Do you ever wonder about the popular Paris nicknames and the reasons and the history behind each name? We all do, especially when Paris has many interesting and unique nicknames. Here is a fascinating, in-depth answer to all your questions.
Paris, a city associated with romance, art, culture, and fashion, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. This city broke a massive record with 40 million tourists visiting.
So what’s the reason behind this fame? The answer may be hidden in Paris nicknames, which we will discuss in this article.
In general, cities are no strangers to nicknames: the Big Apple for New York City, Venice of the North for Amsterdam, and Sin City for Las Vegas.
However, no city perhaps has as many nicknames as Paris. The Lebanese capital, Beirut, is often called the Paris of the Middle East. A few of Paris’s nicknames result from its rich and vibrant culture, even though it’s been through two World Wars.
What We Cover
History of Paris
Paris’s history goes back as far as 8000 BC. However, it was around 250 BC that it became a real town, with the Celtic tribes living near the river. In 52 BC, the Celtic tribes were defeated by the Romans, who established their city, Lutetia.
It wasn’t until the fall of the Romans that Paris became a big city. The first time it became a capital was during King Clovis I’s reign. It’s important to note that Paris was also at the center of the French Revolution, an event that many believe was a turning point in history, especially for democracy.
The French capital has been a center of culture throughout history. Paris’s exemplary poets and artists have produced some of the best works in art and literature.
It’s also home to some of the best museums. In terms of architecture, Napoleon built the city its majestic buildings, bridges, and monuments in the 19th century. Even though Paris has been through many wars and seen much destruction, it has always returned stronger.
It was the center of the Bubonic plague and went through the 100 Years’ War. Then, it was also a victim of the two World Wars. Paris is a resilient city. You can see that its architecture has managed to maintain some buildings as old as hundreds of years.
A city with a past like that deserves some interesting nicknames to describe its qualities. Many of its nicknames are pretty old and have stuck through time.
List of Paris Nicknames
Let’s look at the famous nicknames of Paris and learn their history.
City of Lights
The most common nickname for Paris is the City of Lights, or, in French, La Ville Lumièr. The origin of this nickname and the reason behind it are common misconceptions. Most people think Paris has this nickname because it’s too bright.
Paris is quite bright, indeed, with nearly three hundred well-lit sites. From churches to bridges, everything is full of lights. However, the main attraction is the Eiffel Tower, the winner with its 20,000 bulbs lighting up each night.
There are many people who say Paris may be overrated, but you can’t lie—when the lights turn on, it’s pretty beautiful.
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Street Lights
It would not be wrong to call Paris the City of Lights because it’s too bright. However, the nickname’s origin goes beyond its modern-day glow. Some say it’s because Paris was one of the first cities to get electricity, which made it bright.
The exact origin of the name lies in street lights spread across the city. In the mid-17th century, the city faced a bad law and order situation.
The King, Louis XIV, wanted to restore the city’s peace. One measure was installing street lights everywhere so criminals could be visible to the police at night.
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Age of Enlightenment
This may be the origin, but the name truly became popular in the mid-18th century or the so-called Age of Enlightenment. Interestingly, the light in the nickname does not necessarily mean the light from bulbs. In reality, it means light from knowledge.
Paris became the center of the educational and scientific revolution during this time. The city produced many remarkable poets, writers, artists, philosophers, and scientists. Its name became popular at that time and has remained so until now.
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City of Love
Paris also enjoys being the City of Love and Romance. You’ve probably seen at least one romance movie shot in the city. Popular culture has contributed to this nickname’s popularity.
The city has created its romantic image with movies like Funny Face and Midnight in Paris. However, there are several other reasons behind the name, too.
One possible reason for Paris getting the City of Love nickname is that Parisians are quite romantic. Yes, we’ve all heard that Parisiens can be snobs, but the truth is that they are romantics by nature.
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Pont des Arts. The bridge features padlocks on its railings. Couples put a lock together and throw away the key, symbolizing their unbreakable bond of love. That alone is enough for Paris to get this nickname.
If you’ve ever visited the city, you would know what ‘love is in the air’ is. The many gardens, the historical architecture, and the wealth of culture will make you fall in love with the city, if not with a person.
This is one area where it even beats London and New York City. Another exciting place in Paris is the Wall of Love, with over 300 declarations in so many languages. The city is also a top destination for weddings. Couples from different countries head to the city for their dream wedding and take pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower.
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Paname
Paname is French for Panama, a Central American country. However, this nickname for Paris does not come from that country but rather from the caps from there. Panama’s signature hats became popular in the capital in the early 20th century.
It’s more of a slang name; you’ll see it around Paris, as many cafes and bars have it. There’s even a song about Paris called ‘Amoureux de Paname’ by Renaud. Furthermore, a brewery is also called Paname. However, Paris is not a beer place, so you should head to Bavaria.
The City of Haute Couture/ Fashion Capital/ Capital de La Mode
Paris is the undisputed world capital of fashion, with Haute Couture as its main focus. The city is the birthplace of Haute Couture, the high-fashion clothing made entirely with hands.
Home to leading fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton, it’s fashion week rules worldwide.
France established itself as the leader in fashion as early as the 16th century. While other countries had their specialties, France decided what everyone would like to wear worldwide.
Designers in Europe and the US followed what was happening in Paris. It’s home to many ateliers and fashion houses that have been around for centuries. You can even see the fashion on the street.
Today, it’s more urban, but back in the day, women in Paris looked like goddesses with larger-than-life gowns. The Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (Trade Association of Haute Couture) is the body that makes decisions regarding the standards of haute couture.
Designers and brands get certified as haute couture and can only sell their work as haute couture then.
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La Dame de Fer
La Dame de Fer is French for the Iron Lady. Now, you’re probably wondering, isn’t that the nickname of Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female Prime Minister?
The nickname is hers, but Paris shares it too, thanks to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is all wrought iron, hence the nickname. Since it’s iconic for Paris, the nickname applies to the city, too. However, you probably won’t hear it much, as it’s not as popular as some other names.
Parigot
Parigot is a nickname for Parisiens in France. People from other parts of France refer to people from Paris as Parigots. However, it has a slightly negative connotation.
In France, they usually mean to call someone snobbish if they use Parigot. That has not stopped the word from becoming a nickname for the entire city.
This is normal, as most people living in big cities often have to bear the burden of being snobbish or pretentious. It’s just one of those things you get used to when living in a big city.
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Lutèce
Next on the list of popular Paris nicknames is Lutèce, which comes from the Roman name Lutetia. In Roman times, a city called Lutetia existed where Paris is today.
The name is even mentioned in Julia Caesar’s memoir. The remnants of the city of Lutetia are still present in Paris. The Arènes de Lutèce in the Fifth Arrondissement is a Roman amphitheater.
Today, Lutèce has become a hip nickname for the city. You will see it at cafes and shops all around the city. The origin of this name is unclear, though. It’s a common belief that it’s a Celtic name. The meaning of Lutetia is a marsh or swamp.
While Paris is not exactly a swamp, it does have River Seine flowing through its heart.
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Parisii
The name Paris comes from the word Parisii. Paris was not called Paris until 887. Before that, it was Parisios; even before Parisios, it was known as Parisii. So that’s the origin word for the name Paris itself.
It’s not one of the popular Paris nicknames, but you might find it in old literature. Parisii was the name of the Celtic tribe that inhabited the area of present-day Paris between 250 and 225 BC. At least, if you ever visit Paris and someone calls it Parisii, you’d know why.
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Pantruche
Pantruche is an uncommon and old slang name for Paris, but it’s slowly picking up. It’s not even a nickname for the city itself, but a nickname for a town, ‘Pantin,’ outside of Paris.
It’s funny how a town’s name has become a nickname for the whole city. Pantruche sounds quite cool, so it has become popular with restaurants and cafes in the city.
We’ve all seen pictures of Paris, but it’s one place you must visit in France to get the real picture. If there’s one word to describe the French capital, it’s magical. Make sure Paris is on your to-visit list whenever you plan to travel next.
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