"oarsman, rower"
Remi
Pronunciation: [ r-EHM-ee ]
French history meets Yoruba warmth
Meaning & Origin
"remedy, cure"
"oarsman"
"pamper me, take care of me"
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the Pixar film Ratatouille's rat chef Remy, which some parents see as a positive and others find problematic
The Story of Remi
Remi (also spelled Remy) comes from the Latin 'Remigius,' meaning 'oarsman' — from 'remus' (oar). The name is most famous through Saint Rémi (or Remigius) of Reims, the 5th-century bishop who baptized Clovis I, the King of the Franks, effectively Christianizing France. This makes Remi a name of enormous historical significance in French history. Separately, in Yoruba (West African) culture, Remi is used as a short form of names meaning 'take care of me' or 'pamper me.'
Remi has been rising quickly in the United States as a gender-neutral option, particularly popular for girls since 2018. The Pixar film Ratatouille (2007) kept the name in cultural consciousness through its culinary rat protagonist Remy. The name is especially fashionable in France and has been embraced by celebrity parents globally.
Saint Rémi's baptism of Clovis I in 496 AD is considered the founding moment of Christian France, making the name historically significant to French Catholic identity. In West Africa, Remi is a Yoruba name with its own independent tradition. The name's cross-cultural presence across Europe and Africa gives it unusual global resonance.
Fun Facts
- Saint Rémi's baptism of the Frankish king Clovis in 496 AD helped create modern France
- Remi/Remy is the 11th most popular name in France as of 2023
- The Pixar rat Remy from Ratatouille has made the name universally recognizable worldwide
Remi in Other Languages
Famous People Named Remi
Remi Ma
Musician
1980
American rapper and hip-hop artist, winner of multiple BET Hip Hop Awards
Rémi Gaillard
Entertainer
1975
French comedian and internet personality famous for his elaborate real-world pranks
Remi (the rat from Ratatouille)
Other
Beloved fictional character from Pixars Ratatouille
Remy (Ratatouille) Fictional
Other
The talented rat chef protagonist of Pixar's 2007 film Ratatouille, winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Featur...
The talented rat chef protagonist of Pixar's 2007 film Ratatouille, winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #146
- Total SSA Count
- 1,987
- Cultural Origins
- French English American West African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Remi is also used as a boy name, ranked #808.
View Remi as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Remi
What does the name Remi mean?
What is the origin of the name Remi?
Is Remi a boy or girl name?
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What are common nicknames for Remi?
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About the Name Remi
Remi is a girl name with French, English, American, and West African origins . The name means "oarsman, rower" in Latin Remigius .
Is Remi a boy or girl name? Remi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #146 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #808. Remi is more commonly used as a girl name.
Remi is currently ranked #146 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Remi has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EHM-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Remi include Rem. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Remi include Remington, Remy, Remedy, Remie, Remedi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.