Choosing a first name is an emotional experience for parents, reflecting their values and heritage. In France, there’s a revival of vintage names and a trend towards international influences, showcasing cultural diversity. The arrival of Ashil, the first baby born in Bas-Rhin in 2025, highlights this uniqueness. His parents chose this distinctive name to blend their Ukrainian and Turkish backgrounds, aiming for a name that symbolizes their shared dreams and is easily pronounced across languages.
The Emotional Journey of Choosing a First Name
Selecting a first name is a profound and often sentimental journey for parents. It typically mirrors their values, personal tastes, or family lineage. In many cases, it serves as a homage to a cherished individual, like a grandparent or an influential figure. Other times, the chosen name may evoke memories of a beloved fictional character, a revered historical icon, or a passion shared by the family. Essentially, these names narrate a unique story.
Names convey the parents’ connection to their cultural roots, cherished memories, or dreams for their child’s future. Bestowing a name can be seen as presenting a significant gift—an identity that the child will carry throughout their life. This selection process can be straightforward, yet it often presents a challenge, as parents strive to balance sound, meaning, and uniqueness. This symbolic significance is why many parents dedicate hours to the pursuit of that ideal name.
A Diverse Landscape of Names in France
France serves as a vibrant canvas for names, showcasing an infinite variety. Recently, there has been a revival of vintage names that had fallen out of favor. Names like Marcel, Lucien, Louis, and Henri captivate parents who appreciate retro charm and understated elegance. These historically significant names exude a timeless quality. Additionally, there is a noticeable trend of parents gravitating towards names with international flair. The influence of globalization and cultural exchanges has led to a growing acceptance of names from Asia, Africa, America, and Eastern Europe.
This diversity enhances the naming landscape, symbolizing a society that embraces global influences. Parents now have an extensive array of options at their disposal. Some may choose to personalize traditional names with unique spellings, while others lean towards short, contemporary names. Today, boundaries have blurred, and the rich tapestry of names in France mirrors the cultural diversity and originality sought by modern families.
A Unique Beginning for a Newborn
Meet Ashil, the first baby born in Bas-Rhin in 2025. Arriving at 00:10 at the Rhéna clinic in Strasbourg, this little boy boasts a truly distinctive name. According to Insee’s name records, this particular spelling of Ashil has never been assigned in France. While the classic version, Achille, was given to 690 babies in 2023, Ashil stands apart. His parents, with a Ukrainian mother and a Turkish father, chose this name with intention.
They share, “We wanted a French name that is unique and consists of five letters, just like our own names.” For them, this choice encapsulates the fusion of their cultural backgrounds and shared dreams. “Ashil resonated with us because it reflects both of our heritages. It’s a name that can be easily pronounced across different languages,” they explain. This exceptional and timeless name exemplifies their aspiration to provide their son with a life imbued with universality and affection—a beautiful testament to the creativity and richness of contemporary parenting.