France's 2025 birth data reveals 78% of children receive father's surname
The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) disclosed that among the 644,000 children born in France in 2025 to couples, 78 % were given only their father's surname. A further 15.1 % received the surnames of both parents, while 6.8 % were assigned only their mother’s name – a figure that also includes children of lesbian couples.
The figures highlight that the custom of assigning solely the father's name remains entrenched in French society. Some couples report that deciding on a child's surname can generate tension and lead to compromises between partners. The editorial team is inviting readers to share personal experiences on the topic.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] 15.1 % of those children received both parents' surnames. (INSEE)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Some couples experience conflicts over the choice of their child's surname. (Editorial observation)
- [● 4 SOURCES] 6.8 % of the children were given only their mother's surname, including those of lesbian couples. (INSEE)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Among 644,000 children born in France in 2025 to couples, 78 % received only their father's surname. (INSEE)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The tradition of giving only the father's surname remains well‑anchored in French society. (Editorial observation based on INSEE data)