Why This Girl’s Name is Set to Dominate in 2026
According to Stéphanie Rapoport, author of “L’Officiel des Prénoms,” a name that has been given to 3757 girls since the early 2000s is experiencing the most significant surge in popularity. Here’s why it is expected to be a hit next year.
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Trends in Baby Names for 2026
The forecast for baby names in 2026 indicates a notable shift: an increasing number of parents are choosing names that are not only beautiful and short but also unique, without compromising elegance or clarity. Popular choices remain strong; for girls, Louise, Jade, and Alma lead the pack, while boys’ top names include Gabriel, Raphael, and Leo. However, amidst these favorites, one particular girl’s name is rapidly gaining favor among prospective parents.
This female name has shown the most rapid increase in recent rankings. “It jumped 20 places,” reports Stéphanie Rapoport, author of “L’Officiel des Prénoms” published by First Editions. “Its growth is incredible,” the expert adds. From 79 births in 2017 to 1,070 in 2024, the name has increased more than thirteenfold in just a few years. This remarkable rise confirms that this is not just a fleeting trend but a lasting shift in parental preferences.
According to the naming expert, Esmée is particularly appealing due to its uniqueness and its literary history. “Actually, Esmée was originally Esmerée, which dates back to the Middle Ages,” explains Stéphanie Rapoport. Although rare in France, this ancient name has regained visibility through pop culture. “In English-speaking countries, it’s quite popular… there were characters named Esmée in ‘Twilight’ in the early 2000s, and in ‘Peaky Blinders,'” she notes. However, its rise didn’t stop there. In recent years, the singer Louane also boosted its popularity by choosing it for her daughter, bringing new attention to this previously understated name. Esmée also charms with its soft sound, short format, and unique ending, which stands out against more traditional female name endings. Its rise is truly extraordinary and shows no signs of slowing down.
In total, 3,757 girls have been named Esmée in France since the 2000s. With over 1,000 births in just 2024, everything indicates that this name will be among the trendiest by 2026. If you’re looking for a name that is both original and already embraced by many families, Esmée holds great potential for the coming year, assures Stéphanie Rapoport.
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