prénom
The French phrase for "first name" is prénom.
prénom refers to the name given to a person at birth, which precedes their family name. In informal settings, it is customary to address someone directly by their first name without any title.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the prefix pré- (meaning "before") and nom (meaning "name").
Which one should you use?
While prénom is used for a first name, the word nom (or nom de famille) is used to refer to a family name or surname.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is created by adding an s to the end, resulting in prénoms.
Did you know?
- While English speakers often use 'first name' as a single concept, French speakers may simply refer to your petit nom when speaking affectionately or informally.
- The word prénom is a learned borrowing from the Latin word praenōmen.
- In many official French administrative forms, you will see the field Nom placed before Prénom, which is the reverse of the standard English order.
Examples in context
- Quel est votre prénom ?What is your first name?
- Mon prénom est Marc.My first name is Marc.
- Écrivez votre prénom en lettres capitales.Write your first name in capital letters.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting for the first time at a party.
- ManonBonjour, je m'appelle Manon. Et toi ?Hello, my name is Manon. And you?
- HugoJe m'appelle Hugo.My name is Hugo.
- ManonHugo est un joli prénom !Hugo is a pretty first name!
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Manon.Thank you very much, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prénom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
