On February 24, 2025, the court of appeal of Lorient ruled decisively on the name Fañch, allowing the inclusion of the tilde (~) over the "n". This decision marks not just the victory of one family but also emphasizes the growing recognition of Breton culture and language within the French legal system. The ruling follows several previous cases where the use of such diacritics had been contentious and often led to legal battles.
The child, Fañch, had his name initially filed correctly with the tilde by the Mayor of Lorient, Fabrice Loher, shortly after his birth in June 2023. Yet, three months later, the procurer de la République, Stéphane Kellenberger, intervened, citing concerns grounded in French regulations prohibiting the use of the tilde—a holdover from the 2014 circular declared by the Ministry of Interior, which set out which diacritics were permissible.
"My clients are extremely satisfied," said Me Iannis Alvarez, the family's lawyer, expressing his thoughts after the announcement of the court’s decision. His remarks highlight not just the joy of the family but also the underlying issue of parental choice when naming their children.
The tilde is commonplace within the Breton alphabet but lacks recognition within the standard French alphabet used for civil documentation. Alvarez emphasized this point during discussions of the verdict, stating, "This tilde is neither contrary to the interest of the child nor to the use of the French language." This argument underlined the case's tension between respecting cultural identity and adhering to national norms.
The ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving Breton names, which often face scrutiny over diacritics. "This decision recognizes the full choice of parents to incorporate the tilde or not," Alvarez stated, providing clarity on the judicial perspective which now favors the integration of such specific linguistic elements.
This is far from the first time the name Fañch has generated legal discourse. A similar case highlighted the complications Buchaneau families have faced over naming their children with distinctive Breton names. This echoes back to historical resistance—a noteworthy example dating back to the 1960s when Jean-Jacques and Mireille Le Goarnig fought legally to name their kids using Breton names. Their victory opened the door to the gradual acceptance and recognition of Breton names within the French administrative framework.
The crux of the legal battles surrounding names like Fañch reflects broader societal trends: the push for acknowledgment and respect for regional identities against the backdrop of France's centralized legal system. The recent developments signal not just legal victories but also cultural bolstering for the Breton language and its speakers, reaffirming local identity within national contexts.
Despite the positive outcome of the Lorient court ruling, this issue remains far from settled. Another case is set to be decided shortly by the Angers court, involving another child named Fañch. Here, the local prosecutor has similarly challenged the tilde’s use. Observers will be watching closely to see if this recent legal protection expands or falters.
Many have rallied around these cases, advocating for lasting reform of the 2014 circular which governs the diacritical marks allowed on birth certificates. Activists and linguists argue it is time for French policy to evolve, recognizing these marks as intrinsic to the languages spoken across the nation, particularly those of regional significance like Breton, Catalan, and others.
This ruling from Lorient is not merely about the name Fañch but reflects the growing pressures to uphold regional languages and identities against resilient bureaucratic impediments. The outcome holds symbolic weight, not only for the family involved but also for the wider Breton community and its fight for linguistic legitimacy—a battle woven deeply within the fabric of France's cultural history.
With local identities increasingly demanding respect within national narratives, this latest ruling can be viewed as part of the larger push for diversity and acceptance within France, urging the country to adapt its stringent regulations to accommodate its rich linguistic mosaic.