Remy

♂ Boy

Pronounced REH-mee /ˈrɛm.i/High

Meaning: From French Rémi, a form of the Latin Remigius meaning oarsman or one who rows; connected to Saint Remigius of Rheims who baptized Clovis IHigh

In 30 seconds: Remy is a debonair French name meaning 'oarsman' with a saintly pedigree and animated rat-chef fame — sleek, gender-flexible, and thoroughly at home in 21st-century America.

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Origin HighFrench, Latin

MeaningFrom French Rémi, a form of the Latin Remigius meaning oarsman or one who rows; connected to Saint Remigius of Rheims who baptized Clovis I

U.S. rank (2025)#408 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births781 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,475

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Remy is an anglicized form of French Rémi, from Latin Remigius meaning oarsman. Saint Rémi (c. 437–533) was the Archbishop of Rheims who baptized Frankish King Clovis I, effectively Christianizing France.

The name has long been used in France; in the United States it gained traction from the 2000s onward, riding both the Pixar film and a broader appreciation for French names. It is used for both boys and girls.

Did you know? Remy is the name of the culinary genius rat protagonist in Pixar's 2007 film Ratatouille, which introduced the name to an entire generation of children and helped fuel its rise as a given name.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Remy — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RémiRemieRemi

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Remy (Ratatouille) (fictional)
Rat protagonist of Pixar's 2007 animated film Ratatouille, an aspiring chef in Paris.
★Saint Remigius (c. 437–533)
Archbishop of Rheims who baptized Frankish King Clovis I, converting the Franks to Christianity.

If you like Remy…

Theo— shares the French-origin short classic feel and similar modern crossover appeal

Leo— fellow bright two-syllable name with the same broad-spectrum modern appeal

Beau— shares the French origin and the same laid-back, charming quality

Demi— parallel two-syllable French-accented name sharing the gender-flexible trend

Frequently Asked

What does the name Remy mean?

Remy comes from Latin Remigius meaning oarsman or one who rows, via French Rémi.

How do you pronounce Remy?

It is said REH-mee /ˈrɛm.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Remy a boy or girl name?

Remy is used for both boys and girls; it is one of the more genuinely gender-neutral names in current use.

Did Ratatouille boost the name Remy?

Yes, Pixar's 2007 film introduced the name Remy to a huge audience and contributed to its rise in the U.S.