HomeBaby Names DirectoryRemy

Remy

♀ Girl

Pronounced REH-mee /ˈrɛm.i/High

Meaning: French form of the Latin Remigius, from remigis meaning 'oarsman' or 'rower'; associated with Saint Rémi of Reims who baptized Clovis I; also popularly associated with French réméde meaning 'remedy'High

In 30 seconds: Remy is a chic French name with an effortlessly cool sound that works for both boys and girls. Known from Pixar's Ratatouille and rising strongly for girls, it carries a blend of French sophistication and playful approachability.
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Origin HighLatin, French
MeaningFrench form of the Latin Remigius, from remigis meaning 'oarsman' or 'rower'; associated with Saint Rémi of Reims who baptized Clovis I; also popularly associated with French réméde meaning 'remedy'
U.S. rank (2025)#721 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births390 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,259

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202019642025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Remy derives from the Latin Remigius, meaning 'oarsman.' It became a French given name through Saint Rémi of Reims, one of the most important figures in early French Christianity. The name has been used continuously in France for over 1,500 years.

In the United States, Remy gained visibility through Pixar's 2007 film Ratatouille, whose protagonist is a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef. The name has grown for both boys and girls since, with the girls usage expanding in the 2010s and 2020s as French chic names gained appeal.

Did you know? Rémi de Reims (Saint Remigius), who baptized the Frankish King Clovis I around 496 CE, is considered the 'Apostle of the Franks' — the event that shaped France as a Catholic nation. The name Remy thus carries an unexpectedly pivotal moment in European history.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Remy — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RémiRémyRemie

Nicknames

Rem

Famous Bearers

  • Remy (fictional)
    The rat protagonist of Pixar's 2007 animated film Ratatouille.

If you like Remy…

Cleo— shares the short French-adjacent unisex sophistication and two-syllable open sound
Nico— fellow crisp two-syllable European name that works effortlessly for girls or boys
Marlowe— shares the French-inflected cool literary quality and rising girls name status
Beau— parallel chic French-origin short name with the same effortless unisex appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Remy mean?

Remy means 'oarsman' from the Latin Remigius. It is associated with Saint Rémi of Reims, who baptized the Frankish King Clovis I.

How do you pronounce Remy?

Remy is pronounced REH-mee /ˈrɛm.i/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Remy a girl or boy name?

Remy is genuinely unisex. In France it is traditionally masculine; in the United States it is increasingly used for girls.

Did Ratatouille make Remy more popular?

Yes, Pixar's 2007 Ratatouille introduced Remy to a wide American audience and contributed to its rise for both boys and girls.