Holding steady.
Popularity of French since 1882
Babies named French per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, French's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 35 |
| 1890s | 81 |
| 1900s | 36 |
| 1910s | 177 |
| 1920s | 247 |
| 1930s | 168 |
| 1940s | 141 |
| 1950s | 94 |
| 1960s | 75 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name French is a rare and distinctive choice, drawn from an English surname that originally indicated a person from France. It first appeared as a given name in the 1880s and reached its peak popularity in 1891, when it ranked 768th. However, its use has since declined dramatically, and it has not appeared in the top 1000 since the 1940s. In recent years, fewer than 5 boys per year have been given the name. French is a simple, one-syllable name that feels both historical and understated. It has no strong ties to any particular state, as its usage was spread thinly across the country. For parents seeking a name with a clear geographic origin and a vintage feel, French offers an uncommon option that stands out without being unfamiliar.
The name French derives from the Old English 'frencisc', meaning 'French'. It was originally used as an ethnic or regional surname for someone from France, or for someone who had dealings with the French. As a given name, it came into occasional use in the 19th century, often as a transferred use of the surname.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Frenche, Franch
Sibling names for French
Names that share French's style, for a brother or sister.
