Constance-Marie de Théis was born in [[Nantes]] on 7 September 1767.{{sfn|Stern|1978|p=160}} She was born into the [[Kingdom of France|French]] [[Bourgeoisie|bourgeoisie family]] and baptized in the parish of Saint-Similien. Her father, [[French nobility|French nobleman]] Marie-Alexandre de Theis (1738-1796), [[Procureur général|Royal prosecutor]] for [[Chauny]], was also a poet who wrote comedies.{{sfn|Letzter|Adelson|Adelson|2001|p=35}} During her childhood, he retired and moved his family to Picardy, their family seat, where she received a "brilliant education".{{sfn|Hale|1855|p=800}} At the age of fifteen, she spoke several languages, and learned musical composition. She also took an early interest in literature, especially poetry.{{sfn|Collombet|1833|p=282}}
