In the midst of a boom in short, unisex names, an old, long and very royal female name is coming back to dominate French maternity wards. According to INSEE, it was given 1,215 times in France in 2025, which places it 37th among female first names that year. However, many thought it was reserved for great-grandmothers.
This first name is Victoria. Very common at the start of the 20th century, it then faded for several decades before starting to rise again in the early 1990s. INSEE records a record with 1,535 little Victorias born in 2021, a sign that the trend is solid. Its return is based on a winning trio: royal history, strong meaning and international sound.
The first name Victoria, vintage and in high demand in 2025
At the beginning of the 20th century, Victoria sticks to the image of grandmothers, with its four somewhat sophisticated syllables. In the 1960s and 1970s, shorter first names took over and births fell. According to INSEE, the curve started to rise again in the early 1990s, when parents rediscovered this royal first name, now firmly established in the top 50.
INSEE figures confirm the extent of the phenomenon in the long term. According to these statistics, Victoria was awarded 47,445 times, compared to 33,995 for its French-speaking counterpart
Victorymuch more discreet in recent rankings. Parents seem to like a first name that is both classic and easy to wear abroad, in a daily life where travel is frequent from childhood.
Origin of the first name Victoria: from the Roman goddess to the queen
The meaning of the first name also weighs in the balance. In Latin,
Victoria means “victorious” and comes from the word “victoria”, itself from the verb “vincere”, which means “to conquer”. In Roman mythology, Victoria is the goddess of victory, equivalent to the Greek goddess Nike. This idea of success and perseverance speaks to many parents today.
On a historical level, the figure of the Queen Victoria weighs heavy. She ruled the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901 and gave her name to the “Victorian era”. Nicknamed “grandmother of Europe”, she lastingly associates this first name with stability and prestige. The Madame Le Figaro website also indicates that Victoria is celebrated on November 15, a reassuring landmark for families attached to traditions.
Victoria or Victoire: how parents look at this royal first name
Facing Victoryconsidered more French and more solemn, many parents find that
Victoria sounds fuller and more modern, while remaining chic. Its diffusion in English-speaking countries, supported among others by Victoria Beckham, made it a familiar choice without being banal. On a daily basis, it offers several possible nicknames, from Vic to Vicky, which reassures hesitant parents.
The underlying movement is clear: long first names full of history are taking back their place against the ultra short first names of the 2010s, and Victoria
take advantage of it. Between mythological echo, British royalty and international usage, this ancient first name returns to the center of the lists. For a little girl born in 2025, it offers an image that is both vintage and current, with this discreet promise of “victory” which appeals to many young parents.