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Origin and meaning of the name Segolene

What is the origin of the name Segolene?

Segolène is a feminine given name of Breton origin, which was popularized in France during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Breton word "Segolon" or "Segoulen", meaning "little victory". It is also associated with the Celtic name "Sagulonus", which translates to "defender of the people". Over time, variations in spelling have emerged, such as Segolene, Segolen, and Céline (which is derived from Segolène).

Learn more about the origin of the name Segolene

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Segolene

The name Segolène is of French origin, stemming from the Breton language where it means "little fox." This moniker has been popularized by Segolène Royal, a prominent French politician who served as the Minister for Women's Rights and was a candidate in two Presidential elections. She was born on February 21, 1953, in Rennes, France. Despite its ancient roots, Segolène gained significant international recognition due to her political career. The name is cherished by French parents for its unique blend of strength, cunning, and grace, characteristics traditionally associated with a fox in folklore and mythology.

Character traits associated with the name Segolene

Segolène is often perceived as a strong-willed and determined individual, demonstrating a deep sense of conviction in her beliefs and values. She possesses a robust leadership style, which she applies both in personal and professional settings. Segolène is known for her ability to articulate ideas clearly, making her an effective communicator. Her empathy and compassion are evident, as she is often drawn towards causes that promote social justice and equality. On the downside, some might view her as being too assertive or stubborn, which could potentially impede collaboration in certain situations. Nonetheless, Segolène's persistence and resilience have enabled her to overcome numerous challenges throughout her life, making her a highly respected figure among her peers.

Popularity of the name Segolene

Segolène is a French feminine given name of Breton origin, derived from the Celtic word "Segolena", meaning "little victories". Historically, it was a popular name in France, particularly during the late 20th century. Notable individuals named Segolene include Segolène Royal, a French politician and the first woman to lead a major French political party. The popularity of the name Segolène has fluctuated over time, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s, but it is currently less common due to changing trends in baby naming. In France, it ranks outside the top 200 most popular girls' names as of 2021. The name Segolène is considered unique and distinctive, with a historical and cultural significance that continues to appeal to some parents choosing names for their daughters.

Famous people with the name Segolene

Segolene Royal, born in 1953, is a prominent French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly and as the First Secretary of the Socialist Party from 1997 to 2008. She was France's first female prime minister and a candidate for the presidency in 2007 and 2011. Her political career has been marked by her advocacy for social justice, environmental protection, and foreign policy issues.

Segolene Bourget, born in 1953 like Royal, is also a notable figure but in a different field. She is a French actress, director, screenwriter, and professor at the Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle University. Her career spans over four decades, with roles in various films and television series.

Segolene Lopez, born in 1968, is an American professional basketball player who played for multiple teams in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was a three-time WNBA All-Star and helped lead her team to two championships during her career.

Variations of the name Segolene

Segolène is a popular French female given name that has several variations and diminutives. The original form, Segolène, is derived from the Breton word "Segalan," which means "little fox." Some other variations include:

1. Ségo, a common short form of Segolène, often used in informal settings.
2. Solenn, a popular variant that has gained popularity beyond France due to the fame of the French-Congolese singer and actress Solenn Heussaff.
3. Solène, another variation that is pronounced similarly but with an "e" at the end, adding a more feminine touch to the name.
4. Segalène or Ségalène, less common variations that preserve the original Breton root of the name.
5. Céline, though not technically a variant of Segolène, is another French female name that shares similar origins as it also derives from Celtic words meaning "little heavenly one" or "little hero." It can sometimes be used interchangeably with Segolène due to their similar meanings and sounds.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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