Monaco’s 2025 baby names reveal a fascinating cultural split: parents are choosing decidedly Italian names for boys while opting for British-influenced names for girls. The trend suggests families in the region are drawing inspiration from different cultural spheres depending on their child’s gender.

New civil registry data released by the Mairie on Monday reveals that the girls’ top five reads like a roster from a London nursery: Bianca, Emma, Anna, Charlotte, and Clara. Apart from Bianca, these are quintessentially Anglo names that have dominated British baby name charts for years. Emma and Charlotte, in particular, carry strong associations with British royalty and period dramas.

Italian romance for boys

The boys’ list tells a completely different story. While Louis claims the top spot with its French royal credentials, positions two through four go decidedly Italian: Matteo, Leonardo, and Léo. Gabriel and Arthur tie for fifth, but the Mediterranean influence is unmistakable in the upper rankings.

Leonardo, in particular, represents a shift away from traditional French naming patterns. Parents are choosing the full Italian form rather than the French Léonard, suggesting either Italian heritage or a broader embrace of Italian culture’s romantic appeal.

The Anglo-Italian split

What explains this gendered cultural divide? The pattern likely reflects different associations parents make with masculinity and femininity. Italian names for boys may evoke romance, artistry, and Old World charm, while British names for girls suggest elegance, classic literature, and a certain refined internationalism that transcends borders.

It’s worth noting that all these names work seamlessly in French, Italian, and English, making them practical choices for families navigating the multilingual reality of the Côte d’Azur.

Who’s actually naming these babies

Of the 732 babies born in 2025, only 208 came from families residing in Monaco itself. The remaining 524 births involved parents living in neighboring French communes, predominantly Menton (166), Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (85), and Beausoleil (78). This Franco-Italian border demographic helps explain the cultural mix.

The civil registry, which has tracked births since the 16th century, continues to offer annual glimpses into how international influences shape naming patterns in this unique corner of Europe.

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Photo: Princess Charlene visiting the maternity ward of the CHPG in September 2025. Credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier