Famous people whose English names are funny in French

From presidents to performers, none are spared from mirth in France. Here are some of the celebrities who draw an unexpected smile when they introduce themselves in French.

Sean Connery might be known as the suave 007 to English-speaking audiences, but in French his surname translates as ‘stupidity’ or ‘stupid thing’ (connerie). 

The tagline for a spoof 007 film in France famously promised un peu de Sean, beaucoup de Connery.

The lead guitarist of The Smiths, Johnny Marr, sounds just like j’en ai marre (I’m fed-up) in French.

Barack Obama might not realise he shares his first name with the French slang word for house, baraque.

Hillary Clinton’s first name sounds like il a rit – he laughed.

Read more: Je m’appelle Gemma Pell.. confusing English names in French

Actor John Cusack’s name sounds like cul-de-sac.

Author Truman Capote’s name unfortunately sounds like the French word for a condom. 

The American singer-songwriter Merle Haggard’s name translates as crazed (hagard) blackbird (merle). 

American actress Hayden Panettiere has a name that looks like the French word for bread box – panetière.

Have you ever come across any names that have been unexpectedly silly in French? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com