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Remi

Pronunciation: [ r-EHM-ee ]

Girl Name #146 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

French history meets Yoruba warmth

French English American West African
Modern Playful Bold Unique

Meaning & Origin

"oarsman, rower"
Origin: Latin Remigius
Language: French
"remedy, cure"
Origin: French
Language: English
"oarsman"
Origin: Latin remigius
Language: French
"pamper me, take care of me"
Origin: Yoruba
Language: Yoruba

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

French Rémi
German Remi
Yoruba Remi
Italian Remi
Spanish Remi

Famous People Named Remi

R

Remi Ma

Musician

1980

American rapper and hip-hop artist, winner of multiple BET Hip Hop Awards

R

Rémi Gaillard

Entertainer

1975

French comedian and internet personality famous for his elaborate real-world pranks

R

Remi (the rat from Ratatouille)

Other

Beloved fictional character from Pixars Ratatouille

R

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

Rem

Pairs Well With

Remi Jade Remi Elise Remi Claire Remi Nicole Remi Faye Remi Simone Remi Celeste

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Remi is also used as a boy name, ranked #808.

View Remi as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Remi

What does the name Remi mean?
"oarsman, rower" (from Latin Remigius). "remedy, cure" (from French). "oarsman" (from Latin remigius). "pamper me, take care of me" (from Yoruba). 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.'
What is the origin of the name Remi?
Remi has Latin Remigius, French, Latin remigius, Yoruba, English, American, and West African origins. In Latin Remigius, it means "oarsman, rower". In French, it means "remedy, cure". In Latin remigius, it means "oarsman". In Yoruba, it means "pamper me, take care of me".
Is Remi a boy or girl name?
Remi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #146. As a boy name, it is ranked #808. Remi is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Remi?
Remi is pronounced r-EHM-ee.
How popular is the name Remi?
Remi is currently ranked #146 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Remi?
Common nicknames for Remi include Rem.
What are good middle names for Remi?
Popular middle name pairings include Remi Jade, Remi Elise, Remi Claire, Remi Nicole, Remi Faye, Remi Simone, and Remi Celeste.
What are good sibling names for Remi?
Names that pair well with Remi as siblings include Zara, Leo, Nico, Mila, Sasha, Beau, and Cleo.
How many syllables does Remi have?
Remi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Remi a common or rare name?
Remi is a popular name, ranked #146 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

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.

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