Guy
Meaning: Guide, leader — one who lights the way forward
Origin: Germanic/Old French
Gender: Unisex
Rank in France: #34
Total births: 265,938
History: From the Germanic meaning guide or leader. Guy peaked massively in France in the 1940s-1950s, becoming one of the most popular names of the postwar era. Guy de Maupassant is one of France's greatest short story writers. Guy Mollet served as Prime Minister. The name has deep roots in medieval France — Guy de Lusignan was King of Jerusalem.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from France’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2021) | #2847 |
| Babies named Guy in 2021 | 7 |
| Total recorded in France | 265,902 |
| Peak year | 1947 (9,392 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #9 |
| Years in records | 1900–2021 (122 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 908 spots |
Frequently asked about Guy
What does the name Guy mean?
Guy means “Guide, leader — one who lights the way forward” from Germanic/Old French roots.
What is the origin of the name Guy?
Guy has Germanic/Old French origin. The traditional meaning is “Guide, leader — one who lights the way forward”.
How popular is Guy in France?
Guy ranked #2847 in France in 2021 — given to 7 babies that year.
When was Guy most popular?
Guy peaked in 1947 with 9,392 babies registered that year in France.
Is Guy a boy or girl name?
Guy is predominantly a boys' name in France — over 90% of Guys in registered births are male.
Is the name Guy rising or falling in popularity?
Guy has fallen 908 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in France — from #1939 in 2016 to #2847 in 2021.
How long has Guy been recorded in France?
Guy appears in birth records in France across 122 years — from 1900 through 2021.