Naming Conventions

Jeffrey B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Naming Conventions

This may be a little arcane, but what is the general naming convention in French when using proper names from other languages that use the Latin/Roman alphabet, especially for famous persons? For example, in this exercise Leonardo Da Vinci is rendered in the French Léonard de Vinci. The Italian spelling seems to be widely used & in the States at least there has been a move towards using the native spelling of names in academic works & history books.

In English calling him Leonard from Vinci would sound really weird.  


Asked 2 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Jeffrey,

There is a difference for naming conventions in French and English. In English, you tend to keep the original name while in French you tend to spell them as a French name, especially for historical figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci.

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Jeffrey B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks, useful info.

Naming Conventions

This may be a little arcane, but what is the general naming convention in French when using proper names from other languages that use the Latin/Roman alphabet, especially for famous persons? For example, in this exercise Leonardo Da Vinci is rendered in the French Léonard de Vinci. The Italian spelling seems to be widely used & in the States at least there has been a move towards using the native spelling of names in academic works & history books.

In English calling him Leonard from Vinci would sound really weird.  


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