What is French for my name?

How to Say "My Name Is" in French

When learning French, one of the first phrases you’ll want to master is how to introduce yourself. The most common way to say “My name is” in French is “Je m'appelle”, followed by your name—like “Je m'appelle Sophie.” This expression is natural, conversational, and widely used in everyday speech across the French-speaking world.

But did you know there’s another way to say it? You can also use “Mon nom est…”, which translates directly to “My name is…” For example: Mon nom est Thomas. While grammatically correct and perfectly understandable, this version sounds more formal or textbook-like. It’s the kind of phrase you might hear in a classroom or see in written French, but less often in casual conversation.

Interestingly, “Mon nom est…” often pairs with the question “Quel est ton nom ?” (“What is your name?”), especially in language exercises. However, even native speakers tend to prefer “Comment tu t'appelles ?” (“What’s your name?” literally “What do you call yourself?”) in real-life interactions because it’s more relaxed and natural.

So, while both expressions are valid, sticking with “Je m'appelle…” will make your French sound more authentic and fluent. Save Mon nom est… for formal writing or when you're just starting out and need that extra clarity. Either way, introducing yourself is the first step to connecting with French speakers—and getting it right makes all the difference.