How to Say "What is Your Name" in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you learning French and want to know how to politely ask someone their name? "What is your name" in French is a simple phrase that can be used in many situations. This guide will provide you with the correct French phrase, along with variations and tips for using it in different contexts. We'll also explore the meaning and origins of French names, giving you a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural significance.
1. **Comment vous appelez-vous ?** : This is the most common and formal way to ask "What is your name?" in French. It translates literally as "How do you call yourself?"
2. **Quel est votre nom?** : Another formal way to ask, translating to "What is your name?"
3. **Comment t'appelles-tu?** : This is the informal and familiar way to ask someone their name, meaning "What do you call yourself?"
4. **Quel est ton nom?** : The informal version of "Quel est votre nom?", meaning "What is your name?"
5. **C'est quoi ton nom?** : A more casual and informal way to ask someone their name, meaning "What is your name?"
6. **Tu t'appelles comment?** : A very informal and casual way to ask someone their name, meaning "How are you called?"

**Common French Names and their Meanings:**

1. **Alexandre:** Defender of mankind.
2. **Antoine:** Priceless, invaluable.
3. **Benjamin:** Son of the right hand.
4. **Charles:** Free man.
5. **David:** Beloved.
6. **Emmanuel:** God is with us.
7. **Étienne:** Crown, garland.
8. **François:** Free man.
9. **Gabriel:** God is my strength.
10. **Guillaume:** Resolute protector.
11. **Hugo:** Mind, intellect.
12. **Jean:** God is gracious.
13. **Jules:** Youthful.
14. **Louis:** Famous warrior.
15. **Marc:** Dedicated to Mars.
16. **Matthieu:** Gift of God.
17. **Michel:** Who is like God?
18. **Nicolas:** Victory of the people.
19. **Pierre:** Rock, stone.
20. **Philippe:** Lover of horses.
21. **Raphael:** God has healed.
22. **Samuel:** God has heard.
23. **Simon:** Hearing.
24. **Thomas:** Twin.
25. **Vincent:** Conquering.
26. **Adrien:** Dark, strong.
27. **Arthur:** Bear, strong.
28. **Baptiste:** Baptized.
29. **Clément:** Merciful.
30. **Cyrille:** Lord.
31. **Daniel:** God is my judge.
32. **Denis:** Dedicated to Dionysus.
33. **Éric:** Ruler of the people.
34. **Florian:** Blooming, flourishing.
35. **Grégoire:** Watchful.
36. **Jérémie:** The Lord will exalt.
37. **Jonathan:** God has given.
38. **Laurent:** Laurel wreath.
39. **Lucas:** Light.
40. **Martin:** Dedicated to Mars.
41. **Nathan:** God has given.
42. **Olivier:** Olive tree.
43. **Paul:** Small, humble.
44. **Quentin:** Fifth born.
45. **Rémi:** Oar.
46. **Romain:** From Rome.
47. **Sébastien:** Revered.
48. **Thibault:** Bold.
49. **Timothée:** Honoring God.
50. **Valentin:** Strong, healthy.
51. **Victor:** Victorious.
52. **Alain:** Noble.
53. **André:** Strong, manly.
54. **Bernard:** Brave as a bear.
55. **Bruno:** Brown.
56. **Christophe:** Bearer of Christ.
57. **Damien:** Tamer.
58. **Didier:** Dedicated to Jupiter.
59. **Eric:** Ruler of the people.
60. **Fabrice:** Craftsman.
61. **Gaël:** Joy.
62. **Germain:** Brother.
63. **Guillaume:** Resolute protector.
64. **Henri:** Ruler of the house.
65. **Jacques:** Supplanter.
66. **Jean-Pierre:** God is gracious and rock.
67. **Joseph:** God will increase.
68. **Julien:** Youthful.
69. **Léon:** Lion.
70. **Manuel:** God is with us.
71. **Marius:** Dedicated to Mars.
72. **Michel:** Who is like God?
73. **Pascal:** Easter.
74. **Philippe:** Lover of horses.
75. **Quentin:** Fifth born.
76. **Richard:** Bold, strong ruler.
77. **Robert:** Bright fame.
78. **Roger:** Famous spearman.
79. **Thierry:** King.
80. **Vincent:** Conquering.
81. **Yvan:** God is gracious.
82. **Agathe:** Good.
83. **Alice:** Noble.
84. **Amélie:** Industrious.
85. **Audrey:** Noble strength.
86. **Camille:** Young, pure.
87. **Chloé:** Blooming.
88. **Claire:** Bright.
89. **Coralie:** Of the people.
90. **Élise:** My God is an oath.
91. **Emma:** Whole, universal.
92. **Émilie:** Rival.
93. **Estelle:** Star.
94. **Florence:** Flourishing.
95. **Gaëlle:** Joy.
96. **Hélène:** Light.
97. **Inès:** Grace.
98. **Isabelle:** Dedicated to God.
99. **Jade:** Precious stone.
100. **Jeanne:** God is gracious.
101. **Julia:** Youthful.
102. **Justine:** Fair, just.
103. **Léa:** Lioness.
104. **Léonie:** Lioness.
105. **Lilou:** Little lily.
106. **Lisa:** Dedicated to God.
107. **Louise:** Famous warrior.
108. **Lucile:** Light.
109. **Maëlys:** My God is an oath.
110. **Magali:** Dedicated to Magus.
111. **Manon:** Grace.
112. **Marie:** Bitter, rebellious.
113. **Marion:** Sea.
114. **Mathilde:** Powerful in battle.
115. **Mélanie:** Dark.
116. **Morgane:** Sea fairy.
117. **Naomie:** Pleasantness.
118. **Océane:** Ocean.
119. **Pauline:** Small, humble.
120. **Philippine:** Lover of horses.
121. **Rachel:** Ewe.
122. **Rose:** Rose.
123. **Sarah:** Princess.
124. **Solène:** Sun.
125. **Sophie:** Wisdom.
126. **Stéphanie:** Crown.
127. **Sylvie:** Forest.
128. **Théo:** God.
129. **Valentine:** Strong, healthy.
130. **Victoire:** Victory.
131. **Violette:** Violet.
132. **Zoé:** Life.