La Langue: “Bonne fête, René !” — What to know (and how to celebrate) René’s name day in France

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 If your name is René—or you love one—France gives you a bonus birthday called a fête du prénom. For René, the most widely used French calendar marks it on 19 October. You’ll also see variations tied to different saints’ days (hello, Catholic calendar rabbit hole): some French sources list 12 November (René d’Angers), and international lists show other dates too. Translation: if anyone challenges your cake, you have footnotes. (Behind the Name)

What does “René” mean?

From Latin Renatus — “born again,” “reborn.” It shows up across languages (Renato, Renata, Renée, etc.) and in French history via le bon roi René d’Anjou—yes, that René presiding over Cours Mirabeau in local lore. (Wikipedia)

Why do name days matter here?

In France, a name day is a sweet, low-stakes celebration: a “bonne fête !” message, a chocolate, maybe a coffee you “didn’t need but absolutely deserved.” It’s adorable, brief, and scientifically proven to make grumpy Mondays 37% less grumpy.*
*Source: my heart. (The rest is curated from real calendars above.)

Quick cheat-sheet for René’s fête

  • Most common in France: 19 Oct (often linked to Saint René Goupil). (Behind the Name)

  • Also seen in France: 12 Nov (linked to Saint René d’Angers/Sorrente). (Nominis)

  • Elsewhere: other months pop up depending on country/calendar. Check your family’s origin story and choose your pastry accordingly. (namecalendar.net)

Tiny traditions you can steal today (Aix edition)

  • Text it right: “Bonne fête, René !” Add a 🎉 if you’re modern, a 🍫 if you’re persuasive.

  • Offer a treat: a calisson from Roy René (because… destiny), or a coffee on Rue Roi-René.

  • Micro-pilgrimage: light a candle at Saint-Jean-de-Malte, then point dramatically at Roi René’s portrait in the Musée Granet gift shop like a Netflix detective.

  • History sprinkle at apéro: “René comes from Latin Renatus, meaning ‘reborn.’” Boom—instant respect. (Wikipedia)

Two Renés you’ll hear about

  • Saint René Goupil (1608–1642): Jesuit lay brother, martyred in North America; often credited for the Oct 19 date in modern French name lists. (herodote.net)

  • René d’Anjou (1409–1480): “Good King René,” poet-duke connected with Provence, forever inspiring street names and trivia points.

Say it naturally (levels A1 → Advanced)

A1

  • “Bonne fête, René !”

  • “Je t’ai apporté un calisson.” (I brought you a calisson.)

A2

  • “On fête les prénoms en France. Aujourd’hui, c’est la Saint-René.”

  • “Tu préfères un café ou un chocolat ?”

B1

  • “Je te souhaite une très bonne fête. Ce petit cadeau, c’est pour marquer le coup.”

  • “On se retrouve sur le Cours, près de la statue du roi René ?”

B2

  • “À l’origine, la fête de René renvoie au calendrier des saints ; selon les sources, on la place le 19 octobre ou le 12 novembre.” (Behind the Name)

Advanced

  • “Dérivé du latin Renatus, ce prénom signifie ‘né de nouveau’, d’où son succès à l’époque où les prénoms chrétiens structuraient le calendrier.” (Wikipedia)

Handy lines to copy-paste

  • SMS: “Bonne fête, René ! Que ta journée soit douce comme un calisson.”

  • Card: “À la Saint-René, que tout te réussisse (même la boulangère qui te tutoie).”

  • Office chat: “Pause-café dédiée à René — preuve scientifique de productivité accrue disponible sur demande.”

Sources & nice rabbit holes

  • French name-day lists pin René on 19 Oct; Catholic resources also note 12 Nov (René d’Angers). (Behind the Name)

  • Etymology and forms: René ← Latin Renatus. (Wikipedia)

  • A Provence refresher on Roi René.

Your turn 👇

Are you a René (or Renée)? Which date do you celebrate—and what’s your goûter of choice? Post a line in French if you can, any level totally welcome. Bonus points for a selfie with the Roi René statue, or your most Aixois(e) “bonne fête” moment.

P.S. If your name isn’t René, don’t worry—we’ll get to you. My calendar is now officially a name-day advent calendar.

Location: France

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