A French version of Sam? Or is it used in France?

[Bossybessy]

A silly question maybe. My other two children have French names. Sam is a name that means something to my family. But it almost feels like it won't "go" as Samuel.

Or is Samuel / Sam used in France? Or is there another Sam full name alternative? (If that makes sense.)

(My mother was French, so there's at least some connection!)

My other two are Ines and Elodie.

Or another suggestion of a boy's name that goes with Ines or Elodie would be welcome! Although I'd love to explore the Sam route if I can. Ines, Elodie and Sam doesn't sound quite right... right? But it would mean a lot to use it, so I'm confused.

Anyone?

There is no French version, it is Samuel. Alternatives could be.....
Sauville
Sidney
Stephan,
Soren
Sebastien

www.thegoodlifefrance.com/france-driver-called-sam/

Ooh I like Sebastien!

Is Samuel used much in France? Would it sound ok with my girls' names?

I think Samuel goes beautifully with Ines and Elodie. It's a classic name that goes well with anything. Same for Sam.

Haha mo! I didn't know of that!

But designated driver association aside, I believe it's just Samuel, pronounced Samooell!

Yes, Samuel is used but haven't heard Sam so much. Sammy occasionally!

The French always make things sound prettier, mo! 😂

Thank you, wallis

Never met a Samuel in France (been here 15 years) but I doubt anyone would blink an eye.

IT was on our list (DH is French).

Other names on our list
Damien
Benjamin
Maxime
Arthur
Louis
Simon

I'm French and my best friend is Samuel, known as Sam - so I'd go for it!

I love your daughters' names. So pretty. Agree Sebastien/an would go well. Simeon?

What very lovely names OP.

Samuel sounds lovely with your other names. Have heard it in France. There is Silvain or Sylvan also which is nice.

I know a Samson. I prefer Samuel, but it's OK.

I know a French Samuel, he's 18.

Ooh these replies are making me feel much better, thank you!

And thank you to those who said they like my daughters' names that did give me a glow!

It's a historical thing. The French, being traditionally Catholic, didn't used to use Old Testament names to the extent the British and Americans, with their strong Protestant tradition, did.

There are exceptions, and more so now that the rules on naming children have been relaxed and Anglophone names are fashionable.

(BTW, Samson tended to be used in Brittany because of the Breton saint, rather than Delilah's bloke.)

I'm British but live in France, when DS2 was born we wanted a name that worked in both languages - it was a toss up between Samuel and Lucas. Fortunately we went for Samuel, because there are 4 other Lucas' in his school. I know of two others around here (Brittany) - both grown up. It tends to be pronounced in full Sam-ooo-elle but his best friend calls him Samu (which is what the ambulance service is called here) makes me laugh! I like Elodie too - it's Sam's teacher's name!

I know a French Samuel. They pronounce it Samwell!

Sebastian or Nathaniel.

OP isn't Ines Spanish? Probably wrong but I have only heard it in Spanish.

Anyhow, BIL is called Sam and my French stepmum calls him Samuel, obvs pron Sam-ou-el. Seems totally normal to her!

Samuel does exist in French but is much more associated with the Jewish community than would be the case in the UK.

We have the accent going this way: Inès. (Another family name)! And though perhaps it isn't French by origin, it's known in France. I think it's the French and Spanish version of Agnes? I sort of remember reading that on NameBerry or something at the time!

It's not so much that I want a gaggle of French names, more that I want names that "fit" together, if that makes sense?

So good to hear more about Samuel and feeling more confident it won't be the odd one out in my trio!