A bright moment for new beginnings arrived at 00:10 on January 1, 2025, at the Clinique Rhena, Strasbourg, where Ashil, the first baby of the year born in the Bas-Rhin region, made his grand entrance. Arriving just ten minutes after the clock struck midnight, Ashil's birth coincided with the joyous celebrations of the new year, marking not just the start of 2025, but also the start of his parents' new life as a family.
The parents, Darya and Elvan, are thrilled to welcome their first child. Darya, originally from Ukraine, came to France at the age of seven, and Elvan, born and raised in Strasbourg, has Turkish roots. Their diverse backgrounds greatly influenced their choice of name for their son. They were determined to select something special and distinctive, resulting in the unique name Ashil, which bears no prior record in France according to the INSEE data dating back to 1900.
“We wanted a name French unusual and which is written in five letters like our two first names,” said Darya and Elvan. “Ashil stands out because it references our two different cultures. It’s a name pronounced everywhere,” they added, highlighting their hope for Ashil to embody their multicultural background.
While Ashil’s name is one of his notable features, the circumstances surrounding his birth also tell a captivating story. After arriving at the hospital on December 30, the couple awaited the arrival of their baby. Following 31 hours of labor, Darya successfully gave birth, much to the delight of both parents. Despite the long wait and the exhaustion from the delivery process, the sight of their healthy baby boy, who measured 49.5 cm and weighed 3.6 kg, eclipsed any weariness they felt.
Darya and Elvan expressed their overwhelming joy, saying, “We are very, very happy,” even amid the fatigue from their shortened night. The couple, who both work as interior decorators, had prepared Ashil's nursery with care, eager to provide him with all the love and comfort they can offer.
Although Ashil is the first baby born under this name, it is worth noting the traditional version, Achille, saw considerable popularity last year, with 690 boys registered under this name. The family hopes Ashil will carry the essence of both cultures—French and their respective heritages—throughout his life.
Preparations are still underway at home, as the family anticipates their new life together. After spending several days recuperative at the clinic, Darya and Elvan look forward to introducing Ashil to his grandfather, who at 72, will become a first-time grandfather—a moment likely to stir deep emotions.
Situations like Ashil’s are not unique, as various babies born just after midnight across France signal the start of the new year. Notably, other babies born shortly after midnight include Yüna, born at 00:02, becoming the first baby of the year central to the Alençon-Mamers region, and Sacha born at 00:03, the first child of the year from Toulouse. Each newborn marks not only the spirit of celebration during New Year’s but also carries stories and hopes of their families alike.
This birth of Ashil symbolizes the unique blend of cultures and traditions, encapsulating the diversity the region of Alsace so richly embraces. The new family's focus remains on providing Ashil with the love and support necessary for him to thrive and explore his identity, making this New Year one for the books.
With intentions for Ashil’s upbringing revolving around acceptance and multiculturalism, this joyous occasion showcases how the first moments of 2025 ushered not just new beginnings for Ashil, but also for the family unit, as they dream of his future possibilities.
Ashil’s story is one of many new beginnings welcomed across France; his arrival brings warmth and excitement not only within his family but to the wider community, marking the dawn of what they hope will be a bright and fulfilling life.