Not so long ago, choosing a first name from elsewhere was almost a militant act — a way of displaying one’s roots, one’s travels, or a certain vision of the world. Today, everything has changed. Maeva, Tiaré, Vaiana or Indira resonate in the maternity wards of Brittany, Normandy and Île-de-France with the same natural obviousness as an Emma or a Léo. As Julie Milbin points out in her Guide to first names 2026 (Éditions Solar): “First names from elsewhere are no longer the prerogative of parents from the Islands or distant lands. They are becoming more popular and attractive. Harmonious sounds, escape, cross-breeding… so many sweet reasons to give in to this sunny trend.”
Names that sing, which evoke the turquoise sea of Polynesia, the forests of India, the beaches of Hawaii or the Mediterranean shores. A way, too, of giving your child an identity that goes beyond borders and opens up the world to them from their first word. Here are 20 first names that have everything to capsize the hearts of future parents.
These 20 first names from elsewhere that make future parents dream
1. Moana — The most poetic first name on the list comes from Tahitian and means “cave water”. Soft and mysterious, it evokes hidden waterfalls and secret lagoons. Since the Disney animated film released in 2016, it has experienced a nice resurgence of interest in France, even if its charm goes far beyond the screens. Character: enthusiastic, practical and full of gentleness.
2. Indira — From Sanskrit, this radiant first name means “beauty, splendor. He is associated with Indra, god of Rain and Thunder in Hindu mythology. It’s impossible to talk about it without thinking of Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India for nearly fifteen years — a figure of strength and determination who marked the history of the 20th century. Character: directive, resolute, dynamic.
3. Mareva — Coming straight from Tahitian, Mareva means “shooting star”. Short, bright, with this little island music that we immediately recognize. In France, we think of Mareva Galanter, former Miss France 1999, who became a singer and presenter – proof that this first name carries with it a beautiful solar energy.
4. Luana — Hawaiian at heart, Luana means “happy, exalted”. It can also be seen as the Latin contraction of Lou and Anne, which gives it a dual identity, between exoticism and French tradition. Among its personalities: Luana Belmondo. Character: tenacious, methodical, committed.
5. Tiare — This is the name of the Polynesian flower, one of the most emblematic of the Pacific, used in the manufacture of the famous Monoï de Tahiti. To have this first name is to have a garden. Rare and refined, it is sure to turn heads at school.
6. Azora — Of Persian origin, Azora means “blue sky”. An image that is both simple and infinite, which promises the wearer an open, intelligent and wise character. Still very rare in France, it’s one of those first names that has everything to become a great discovery.
7. Maeva — A must-have for sunny first names, Maeva is of Polynesian origin and means “Welcome”. A first name that already carries a message of welcome and joy. It is also worn by Maeva, character in the series MobLanda sign that exoticism now travels to television series.
8. Teva — Masculine in the dictionary, but sometimes adopted as feminine, this Tahitian first name means “great traveler. Written with an accent, it can also mean “fruit of nature” in Hebrew. Double origin, double wealth. Character: optimistic, pragmatic, sociable and creative.
9. Poema — A real invitation to daydream. This Polynesian first name evokes poetry, the sung word, stories passed down from generation to generation under the stars of the South Pacific. Still confidential, it has all the makings of a nice surprise for parents looking for originality.
10. Poe — Natural diminutive of Poéma, or first name in its own right, Poé is just as musical. In Tahitian, it designates the pearlthis treasure of the ocean that we fish in the lagoons of French Polynesia. A first name jewel, sober and precious.
11. Esha — First name of Indian origin, Esha means “desire, hope in Sanskrit. Soft to pronounce, short and memorable, it is still very rare in France, which makes it a choice that is both daring and full of meaning. A beautiful way to honor the rich culture of the Indian subcontinent.
12. Leela — Also Sanskrit, Leela means “divine game, heavenly grace” — the term designates in Hindu philosophy the idea that creation is a game of the universe. A name full of spirituality and lightness at the same time, for a little girl who will have the art of dancing in life.
13. Kanye — West African first name, Kany evokes beauty and gentleness. Simple, short, with a sound that snaps like a musical note. It also recalls the first name worn by Kany Diabaté, a famous Malian kora singer, whose enchanting voice has toured the world.
14. Maliny — Of Malagasy or Polynesian inspiration depending on the sources, Maliny is a flowery, delicate first name, which carries with it a certain image of lush nature and the islands of the Indian Ocean. Still extremely rare, it is a courageous and magnificent choice for adventurous parents.
15. Mairé — A Gaelic variant of Marie, Mairé (pronounced “maw-reh”) is the traditional Irish form of this great classic. It breathes a Celtic identity into a universal first name, an original way of weaving two cultures into a single first name.
16. Maely — At the crossroads of Breton and Polynesian in its sound, Maely is soft, feminine and luminous. It evokes both the Breton first name Maëlys and the Tahitian consonances of first names in
Mael-. A happy mix between two traditions which both sound like a beautiful melody.
17. Tissia — First name with African or Malagasy roots, Tissia is rare and precious. Its ending in -ia gives it a natural fluidity, like a wave settling on the shore. Ideal for parents who want a truly unique first name.
18. Mily — Short and sparkling, Mily is a sunny variant of Mily or Millie, with a touch of exoticism from the islands. Its simplicity makes it a first name that is easy to wear, easy to say, and yet full of personality.
19. Teora — Polynesian first name whose sound evokes the rituals and ancestral stories of Maori and Tahitian culture. Soft, enveloping, with this little mysterious touch which gives it a special character. Still confidential in France, it has everything to seduce parents who love sound beauty.
20. Vanina — Russian form of Joan, inherited from Hebrew yohanan meaning “God is gracious”Vanina carries within her Slavic elegance and a certain romantic melancholy. In France, the first name is associated with the eponymous song by Dave, which marked the 70s. Character: intelligent, always in search of knowledge.