Girls' names in 2026: regional and vintage trends
Choosing a name for your future daughter is an adventure at the heart of identity. In 2026, the trend is toward "neo-retro" and local roots. Parents are turning away from global trends to search for their roots, whether in their grandparents' attic or in the soil of their favorite regions.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support mothers through every stage of motherhood and understand how important this decision is. Here is our comprehensive guide to trendy girls' names for 2026.
The legacy of forgotten first names: vintage style
Vintage is no longer a passing trend, it's a sure bet. Parents are looking for names that have "soul," natural elegance, and history.
Vintage first names that are making a comeback:
Colette The epitome of Parisian chic. Mischievous and full of energy, it evokes Colette the writer and a certain French joie de vivre. Perfect for a playful little girl.
Rosalie A floral and romantic name that appeals to families looking for something sweet. It has an irresistible rustic and poetic quality.
Albertine For those who dare to wear bold, retro styles. Less common, it has real personality and an unapologetic old-fashioned charm.
Madeleine The absolute charm of Proust's madeleine. Classic and elegant, it has stood the test of time with grace. The diminutive "Mado" gives it a modern touch.
Josephine Imperial and romantic at the same time. A name that has style and offers pretty nicknames: Josie, Jo, Jojo.
Marguerite Floral and fresh, it is slowly making a comeback. The diminutive "Margot" gives it a perfectly modern feel.
Regional gems: roots and character
The character of a first name often reflects its geographical origins. In 2026, parents draw on the heritage of their favorite regions.
The Brittany coast: Celtic charm and mystery
Brittany is a gold mine for girls' names. Their melodious and mystical sounds appeal far beyond the Breton coastline.
- Awen : Means "inspiration" in Breton. Poetic and original.
- Lénaig : Breton variant of Hélène, soft and melodious.
- Enora : Celtic elegance, confident femininity. A name with character.
- Yuna : A variation of Jeanne, full of strength and gentleness.
- Nolwenn : "Blanche et sacrée" (White and Sacred), a timeless Breton classic.
- Maëlys : Popular but still appreciated for its soft sound.
South side: Mediterranean light and warmth
Southern names evoke the sun, the sea, and a certain joie de vivre.
- Alba : Courtyard, bright, very modern. Means "dawn" in Latin.
- Livia : Italian elegance, gentleness, and character. A name that transcends borders.
- Naïa : For its connection to the ocean and travel. Fresh and original.
- Mila : Originally a slave but adopted by the South. Short and sunny.
- Lea : A timeless classic, simple and bright.
Basque side: strength and originality
- Maïa : Means "beloved" in Basque. Gentle and universal.
- Irati : Name of the Iraty forest. Nature and mystery.
- Amaia : "The end" in Basque, but also a sweet and melodious first name.
Originality: thinking outside the box
For 2026, originality lies in rare but easy-to-wear sounds. Names that stand out without being eccentric.
Rare and poetic first names:
- Selene : The moon in Greek. Mysterious, poetic, celestial.
- Olympe : Symbolic strength and nobility. An imposing name.
- Pia : A short name with a strong character. Rare and elegant.
- Esmée : Means "beloved." Perfect for a first baby.
- Castile : For its historical significance and unique sound.
- Mona : Artistic and timeless, full of mystery.
Names inspired by nature:
- Aurora : Classic but rare today. Bright and poetic.
- Iris : Flower and rainbow. Short and modern.
- Luna : The moon, very popular but always loved.
- Capucine : Floral and sparkling. A name that smiles.
Emerging trends for 2026
The trend for short names (2-3 syllables)
Short first names are all the rage: Alba, Pia, Mona, Lea, Mila... Easy to pronounce and modern, they are suitable for all situations.
The return of "a" endings
Alba, Livia, Naïa, Enora, Yuna... Girls' names ending in "a" dominate the trends. They have a soft, international sound.
"Heritage" first names
Parents are looking for names with a history, a meaning, and roots. Gone are the days of "made-up" names; now it's time for traditional names.
Top 10 girls' names for 2025-2026 according to 23 Mai Paris
Here is our final selection, sorted by style, to help you make your choice:
| Rank | First Name | Style | Why do we love it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alba | Solar / South | Bright and very modern courtyard |
| 2 | Énora | Breton | Its Celtic gentleness and elegance |
| 3 | Zélie | Retro chic | Sparkling, perfect for embroidery |
| 4 | Naïa | Nature | For its connection to the ocean and travel |
| 5 | Pia | Rare / Antique | A short name with a strong character |
| 6 | Madeleine | Former | Absolute and timeless charm |
| 7 | Mona | Artistic | A timeless choice full of mystery |
| 8 | Esmée | Poetic | Means "beloved," perfect for a first baby |
| 9 | Yuna | Breton | A strong-willed variation of Jeanne |
| 10 | Castile | Noble | For its historical significance and unique sound |
Why engrave this name on your 23 Mai Paris garment 23 Mai Paris
At 23 Mai Paris, we know that wearing your child's name is a powerful symbolic gesture. Whether you've fallen for a Breton name, an old-fashioned name, or an ultra-modern name, imagine it embroidered on your nursing sweatshirt made from organic cotton.
It's a way to celebrate your new role as a mom while staying true to your style. Our cuts are designed to flatter all body types, and our invisible zippers allow you to breastfeed anywhere, whether you're strolling along the coast of Brittany or sitting on a terrace in Paris.
Our favorite customizable pieces for name embroidery:
- A cosy nursing sweatshirt for cozy days at home
- A Breastfeeding t-shirt for everyday wear
- A nursing pajamas for peaceful nights
How to choose the right name? Our advice
- Say it out loud : Combine it with the last name and any middle names
- Imagine him as an adult : A first name should be suitable for all ages
- Check the meaning : A first name with a beautiful story is a gift
- Test the diminutives : They will be used on a daily basis
- Keep it a secret : Wait until the birth to reveal it if you want to avoid unsolicited advice.
Conclusion
Choosing a girl's name in 2026 means navigating between family heritage, regional roots, and guaranteed originality. Whether you fall for the vintage charm of Colette, the Breton sweetness of Enora, or the Mediterranean light of Alba, the most important thing is that the name speaks to you and already tells a story.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support mothers during their maternity with nursing clothes that are comfortable, stylish, and customizable. Because your daughter's name deserves to be celebrated, embroidered, and worn with pride.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha, and hCaptcha's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.