Arrosoir, oui, Manhattan, non: Naming and the Law in France

Abstract

The history of the French prénom ‘given name’ laws of 1803 and 1993 are recounted. The terms of the Consulate's 1803 law and how authorities have interpreted and applied them throughout the last two centuries are presented. The law was originally intended to prevent using last names as first names. However, in the twentieth century this same law was used to protect children from potentially harmful names. The naming law of 1993 appears to put into effect what had already become the practice. Sources of information include legal documents, interviews, newspapers and naming books for parents.