This old feminine first name still appeals to parents in search of rarity.

In a context where classic first names are making a comeback, certain feminine names, marked by nobility and simplicity, appeal to today's parents. Doctissimo highlights a French first name of Germanic origin.

The name Aude is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the term "ald" which means "old" or "noble" or even "wealth". It is part of the lineage of historical names which combine sobriety and elegance. This short and powerful name evokes strength and dignity, while remaining imbued with a certain gentleness.

A story that dates back to the Middle Ages

Aude is a name that has stood the test of time. It became popular in the Middle Ages, particularly through female figures such as Saint Aude, a pious and faithful servant of Saint Genevieve in Paris. This name is also associated with medieval literature and poetry, where it often embodies noble and loyal characters.

Although Aude is not a very well-publicized first name, it nevertheless appears in literature, notably in La Chanson de Roland, where Aude is the fiancée of the knight Roland. This literary reference further reinforces the image of a noble first name, linked to loyalty and heroism.

However, after reaching a peak of popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in France, it experienced a certain decline from the 1990s. In 2024, Aude is no longer a very common name in new births, but it remains appreciated by parents looking for a classic name, both rare and easily identifiable.

The return of classic first names in 2024

In recent years, we have observed a return to simple and timeless first names, in a context where retro first names are making a comeback. Aude fits perfectly into this trend. Unlike more modern or inventive first names, Aude is perceived as a solid, elegant and easy name to wear throughout life. It also benefits from a certain rarity, which pleases parents who want a distinct but not eccentric first name.

The renewed success of short, often monosyllabic first names also help to revive interest in Aude. Her absence of diminutives or complicated nicknames pleases families who prefer full first names, carrying their own identity.