Is francization of surname and forename possible when you become French?

Verified 23 May 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Yes, you can obtain the francization of your name and/or your first name(s) during an application for French nationality, or after becoming French, within one year.

You can ask for francization of your name and/or your first name or one of them if their appearance, their sound or their foreigner character can hinder your integration into the French community.

The application may be made at the time of acquisition or reintegration into French nationality.

FYI  

Francization of the surname and/or first name is not mandatory.

French translation of the foreigners name

You must provide an attestation from a certified translator.

Example :

Dos Santos francized in Dessaint.

Changing the foreigner name

The name can be changed to make it look, sound, or foreigner.

Example :

Fayad francized as Fayard.

Taking over a name

The name can be francized by taking the name carried by a ascendant French.

In case of reintegration into French nationality, the name can be francized by taking the French name you lost by decision of a foreigner country.

FYI  

It is not possible to choose a new name unrelated to your birth name or never carried in your family.

Foreigner First Name Replacement

The foreigners first name or foreigners first names can be replaced by one or more French first names.

In the case of a plurality of first names, it is possible not to francize them all. The French first name can be the translation of the foreigners first name or another French first name.

Example :

Antonia becomes Adrienne.

Maria, Antonia becomes Mary, Adrienne.

Maria, Antonia becomes Mary, Antonia.

Maria, Antonia becomes Maria, Adrienne.

Adding a French First Name

A French first name can be added to the foreigners first name.

The French first name added can be placed before or after the original first name.

Example :

Ahmed becomes Ahmed, Alain.

Ahmed becomes Alain, Ahmed.

Deleting foreigner First Name

The foreigners first name or foreigners first names can be deleted, by keeping or obtaining a French first name.

Example :

Kouassi, Paul becomes Paul.

Jacek, Krysztof, Henryk becomes Maxime.

First name inversion

First name inversion is accepted to place in 1re position a french given name mentioned on the birth certificate.

If you don't have a first name, the French first name is:

  • Mandatory if you request francization of your name
  • Optional if you do not ask for francization of your name.

The approach varies depending on the procedure by which you become French.

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 Order in Council Procedures

The application for francization of the surname and/or first name is made online, at the same time or within one year after the application for naturalization or reintegration into french nationality.

Online application for French naturalization or reintegration into French nationality

Procedures by declaration

The request for francization of the surname and/or first name is made on the cerfa form no 65-0054at the same time or within one year of the following declarations:

You have to go to the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.

Who shall I contact

The francization of your name extends to your minor child if he becomes French at the same time as you and if his name is mentioned in the decree of naturalization or the declaration of French nationality bearing the registered mention.

You can also ask for the francization of the first names or one of the first names of your minor child, or the assignment of a French first name if it has no first name.

If your minor child is 13 years of age or older, he/she must indicate in writing his/her agreement to his/her change of name and/or first name(s).

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