In France, certain female first names from the beginning of the 20th century are regaining colors. One of them, 5 letters long, went from 35 births in 2009 to 155 in 2024, while remaining discreet in the rankings. This is a progression that calls for a first name that has long been classified as a grandmother’s first name. Latin origin, mixed form, soft sound: this choice now ticks off several desires of young parents.
This first name is Aimee. A retro female first name par excellence, it comes from the Latin amatus, which can be translated as being loved, with a direct link to the verb amare, to love. Its masculine writing is Aimé, but also the very rare variant Émée. Between very affectionate literal meaning and short easy-to-pronounce spelling, first name Aimee naturally fits into the wave of short first names chosen for little girls.
Meaning and Latin origin of the first name Aimée
Aimée comes from the Latin past participle amatus, itself derived from the verb amare, which means to love. In other words, this first name literally translates as to be loved. This very direct meaning nourishes its tender and reassuring side for families looking for a first name full of affection.
According to the Catholic site Nominis, Aimée also refers to a medieval religious figure, Aimée of Assisi, relative of Clare of Assisi. The calendars indicate that we celebrate Liked on February 20a date which serves as an easy reference for parents attached to traditions. This mixture of sentimental sweetness and ancient Christian roots further strengthens its image as a timeless first name.
Popularity of the first name Aimée: from the golden age to the 2020s
Popularity curves show that Aimée experienced a golden age at the beginning of the 1920s. The year 1921 had 839 births, with nearly 700 annual births over the decade. Then the frequency fell steadily until reaching a low point of 35 little girls named Aimée in 2009. For several decades, Aimée therefore remained a very rare, almost confidential choice.
In recent years, the movement has been reversed. We have already noted 71 births in 2022, and 155 babies called Aimée in 2024. In fifteen years, the first name has therefore multiplied by more than four compared to the low of 2009, while remaining far from the records of the 1920s. This rebound follows the broader movement of
retro first names short, chosen for their old charm without appearing dated.
Why Aimée appeals to parents looking for a tender first name
Aimée combines several arguments that speak to today’s parents: only five letters, a simple pronunciation, a masculine form Aimé for a brother, and an Aimee variant without an accent for international. Its direct meaning, to be loved, also reassures families who wish to offer their daughter a sweet first name, a little rare, but easy to wear throughout life.