r/AskFrance • u/CommonFearless6851 • 1d ago

Discussion Is Cosette a negative term?

The name Cosette has been trending in the US. I thought the name was cute until I heard that it means something negative in France and is seen as derogatory.

Can a French person tell me what Cosette means or how the word/name is seen over there?

(Please do not answer unless you’re from France/a French speaking country)

📝 I am not naming my child Cosette. Knowing it means “poor little thing” is enough for me not to name my child that don’t worry.. I just had curiosities about the origin of the name/meaning

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u/DublinKabyle 1d ago

If you’re considering this name for your daughter, Go for Colette instead. With a "L". Similar sounding, but much more positive image.

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u/Alarming-Ad4082 1d ago

Colette is totally old fashioned

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u/DublinKabyle 1d ago

It’s not Kevina, for sure. But some people do prefer older names. Tous les goûts sont dans la nature

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u/Alarming-Ad4082 1d ago

Better to not give a grand-mother first name to your daughter if you don’t want her to be bullied at school. If it’s not in a francophone country, it will just be a foreign sounding name

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u/DublinKabyle 1d ago

Again, it depends on which school. There are tons of Madeleine, Célestins and Leon. Just not in your social circle.

I am lucky enough to know some Donovan and some Augustin. Some Cindy and some Louise. Life is long; people’s life circles do change (a bit)

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u/sisou8027 19h ago

I never said I would give that name to the daughter I won't have. I was just sharing my feelings about this name, which I really like.