Given the popularity of François as a first name here in France, it is surprising that there have only been two French kings called François: François Premier and François Mitterand. But this could be about to change in a few months from now as two of the front-runners in the presidential stakes are both called François.
The situation is quite different in the UK. Here the rule of thumb is to avoid names with an unfortunate past. This explains why we are unlikely to see a Richard, John or James any time soon.For different reasons, an Oliver will not find much favour either. Another restriction, less widely known, is that the monarch's name should have a Christian resonance. This is after all a Christian country. But there are limits just the same, and any association with the Papacy is best avoided. William, yes; Pius, no. Also probably not Innocent either.
The situation is quite different in the UK. Here the rule of thumb is to avoid names with an unfortunate past. This explains why we are unlikely to see a Richard, John or James any time soon.For different reasons, an Oliver will not find much favour either. Another restriction, less widely known, is that the monarch's name should have a Christian resonance. This is after all a Christian country. But there are limits just the same, and any association with the Papacy is best avoided. William, yes; Pius, no. Also probably not Innocent either.
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