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You are in the middle of choosing a first name and, honestly, it’s sometimes a real challenge. In 2026, we see a true comeback of first names that are easy to wear everywhere, a bit like parents are looking for a first name that travels well with their child. Not just pretty, but also universal, you know?
So yes, Louise still holds the top spot for girls, and Gabriel resists among boys, that duo doesn’t want to let go of the parents’ hands. It doesn’t surprise me because these are first names that sound good, remain classic without being old-fashioned, and they almost give you a solid identity from the very start.
I have also noticed that quite a few parents are tough on choices that are too culturally or religiously marked. They prefer to move towards unisex first names, easily pronounceable, which on the day will not create a barrier. For example, Noa, Sacha, or Andrea, which often appear in the top.
This retro side is also not going out of fashion, it’s funny, because it’s both classic and modern. First names ending in a for girls such as Anna, Sofia, or Giulia show this dual personality, a bit timeless, very in tune with the times, without being clichéd.
But what I find fascinating is to see how much the choice of first name is becoming almost an act of gender equality. The field of unisex first names is gaining beautiful momentum, it gives a real opening of identity, and it changes the usual path a little bit, don’t you think?
Universal first names dominating the 2026 first name trends
So according to the latest data from L’Officiel des Prénoms, it looks like universal first names have a quiet strength this year. You see, they are short, soft, and really easy to pronounce in many countries.
Louise remains at the top for girls, closely followed by Jade, Alma, or Ambre. It’s that simplicity that hits the mark. And for boys, Gabriel leads the dance, followed by Raphaël, Noah, and Louis, well-known first names that don’t lose their freshness.
For me, this phenomenon reflects some kind of quest for stability. It’s a bit like parents want their child to have a first name that can cross time and space, a name that reassures but above all opens up to the world.
First names ending in -a for girls are very trendy and praised for their musicality and international dimension: Anna, Giulia, Sofia, Maria… they are liked because they are not too culturally marked, a smart choice if you ask me.
These unisex first names that shake up traditional first name choice codes
Now this is interesting because some unisex first names are gaining more and more ground. Sacha, for example, is in the top but moves a bit in positions, just like Andrea, who makes a nice entrance in the boys’ ranking.
What I like about these unisex first names is that they carry a kind of strong message about gender equality, without making things complicated. It’s just natural, soft, and very practical to avoid asking too many questions.
And then it’s funny, we see that these universal first names have a certain elegance, you wouldn’t think so at first sight, but they give a real freedom in identity, an opening to the world, almost an integrated passport just by wearing that first name.
No need to overcomplicate, these first names have that magic of being both timeless and very current. Personally, I often pair them with a more traditional first name as a middle name, just to calm things down if you want to remain classic.
Top 20 first names for girls and boys that will mark 2026
Here is the famous selection of the TOP 20 for girls: Louise, Jade, Alma, Ambre, Alba, Emma, Romy, Rose, Adèle, Alice, Inaya, Lou, Anna, Mia, Eva, Iris, Giulia, Agathe, Lina, Julia. Quite charming, isn’t it?
For boys, the scene is held by Gabriel, Raphaël, Noah, Louis, Léo, Adam, Arthur, Jules, Léon, Maël, Eden, Isaac, Liam, Marceau, Elio, Sacha, Noé, Lucas, Andrea, Imran. A nice mix of retro and modern that appeals to everybody.
This ranking also reveals that short first names are popular, very much in line with the pace of our time. This practical side, one or two syllables, it’s fast, adaptable, and frankly easy to wear.
So we can easily say that the choice of first name in 2026 reveals a lot about today’s parents’ desires: simplicity, balanced originality, and universalism, a real cocktail that makes sense.
Why opting for a universal first name makes all the difference
A universal first name is the almost magical promise to aspire to an identity that does not close doors. We often think it can lack originality, but actually no, on the contrary, it gives punch and a slight well-balanced originality.
Personally, in my circle, I have seen children bearing unisex or universal first names, and frankly it helps them open up to others, especially in a world where diversity and mobility reign. It makes exchanges so much easier, be it at school or abroad.
The choice of first name also influences the social perception of the soon-to-be child, and frankly, having an identity that is both unique and adaptable is a real strength. After all, everyone does as they wish, but I find that it’s a beautiful option.
And then it fits perfectly with the 2026 first name trends, which emphasize gender equality with unisex first names, but also on simplicity and welcome originality, a clever mix that says a lot about today’s parents.
2026 trending first names blend past, present, and multiculturalism
It’s captivating to see how the first names of 2026 mix several influences at once. There is this pure and hard comeback of retro first names like Louise or Raphaël, which hold an honored place, always very solid.
At the same time, we observe a certain enthusiasm for first names from multiple cultures, which is no surprise in a globalized world. You have first names like Inaya, Imran, or Tianye that are slowly making a place, nicely balancing the lines.
The choice of modern first names does not forsake traditional values either, which means that these lists we discover every year tell a beautiful story, that of a society that loves to draw from its roots while remaining open.
I think it’s a beautiful testimony to the current richness of baby first names. If you are looking for a first name with meaning, both original and able to really make a difference, dive into this selection.
- Louise and Gabriel remain the flagship first names in 2026, synonymous with an attachment to tradition
- Universal first names continue to attract for their simple and accessible side
- A clear trend toward unisex first names that add a new social dimension to first names
- Cultural mixing sneaks into choices with first names like Imran or Tianye
- Short first names are highly appreciated for their practicality and modernity
