According to Stéphanie Rapoport, author of L’Officiel des Prénoms, this first name given to 3,757 little girls since the 2000s has seen the strongest growth. Here’s why it should still be a hit next year.
The first name trends for 2026 show a real turning point: more and more parents are opting for first names that are beautiful, short and original, without sacrificing elegance or readability. The big names continue to appeal: among the girls, we find Louise, Jade and Alma in the top trio, and Gabriel, Raphaël and Léo among the boys. But in this context, a female first name in particular should also please many future parents, as its rise is so rapid.
Indeed, this feminine first name has seen the strongest growth in the latest rankings: ” He jumped 20 places“, explains Stéphanie Rapoport, author of L’Officiel des Prénoms published by First editions.“His growth is incredible” adds the expert. Going from 79 births in 2017 to 1,070 in 2024, the first name has multiplied by more than 13 in the space of a few years. This spectacular progression confirms that it is no longer a simple fashion effect, but a lasting change in parents’ choices.
According to the first name expert, Esmée is especially attractive due to its singularity and its literary history. “In fact, Esmée, it is rather Esmerée who existed in the Middle Ages. So it was a very long time ago.“, explains Stéphanie Rapoport. Rare in France, this old first name has regained visibility thanks to pop culture. “In English-speaking countries, it goes up quite a bit… because there were Esmes in Twilight, at the beginning of the 2000s, and in Peaky Blinders“, she observes. But its rise to power did not stop there. In recent years, the singer Louane has also contributed to its popularity by choosing it for her daughter, giving new exposure to this hitherto discreet first name. Esmée also seduces with its soft sound, its short format and its original ending, which contrasts with the more classic feminine endings. Its rise is therefore exceptional and is part of a dynamic which shows no sign of slowdown.
In total, 3,757 little girls have already been named Esmée in France since the 2000s. With more than 1,000 births in 2024 alone, everything indicates that this first name will be among the most fashionable from 2026. If you are looking for a first name that is both original and already adopted by many families, Esmée has strong potential for the year to come, assures Stéphanie Rapoport.
