Bastille Day Baby?

[sistereurope]

When I took French in JR high (TOO many years ago to count , we were assigned French names. My name is Dawn, but insetad of calling me the French word for sunrise, she gave me the name Françoise...I have no idea why.

I think I like it better for a boy...Anne, your son has a GREAT name. He should go into show business ;D

[Happygoin]

Oops. Well...Francois-Roland, then. I think it's a fine name. And Rolande for a girl too

[Laura NY (aoi33)]

Congratulations to you and your family Annette! What wonderful news. I am so glad you got to see Van. You must be over the moon.

[Truffaut]

Anne,
It might be interesting for you to explain the relatively recent laws allowing for many variable surnames of children. I recall some of the basics, but I remember there were all sorts of time and age limitations involved and that there a lot of potential for confusion.

[Shoesy]

How exciting, Annette! I wonder if the little prince is going to look like his handsome grandpa.

[annettecinca]

Thanks all.

Shoesy, I'm sure he's going to be a cutie--his mother is gorgeous, his daddy is a hunk (people call them Ken & Barbie!)...and then yes, there's grandpa!

[willow]

Congratulations Annette!

I have always loved any hyphenated French name for boys. Jean-Pierre, Jean-Paul, Jean-Claud....they sound absolutely dreamy!

[Shoesy]

Annette - And of course we mustn't forget to mention the baby's pretty Grandma!!! ;D

[Anne]

Phew Chouchou, you almost goofed ! Glad you put it right after all ;D .

Annette, I am sure that the baby will be lovely and that you will be a besotted grandma .

[Anne]

admin said:

Anne,
It might be interesting for you to explain the relatively recent laws allowing for many variable surnames of children. I recall some of the basics, but I remember there were all sorts of time and age limitations involved and that there a lot of potential for confusion.

I had to make some research here, I didn't remember the specifics well .

So, since 2005 parents can choose the name of their children . There are four possibilities : either the father's name, or the mother's, or father's - mother's, or mother's - father's . The choice is made at the birth of their first child, and it will necessarily apply to all their subsequent children .
If the parents don't say anything, it will automatically be the father's name . Same if they disagree (some old things don't die ) .
If people haven't made up their mind at birth, they can ask for a change (only one) afterwards and before their kids are 18, but then kids over 13 will first have to formally agree about this .
There were also some transitory measures for families whose elder kid was under 13 when the law was issued .
Children from unmarried parents still normally carry the name of the first one of their parents who recognized them legally, but then all the above possibilities apply to them too .
In order to avoid endless names in the subsequent generations, children who have both their parents names will have to chose which one(s) (2 max) they will in turn transmit to their children : the children of Mr. A-B and Mrs X-Y won't be called A-B-X-Y, but A-X or Y-B or simply A-B or Y or ....(14 possibilities ) . Genealogists were furious about this law, because they say that things will become inextricable in a few generations .

Honestly, I don't have the feeling that many people actually "use" this law . I don't know anyone who did, but then I live in a provincial place, maybe it is more popular in Paris for example . The transmission of the name has many deep down implications, and it may take many years for the minds to change, and maybe the whole thing will even never really catch on .

[andi]

So excited for you Annette, as you may already know our first (and only so far) grandchild is a boy. We were blessed with three daughters so he was the first boy for us. It is the most wonderful feeling, I can't begin to describe how he makes us feel when he's around. We were really not keen on the name his parents chose for him before he was born, now it is as if the name was meant for him and him alone.........his name is Blake. You will have so much fun! ;D

[Truffaut]

I would think it might catch on among women who have some self-earned distinction or fame, as well as women from old French families. Perhaps, too, immigrant families from more matriarchal cultures might find it a good option.

I can see how it will be incredibly confusing in a couple of generations. A good friend of ours is a professional geneologist (and a specialist in medieaval French). I'll ask him about his thoughts the next time we see him.

[Shoesy]

Andi - I like the name Blake, especially the fact that it's not too common. Besides, how bad can a name be when it rhymes with cake and steak? ;D

[andi]

shoesy said:

Andi - I like the name Blake, especially the fact that it's not too common. Besides, how bad can a name be when it rhymes with cake and steak? ;D

LOL Shoesy, never thought of it that way! The usual thought is of the TV programs Blake 7 and Blakey from On the Buses (old 70's british tv) Apparently the name is Canadian? (Joan?) It is almost impossible to buy things with his name on them here.

[Shoesy]

I'll never forget Blake Carrington in "Dynasty".

[geordy]

Blake Edwards comes to mind.....slightly different generation though!

[andi]

of course!
Sorry Annette, back on topic...........

annettecinca said:

My kids have already decided upon a boys name--Van. It's not too popular in France it seems (down somewhere past the 2000th mark)!

I like the name Van, are they planning on teaming it up with another name? Van Morrisson, Van Wilding, Van Helsing, Van Heflin and Lee Van Cleef. You don't actually realise you know so many until you think about it. It's kind of like buying a new car, it's only when you get it, you notice others the same.
P.S.... I don't know anyone personally named Van, so it's a very cool name!

[framboiseetrose]

Congratulations, Annette! It is such a good feeling to anticipate the birth of a grandchild. I think it is better than having your own child - you don't have to stay up all night!!! (LOL)

[annettecinca]

Yes, I'm really excited! It's going to be a fun summer. Van is an unusual name, but it's growing on me. They have a very common last name, so I can see why they want to go with something a bit out of the ordinary.

Interesting stuff about the French naming laws. I can see where that would be a nightmare for genealogists in the not-to-distant future. And they think patranimic names are confusing!?!

And Shoesy, you're making me blush again! But all the looks will come from others in the family, all he'll get from me is fat genes! lol

[Shoesy]

Annette - Of course you can't really know what "genes" he'll have, but I'm sure you will make sure he has the cutest "jeans" that money can buy. ;D