If you’re learning how to say “my name is” in French, you’re taking an important first step in mastering basic conversation. Introducing yourself properly can help you connect with native speakers and make a great first impression. French offers several ways to say your name, from the formal to the casual — and knowing when to use each one matters.
Whether you’re traveling, making new friends, or just practicing your skills, this guide will walk you through 15 natural and friendly ways to introduce yourself in French.
Each phrase comes with clear examples so you can use them confidently in real conversations. You’ll also learn the cultural context behind different greetings.
By the end, you’ll not only understand how to say “my name is” in French, but also feel more confident and authentic when using it in everyday situations.
1. Je m’appelle [Name]
(Standard: I call myself [Name])
Origin:
The most common and grammatically correct way to introduce yourself in French.
Example:
👤 User A: Bonjour ! Je m’appelle Marie. Et toi ?
👤 User B: Moi, je m’appelle Paul. Enchanté !
Use: Standard in both formal and informal contexts.
2. Moi, c’est [Name]
(Me, it’s [Name])
Origin:
A more casual and modern way to introduce yourself, often used in spoken French.
Example:
👤 User A: Salut ! Moi, c’est Lucas.
👤 User B: Enchantée, moi c’est Emma.
Use: Informal, friendly, often in social settings.
3. Mon nom est [Name]
(My name is [Name])
Origin:
Literal translation, but more often used in writing, interviews, or formal introductions.
Example:
👤 User A: Bonjour. Mon nom est Jacques Lefèvre.
👤 User B: Bonjour Monsieur Lefèvre, bienvenue.
Use: More formal and businesslike.
4. Je suis [Name]
(I am [Name])
Origin:
Simple and direct—often used in quick introductions or informal contexts.
Example:
👤 User A: Salut, je suis Léo.
👤 User B: Salut, Léo ! Moi c’est Jade.
Use: Informal and commonly used in speech.
5. Il s’appelle / Elle s’appelle [Name]
(They calls himself/herself [Name])
Origin:
Used to introduce someone else, but important to know for context and conversation flow.
Example:
👤 User A: C’est ton frère ?
👤 User B: Oui, il s’appelle Adrien.
Use: Third-person introductions.
6. Je me nomme [Name]
(I name myself [Name])
Origin:
A more formal or old-fashioned structure, still seen in official or legal settings.
Example:
👤 User A: Je me nomme François Dupont, avocat de la défense.
👤 User B: Enchanté, Maître Dupont.
Use: Very formal or literary.
7. C’est [Name]
(This is [Name])
Origin:
Used when introducing someone to a group, or sometimes to refer to yourself casually.
Example:
👤 User A: Qui est-ce ?
👤 User B: C’est moi, Chloé !
Use: Informal or to clarify identity.
8. Tu peux m’appeler [Nickname]
(You can call me [Nickname])
Origin:
Shows familiarity and friendliness, often after a standard intro.
Example:
👤 User A: Je m’appelle Jonathan, mais tu peux m’appeler Jo.
👤 User B: D’accord, Jo !
Use: Informal and friendly.
9. On m’appelle [Name/Nickname]
(People call me [Name])
Origin:
A bit mysterious or cool—used to suggest a nickname or alias.
Example:
👤 User A: Et toi, comment tu t’appelles ?
👤 User B: On m’appelle Max.
Use: Informal, sometimes humorous or stylish.
10. Je suis connu(e) sous le nom de [Name]
(I am known under the name [Name])
Origin:
Useful for artists, writers, or when using a stage name.
Example:
👤 User A: Vous êtes l’auteur ?
👤 User B: Oui, je suis connu sous le nom de R.L. Martin.
Use: Formal or creative contexts.
11. Appelez-moi [Name]
(Call me [Name])
Origin:
Polite command form; great for setting preferences in names or titles.
Example:
👤 User A: Bonjour, je suis le docteur Chevalier.
👤 User B: Appelez-moi Pierre, s’il vous plaît.
Use: Formal to neutral.
12. Je suis appelé(e) [Name]
(I am called [Name])
Origin:
Passive form, less commonly used in spoken French but still grammatically correct.
Example:
👤 User A: Vous êtes ?
👤 User B: Je suis appelée Hélène.
Use: Formal or poetic.
13. J’ai pour prénom [Name]
(My first name is [Name])
Origin:
Used in forms, documents, or official identification.
Example:
👤 User A: Quel est votre prénom ?
👤 User B: J’ai pour prénom Émilie.
Use: Formal, written contexts.
14. Nom : [Last Name], Prénom : [First Name]
(Last name: [Name], First name: [Name])
Origin:
Used in official records, IDs, and at the border.
Example:
👤 User A: Vos papiers, s’il vous plaît ?
👤 User B: Nom : Bernard, Prénom : Camille.
Use: Administrative or official situations.
15. Je me présente, je suis [Name]
(Let me introduce myself, I am [Name])
Origin:
Polite and complete form of introduction, often used in speeches, meetings, or interviews.
Example:
👤 User A: Je me présente, je suis Claire Durand, directrice du projet.
👤 User B: Enchanté, madame Durand.
Use: Formal or semi-formal settings.
Conclusion:
Now that you’ve learned how to say “my name is” in French in 15 different ways, you’re ready to introduce yourself with confidence in any situation. Whether you’re speaking formally, casually, or even in a fun or creative way, you have the tools to make a great impression. Keep practicing these phrases aloud to build fluency. The more comfortable you get with introductions, the easier it becomes to start real conversations in French. 🌍🇫🇷
Don’t be afraid to mix things up based on the setting and the people you’re talking to. With time and practice, saying your name in French will feel just as natural as in your native language.
