Wondering how to say “my name is” in French?
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
After living in France for more than six years, I know how important it is to speak French. In fact, when I first arrived, I completely immersed myself in the culture and language, and now, I’m fluent in French.
Whether you’re moving abroad or planning a trip to France, understanding basic phrases is essential. And, today, I want to share with you all the different ways to say “my name is” in French.
So, let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
- 25 Useful Ways to Say My Name Is in French
- FAQS About Introducing Yourself in French
- Conclusion: How to Get Started
25 Useful Ways to Say My Name Is in French
Learning how to say “my name is” in French can be a great way to introduce yourself and make a good first impression.
Below I’ll cover 25 different phrases that you can use in both formal and informal settings. I’ve also added pronunciation tips and helpful examples so that you can present yourself with ease!
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1. Je m’appelle [first name]
Pronunciation: juh mah-pehl
“Je m’appelle” is one of the most common ways to say “my name is” in French. It’s used for both formal and informal introductions. Pronounced juh mah-pehl, this phrase translates as “I call myself.”
To use it correctly, add your first name after the phrase. For example, je m’appelle Jennifer (my name is Jennifer).
Useful Tip: If you want to be an expat in France, I recommend learning this phrase sooner rather than later.
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2. Je m’appelle [first name], mais je préfère qu’on m’appelle [preferred name]
Pronunciation: juh mah-pehl [first name], may juh prey-fair k-on ma-pelle [preferred name]
If the name you prefer to be called is different than you’re first name then you would use this phrase. It means “my name is [first name], but I preferred that we call me [preferred name].”
As an example, I often have to use this phrase and I say “je m’appelle Jennifer, mais je préfère qu’on m’appelle Jen.”
3. Je m’appelle [first name], mais on me surnomme [nickname]
Pronunciation: juh mah-pehl [first name], may on much syr-nome [nickname]
This phrase is like the one above, except it’s used by people who have a nickname. So, the translation is “my name is [first name], but my nickname is [nickname].”
Useful Tip: Nicknames are more common among friends in France, and they are not used in a professional setting.
4. Je m’appelle [first name], mais mes amis m’appellent [name used by your friends]
Pronunciation: juh mah-pehl [first name], may maze-a-mi mah-pelle [name used by your friends]
This expression means “my name is [first name], but my friends call me [name used by your friends].” The name your friends call you can be your nickname or your preferred name, either one works.
Again, it’s used among peers, but if you have a good relationship with your colleagues, you can also use it at the office.
5. Je m’appelle [your first name], et voici mon ami [your friend’s first name]
Pronunciation: juh mah-pehlm [your first name], ay vwa-si mohn-a-mi [your friend’s first name]
The phrase “je m’appelle [your first name], et voici mon ami [your friend’s first name]” is a useful way to introduce yourself and your friend. It translates to “my name is [your first name], and this is my friend [your friend’s first name].”
6. Je suis [first name]
Pronunciation: juh swee [first name]
Je suis is a French phrase that translates to “I am” in English. It’s used as an introduction when you want to present yourself, and it’s often followed by your name.
For example, if your name is Jennifer, you would say “je suis Jennifer.”
This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings. In fact, it’s one of the most common ways for people to introduce themselves in French.
7. On m’appelle [first name]
Pronunciation: on ma-pelle [first name]
Using the phrase “on m’appelle” is a less common way to say “my name is” in French. Pronounced on ma-pelle, it translates as “they call me.”
While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, you won’t hear it often.
To use it correctly, add your first name after the phrase. For example, on m’appelle Jennifer (they call me Jennifer).
8. Je me nomme [first name]
Pronunciation: juh-meh-nohm [first name]
“Je me nomme” is another way to say “my name is” in French. In fact, it’s a synonym for “je m’appelle”. It translates to “I name myself” and it’s used for both formal and informal introductions.
To use it correctly, add your first name after the phrase. For example, je me nomme Jennifer (my name is Jennifer).
Useful Tip: This is only an alternative to “je m’appelle.” Only use it if you’re looking for a different way of introducing yourself.
9. Mon nom est [first or last name]
Pronunciation: mohn nohm ay [first or last name]
“Mon nom est” is a French phrase that translates to “my name is” in English. It’s used when introducing yourself and can be followed by either your first or last name. While “mon nom est” isn’t used among friends, it’s still considered polite in professional contexts.
Useful Tip: If someone asks you “Ton nom est?” (What is your name?), they are asking for your last name.
10. Mon prénom est [first name], et mon nom de famille est [last name]
Pronunciation: mohn prey-nohm ay [first name], ay mohn nohm duh fa-miy ay [last name]
When introducing yourself in French, you can use the phrase “mon prénom est [first name], et mon nom de famille est [last name]” to give your full name.
It means “my first name is [first name] and my last name is [last name].” It’s a polite way of introducing yourself and it’s usually used in formal settings.
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11. Moi c’est [first name]
Pronunciation: mwah say [first name]
If you’re looking for an informal way of introducing yourself in French, then “moi c’est [first name]” is a great choice. Pronounced mwah say, it translates to “me, it’s [first name]” and is usually used when introducing yourself after someone else.
It’s also useful if you want to sound more relaxed and confident while speaking French.
To use this phrase correctly, add your first name after the phrase. For example, “moi c’est Jennifer.”
12. Moi c’est [first name]. Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer.
Pronunciation: mwah say [first name]. ravee-duh-voo-ran-kon-tré.
“Moi c’est [first name]. Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer.” is a French phrase that can be used to introduce yourself in both formal and informal settings. It translates as “Me, it’s [first name]. Pleased to meet you.”
It’s considered polite in professional contexts, but it’s never used for casual introductions.
Like “moi c’est [first name],” “Moi c’est [first name]. Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer.” is used to introduce yourself after someone else.
Useful Tip: Ravi and ravie are pronounced the same. The only difference is in their written forms. So, ravi is the masculine form while ravie is the feminine form.
13. C’est un plaisir de faire votre connaissance, moi c’est [first name]
Pronunciation: say euh(n) pleh-seer duh fair vo-truh co-nay-sanse, mwah say [first name]
“C’est un plaisir de faire votre reconnaissance, moi c’est [first name]” is a French phrase that can be used to introduce yourself in formal settings. It translates as “it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my name is [first name].”
This phrase is exceptionally polite. So, if you want to be as professional as possible, use this expression.
14. Heureux(uses) de vous connaître, moi c’est [first name]
Pronunciation: (h)-eu-r-eu ((h)-eu-r-euze) duh voo ko-netr, mwah say [first name]
“Heureux de vous connaître, moi c’est [first name]” is a French phrase that can be used to say “my name is” in formal contexts. It’s considered very polite and respectful. But it’s only used after someone has already introduced themselves.
It translates as “glad to meet you, my name is [first name].”
Useful Tip: Heureux is used by males while heureuse is used by females.
15. C’est un beau prénom. Moi c’est [first name]
Pronunciation: say euh(n) bow prey-nohm. mwah say [first name]
“C’est un beau prénom. Moi c’est [first name]” is a polite and friendly way of introducing yourself in French. And, as with all the phrases that use “moi c’est [first name],” you should only use it if you are introducing yourself after someone else.
It translates to “It’s a beautiful first name. My name is [first name].”
In general, this phrase is not very common, and it would be strange to use it in a professional setting. It’s like saying “ouais,” an informal way to say “yes” in French, to your boss.
Useful Tip: If someone compliments you, don’t forget to be courteous in return.
16. Permettez-moi de me présenter
Pronunciation: pear-met-ay mwah duh meh prey-zaun-tay
“Permettez-moi de me présenter” is one of the politest ways to introduce yourself in French. It means “allow me to introduce myself” and is usually followed by “je m’appelle [first name].”
This phrase expresses politeness and respect for the person you’re introducing yourself to. It’s perfect for formal settings such as job interviews or networking events.
Useful Tip: Keep in mind that French Labor Laws enforce the use of French, so you should try to learn professional phrases like this one if you want to work in France.
How to Say Hello My Name Is in French
Knowing how to say “hello my name is” in French adds a level of sophistication to your knowledge of the language. And it’s especially useful in professional settings. Granted, there are a ton of ways to say “hello” in French, but I’ll cover which ones work best when you want to say “hello my name is.”
So, let’s get started!
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17. Salut, je m’appelle [first name]
Pronunciation: sah-loo, juh mah-pehl [first name]
“Salut, je m’appelle [first name]” is a great way to introduce yourself in French. It’s equal to saying “Hi, my name is [first name]” and it’s used in more informal or casual situations.
18. Salut, je suis [first name]
Pronunciation: sah-loo, juh swee [first name]
“Salut, je suis [first name]” is less formal than “salut, je m’appelle [first name].”
It’s mostly used between peers in casual settings.
19. Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name]
Pronunciation: bohn-jhoor, juh mah-pehl [first name]
“Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name]” is the most common way to say “hello my name is” in French. It’s polite while still being casual enough for everyday use. You can use it to introduce yourself at parties or networking events, for example.
Useful Tip: Don’t pronounce “je m’appelle” like Joey Tribbiani from Friends. You might end up looking ridiculous.
20. Bonjour, je suis [first name]
Pronunciation: bohn-jhoor, juh swee [first name]
“Bonjour, je suis [first name]” is less common than “bonjour, je m’appelle [first name].” It’s slightly less formal but can still be used in professional situations.
21. Bonjour, enchanté(e)! Je m’appelle [first name]
Pronunciation: bohn-jhoor, ahn-shant-ay! juh mah-pehl [first name]
“Bonjour, enchanté(e)! Je m’appelle [first name]” is a French phrase that can be used when introducing yourself in formal or semi-formal contexts. It translates to “Hello, pleased to meet you! My name is [first name].”
This phrase is very polite and almost elegant. If you want to sound professional, use this expression.
Useful Tip: Enchanté and enchantée have the same pronunciation. So, you would only need to distinguish between the two in writing. Enchanté is the masculine form while enchantée is the feminine form.
22. Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name], et vous?
Pronunciation: bohn-jhoor, juh mah-pehl [first name], ay voo?
“Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name], et vous?” is a versatile and effective way to introduce yourself in French. This phrase, which translates to “Hello, my name is [first name], and you?”, is only used in formal settings.
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23. Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name], et tu?
Pronunciation: bohn-jhoor, juh mah-pehl [first name], ay too?
“Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name], et tu?” is the informal version of the phrase “Bonjour, je m’appelle [first name], et vous?”. It’s only used with your peers or if you’re meeting a friend of a friend for the first time.
You should never use this phrase in a formal setting.
24. Enchanté(e), je m’appelle [first name]
Pronunciation: ahn-shant-ay, juh mah-pehl [first name]
“Enchanté(e), je m’appelle [first name]” is a phrase that can be used when introducing yourself in formal contexts. It translates to “Pleased to meet you! My name is [first name].”
25. Salut, enchanté(e), j’ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous. Moi c’est [first name].
Pronunciation: sah-loo, ahn-shant-ay, jay bo-kou an-tan-du par-lay duh voo mwah say [first name].
The phrase “Salut, enchanté(e), j’ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous. Moi c’est [first name].” is an incredibly polite way to introduce yourself in French. It translates to “Hi, pleased to meet you, I have heard a lot about you. My name is [first name].”
This expression emphasizes politeness and respect, making it an ideal choice when meeting someone new for the first time.
Useful Tip: Only use this phrase after someone has introduced themselves.
FAQS About Introducing Yourself in French
Can I say Je suis my name?
Yes, you can say Je suis my name. It’s a very common phrase in French.
What does je m appelle mean?
Je m’appelle means I call myself. It’s used to introduce yourself and means my name is in French.
What’s the difference between Je m appelle and Je suis?
Je m’appelle means I call myself and can only be used to introduce yourself. Je suis can also be used to say, “my name is,” but, since it means I am, you can use it in several other scenarios.
Is Je m appelle formal?
Yes, je m’appelle is formal.
Why is there an apostrophe in Je m appelle?
There is an apostrophe in je m’appelle because you can’t write je me appelle in French. When you have a word that ends with a vowel and is followed by one that starts with a vowel, in most cases, you need to add an apostrophe.
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Conclusion: How to Get Started
Introducing yourself in French can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know the language well. But, with this guide on how to say “my name is” in French, you’ll be able to confidently express yourself and make a good impression.
I recommend starting with a few of the simpler phrases and working your way up to the complex ones. And once you’ve mastered how to introduce yourself, try learning how to express agreement.
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