Rapoport, is formal: this trend is growing and she also offers choice for future parents.
Choosing a symbolic first name that resonates for both parents is not always an easy task. Everyone can have their own references: a marking first name of childhood, a tribute to a loved one, or even a preference for a particular sound. Added to this is family traditions, whether first names transmitted from generation to generation or implicit expectations. Without forgetting cultural trends and influences, which can also weigh in the scale. So many criteria that complicate things well.
But then to what type of first name to turn in this case? There is a category that stands out, it is the multicultural and interreligious names. Carriers of meaning, open to the world and anchored in several traditions, they in principle check many boxes for parents. In addition to having a good meaning, they often offer a harmonious sound and compatibility with different languages, cultures and religions. A real asset to reconcile inheritance and modernity while putting everyone in agreement.
It is also a trend that will undoubtedly increase more in 2026, reveals to us exclusively Stéphanie Rapoport, author of the book The official first names (First editions), a reference for many parents. “There are a lot of trends that were launched a few years ago and which continue on their momentum, especially the first names of the Old Testament.” The expert especially notes that these are multicultural names, that they come from three monotheistic religions – namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam – or of secular origin, which should be talked about. For secular names, “It is rather on the side of female first names that I notice it. It is a real trend which, I find, reappeared a few years ago and which is increasing today“, note the specialist who is currently working on the 2026 edition of The official first names.
“These intercultural or interreligious first names are very popular with future parents, and in particular the male first name Isaac. This first name was a great revelation last year”, says Stéphanie Rapoport. Indeed, Isaac entered the top 20 trendy first names in 2025 and rose to 11ᵉ place. Mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Muslims religious texts, this first name symbolizes, among other things, joy, faith and divine blessing. And it’s not the only one …
Among the male multicultural names that made noise last year, there is Gabriel, Noah, Adam or Eden. In this register, one can also think of Aaron, Ariel, Jacob, Joachim, Noah, Samuel, Simon, Joshua or Joseph. On the side of the secular female names that have gained popularity in France in recent years, we find Emma, Alice, Lou and Romy. These first names, devoid of religious connotations, attract many parents with their simplicity.
