250 Classic French Last Names Or Surnames

France is a country of beautiful landmarks, world-class art and architecture, and splendid museums. Also, their language French is considered one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic languages. Understanding the roots of these traditional French surnames can provide insight into centuries of history and culture. The origins of surnames in the French language are in their occupations, patriarchal names, and locations, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of French cultural heritage. Exploring these last names will enrich our knowledge and connect us to the traditions and stories of the past. Read on as we put together a list of the most beautiful French last names in this post.

In This Article

250 French Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings

1. Abadie

Abadie, Traditional French surname

Image: IStock

This French and English surname derives from the word abadia which means both ‘abbey’ and ‘family chapel’.

2. About

This is derived from the French word about that refers to ‘an extremity of a metallic or wooden element or piece’.

3. Abreo

This is a variant of the word Abreu, which means a ‘wise counselor’.

4. Alarie

The meaning of this French surname is ‘all power’.

5. Allard

Derived from old French, this surname means ‘noble’.

6. Anouilh

Derived from Catalan (language is southern France) word anull, Anouilh means ‘slow worm’.

7. Archambeau

This is derived from the Latin personal name Arcambaldus, which in turn derived from the German word Ercan meaning ‘precious’ and bald meaning ‘bold and daring’.

8. Arsenault

Derived from the French word arsenal which means ‘workshop’, Arsenault is also an occupational surname for a gunmaker, a seller of guns, or the keeper of an arsenal.

9. Aubert

It is derived from the old German compound Aedelbeort meaning ‘noble-bright’.

10. Auch

Occupational surname for someone who minds cattle at night.

11. Auclair

This surname is derived from the French word clair, which means ‘clear’.

12. Auger

This surname derived from the French personal name Auger, which originated from Adalgarius, wherein adal means ‘noble’ and gar means ‘spear’.

13. Auguste

The surname derived from a personal name Agostino, which is derived from the Latin word It means ‘favored with good omens’.

14. Aveline

In modern French, Aveline means hazelnut. This is derived from the botanical name of the common Hazel, Corylus avellana.

15. Badeaux

This is a derivative of the word ‘badar’, which means ‘to be open-mouthed’, ‘to gape’.

16. Bain

It is an occupational name for an attendant at a public bathhouse. Baine means ‘bath’ in old French.

17. Barbeau

This surname is derived from the word barbel, a type of fish. Hence it is an occupational surname for a fisherman.

18. Barbet

This is derived from the baptismal name meaning the ‘son of Barbara’.

19. Barbier

This is derived from the baptismal or Christian name meaning the ‘son of Barbara’.

20. Bardin

This surname is derived from old high German ‘barta’ which means ‘battle axe’.

21. Barreau

This French surname is a derivative of barrer, which means ‘to bar’, ‘to close or block off’. It could be a possible occupational name for a jailkeeper or doorkeeper.

22. Barrere

This is an occupational name for a gatekeeper or someone who lived by a gate or barrier. It is derived from the old French word barre, which means ‘obstruction’.

23. Bassett

In old French, this means ‘low’ or ‘short’. This name could refer to a short person or someone of humble origins.

24. Bastarache

This is a topographic name for someone who lived in a house by a boundary. The word is derived from basquebazter that means ‘border’ and eche that means ‘house’.

25. Bastien

This surname is a short form of the personal name Sabastian, which means ‘from Sebaste’ a town in Asia Minor.

26. Baudelaire

Pronounced as Boh-deh-lair, this French surname means ‘small sword’, or ‘dagger’.

27. Bazin

This French surname is derived from Basil, which in turn, is derived from ancient Greek name Basileios that means ‘royal ’. In some parts, it is also considered an occupational surname derived from the word bombasin, which is a kind of cotton cloth.

28. Beauchamp

In old French, Beau means ‘beautiful’ and champ means ‘field’ or ‘plain’.

29. Beauchene

This name is derived from beau meaning ‘beautiful’ and chene meaning ‘oak’.

30. Beaufort

Derived from old French in which Beau means ‘beautiful’, and fort means ‘stronghold’.

31. Beaulieu

A combination of Beau, which means ‘beautiful’ and lieu, which means ‘place’ or ‘location’.

32. Beaumont

The name meansa beautiful hill, wherein mont means a ‘hill’.

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American actor Eugene Hugh Beaumont, English retired footballer Christopher Paul Beaumont, and English actress Susan are some popular bearers of this last name.

33. Beauregard

This surname means ‘beautiful outlook’.

34. Beausoleil

It means a ‘beautiful sun.’ It probably refers to a place exposed to the sun.

35. Bechard

Derived from an old French word bochier, which means ‘butcher’.

36. Bedeau

It is derived from the French word bedeau, meaning ‘beadle’, a sergeant of justice.

37. Bellamy

This surname is derived from old French words bel ami meaning a ‘beautiful friend’.

38. Bellefeuille

Derived from old French words belle meaning ‘lovely’ and feuille meaning ‘leaf’. It could be an occupational nickname for a woodsman.

39. Bellegrade

This French surname has the topographic meaning ‘beautiful watch-tower’ or ‘lookout’.

40. Belshaw

It means cheerful or lovely face. The surname is derived from the French words beu meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘lovely’, and chere meaning ‘face’.

41. Benoit

This French surname is derived from the Latin word ‘benedictus’, which means ‘the one who says the good’.

42. Berengar

The surname has Germanic roots and means ‘bear and spear’. It could refer to a person bearing a spear.

43. Berger

This is an occupational name for shepherd derived from the old French word bergier.

44. Bernard

This surname is derived from German given name which means ‘strong as a bear’.

45. Bernier

It is derived from the French forename Bernier and from a Germanic personal name in which bern means ‘bear’ and nier means ‘hair or army’.

46. Bethune

This French surname originated from the town Bethune in Pas-de-Calais, France.

47. Bibeau

Also written as Bibaud and Bibaut, this French surname must be a derivative of bibere, which means ‘to drink’.

48. Bissonnette

Bissonnette, Traditional French surname

Image: IStock

The topographic name of old French buisson means ‘bush or scrub’.

49. Blanc

Also known as le Blanc, this French surname means ‘white’.

50. Blanchard

It is derived from the old French word blanchart, which means ‘whitish’ or ‘bordering upon white’.

51. Blanchet

This French surname is derived from the word blanc. It was originally given to people who are blond or have a reputation of purity and piety.

52. Bloyer

This could be an occupational surname given to someone who separated hemp or flax fiber

53. Boisseau

It is an occupational surname for corn merchant. Derived from old French name bushel, it means the ‘measure of grain’.

54. Boivin

It is derived from old French words boi meaning ‘to drink’ and vin meaning ‘wine’.

55. Bonfils

The old French words bon fills means ‘good son’.

56. Bonheur

This surname is derived from old French words bonne heure, which mean ‘good time’ or ‘lucky’.

57. Bonhomme

This surname means a ‘good man’, where homme means a ‘man’.

58. Bonnet

This is a diminutive of the French word bon meaning ‘good’ or ‘attractive’.

59. Borde

This word means ‘board’ or ‘plank’. And could be a habitational name for someone who lived in a house of planks.

60. Boucher

Evolved from the French region of Champagne, Boucher is an occupational name for a butcher.

61. Boulanger

This is an occupational name for a baker, as the name means a ‘man who divides the dough into balls’.

62. Bourguignon

This local surname was held by people born in the beautiful region of Bourgogne.

63. Breguet

The surname originated from a region in ancient France.

protip_icon Did you know?
The surname Breguet was originally found in Normandy. In France, the Breguet family included renowned watchmakers, businessmen, and innovators.

64. Bruneau

The surname means the ‘brown or dark skinned one’. Some variations are Brunel and Busnel.

65. Bullion

This means a ‘round spring’ or a ‘hollow in a rock containing rainwater’.

66. Cadieux

This is one of the ancient French surnames derived from the word ‘cad’ which means a ‘little fighter’.

67. Camus

This name is of Norman French origin and means the ‘snub-nosed one’. It is also considered a metonymic occupational surname for a shirtmaker, derived from the word chemise which means ‘shirt’.

68. Carbonneau

This surname is derived from the Latin word Carbo which means ‘carbon’ or ‘charcoal’.

69. Carpentier

This surname is of Norman-Picard origin and is a variation of French Charpentier, which means a ‘carpenter’.

70. Carre

This French surname is derived from the old French word carre, which means ‘square’.

71. Carrel

Derived from the old French word quarrel which means ‘bolt for crossbow’, Carrel could be an occupational name for a maker of crossbow bolts. This word also means ‘paving slab’ and could have been an occupational name for a street layer.

72. Cartier

This is derived from the Anglo-Norman French word caretier and is an occupational name for someone who worked as a transporter of goods.

73. Cellier

This French surname means a ‘storeroom’.

74. Cerf

Also known as Le Cerf, this French surname means ‘hart’ or ‘deer’.

75. Chapelle

This surname is a topographic name for someone ‘who lives by a shrine’. In old French, the word chapelle means ‘chapel’.

76. Chappuis

This French surname is derived from the old French word chaput, which refers to a chopping block that was used to create different shapes.

77. Charbonnier

It refers to someone ‘who sells or makes charcoal’.

78. Chastain

This name originated from the old French word castan, which means a ‘chestnut tree’. It could be a topographic name for someone living near a chestnut tree.

79. Chatelain

Traditional French surnames

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This medieval cultural name refers to a governor, constable, or the warder of a prison. The name is derived from Norman old French word chastelain, which is in turn derived from the Latin word castellum that means a ‘watchtower’.

80. Chevalier

In old French, chevalier means ‘knight’, or ‘horseman’ or ‘rider’.

81. Chevrolet

This surname is derived from the French word chevre which means ‘goat’. It could be an occupational name for a person who cultivated goats.

82. Chopin

This surname is derived from the old French word chopine, which was an old medieval measure of liquid.

83. Clair

This surname is a French form of the Latin name calrus, which means ‘clear’, ‘bright’ or ‘famous’.

84. Cloutier

This French surname dates back to the medieval period. It was a Norman name given to a person who sold nails. The meaning of the French word clous is ‘nails’.

85. Collin

Some of the French surnames are patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father’s given name. Collin is derived from colle, which is ashort form of the Latin personal name Nicholaus that means ‘people’s victory’.

86. Comtois

This is a geographical surname of people from Franche-Comte, a province in eastern France, and means ‘free country’.

87. Corbin

This French surname was originally derived from the old French word corbeau, which means ‘raven, little crow’.

88. Courbet

It could be a place or a field with a curve shape or a meandering river. It could also have derived from the old French word corebt meaning ‘raven’.

89. Coutermanche

This means ‘short sleeve’ in French.

90. Couture

Derived from old French cousture meaning ‘seam’, this could be an occupational name for a tailor. Couture is among the exotic last names that start with C in French, commonly used as a word in the fashion industry.

91. Crozier

This is an occupational name for someone who carried a cross or bishop’s crook in religious processions.

92. De la Cour

This surname means ‘of the court’. It could be an occupational name for someone who lived at or was employed at a court.

93. De la Croix

The meaning of this surname is ‘of the cross’.

94. De la Rue

This name dates back to Medieval France. The name Rue is derived from old French ruelle which means ‘lane’ or ‘alley’. The meaning of this surname is ‘of the street’.

95. Delisle

Also written as De Lisle, this French surname has its roots in the medieval region of l’Isle in Languedoc. Delisle means ‘of the island’.

96. Deloney

This surname means ‘from Aunay’. There are several places in northern and eastern France with this name.

97. DeRose

This French surname is said to have originated from a sobriquet for a person with rosy complexion.

98. Descamps

This topographic surname, originating from Picardy in France, is given to a person residing near a hill, stream, church or a type of tree. In old French, the word champs means ‘of the field’.

99. Descoteaux

Traditional French surname meaning small hill

Image: Shutterstock

This surname derived from coteau, which means a ‘small hill’.

100. Desjardins

This is another ancient French surname and translates to ‘from the gardens’.

101. Desmarais

In old French, this name translates to ‘from the marsh’.

102. De Villiers

This name is derived from the name of a plant known as vrilles (tendril). It could be an occupational name for a person who planted or worked on vrilles.

103. Droit

This means ‘right’ or ‘straight’. It could be a byname for an upright person.

104. Dubois

Originating from the French word bois meaning ‘forest’, the surname means ‘from the forest’.

105. Dupont

Also written as DuPont, duPont or du Pont, this French surname means ‘of the bridge’. This could be a habitational surname for a person living near a bridge.

106. Dupuis

This is one of the common French last names and it means ‘from the well/ hole’.

107. Durand

In old French, durand means ‘enduring’.

108. Edouard

This surname is French equivalent to Edward, and means a ‘prosperous guardian’.

109. Escoffier

It is derived from the word escofia, which means ‘to dress’.

110. Farrow

This occupational surname derived from the word ferror, which refers to an iron worker.

111. Faucher

Derived from fauche that means ‘sycthe’, Faucher could be an occupational name for a mower.

112. Favre

This surname derived from Latin word fevre, which means a ‘craftsman’.

113. Fay

This surname derived from the Norman surname de Fae, which means‘of the fairy’.

114. Fontaine

Derived from old French word fontane meaning ‘well’ or ‘fountain’.

115. Forestier

This Languedoc name is derived from the old French word foret, which means ‘forest’. This occupational name derived from the keeper of the king’s forest.

116. Fortier

Derived from old French word fort meaning ‘stronghold’, Fortier could be an occupational name for someone who lived or worked in such a place.

117. Fortin

This is derived from the French word fort which means ‘strong’.

118. Fournier

This is an occupational surname for baker. In old French, this word referred to someone who cooked dough in the fourneau or oven.

119. Fraise

This is a topographic surname for someone who lived by an ash tree or by an ash wood.

120. Frossard

This is derived from the old French word froisser, which means ‘to break’ or ‘shatter’.

121. Gagne

This is an occupational name for a farmer or peasant. Derived from the old French word gainer which means ‘to cultivate’ or ‘work’.

122. Gagneux

Derived from old French word gagnier, the surname means ‘to farm’ or ‘cultivate’.

123. Gagnon

It is derived from the old French name gagnon, which means ‘mastiff’ or a ‘guard dog’.

124. Garcon

This word means ‘boy’ in French and might be referring to a servant.

125. Garnier

This name is derived from the old French word gerner or gernier, which means ‘storehouse for corn’ or ‘keeper of the granary’.

126. Gaudin

This ancient surname derived from an old German name Godino, which means ‘son of God’.

127. Gauthier

This French surname is from Languedoc, and means an ‘army ruler’.

128. Gay

This name is derived from the nickname given to a person who is light-hearted and joyful. In old French, the word gai means ‘full of joy’.

129. Geiger

This is an occupational surname given to a person who plays or makes the violin. This is derived from the old French word gigaere, which means ‘violinist or fiddle player’.

130. Gerard

This is a derivative of the personal name Gerard. Ger means ‘spear’ and hard means ‘brave and strong’.

131. Gouin

This is a nickname for a person with fair or light complexion. It is derived from the word gwen, which means ‘light’ or ‘fair’.

132. Grange

This name is derived from the old French word grange, which means ‘granary’ or ‘barn’.

133. Guillaume

The name is derived from the popular Norman given name William, which means ‘protection’ or ‘strength’.

134. Heroux

This name is derived from the German personal name Hariwulf, in which Hari means ‘army’ and wulf means ‘wolf’.

135. Houde

This surname was first found in Auvergne, a province in south France. The name is derived from a village in Haute-Loire, in the district of Puy.This is derived from the French personal name Oudet, which is a Frenchified form of the Germanic name Odo, which was in turn derived from aud meaning ‘wealth’.

136. Janvier

Derived from French word janvier meaning ‘January’, this could have originated from a person who was born or baptized in that month.

137. Joubert

This name is probably a combination of a tribe called Gaut and the word berht, which means ‘bright’ or ‘famous’.

138.Jourdain

This is a French variant of Jordan, which means ‘one who descends’.

139. Kaplan

This word is derived from the old Norman French word caplain, which means ‘charity priest’.

140. La Cour

This French surname means ‘the court’. It could be an occupational name for someone who worked at a court.

141. Laferriere

This is a habitational name for places that have iron mines.

142. Lafitte

This is a topographic name for someone who lived near a boundary mark. In old French, fitte means ‘fixed stone’.

143. Laflamme

This is a nickname or an occupational name for a torchbearer. La means ‘the’ and Flamme means ‘fire’.

144. Laframboise

This French surname means ‘raspberry’.

145. Lagarde

This is a habitational name from various places in Ariege, Gers, and Moselle. In old French, Lagarde means ‘to watch’.

146. Lagrange

This French surname derived from someone who lived by a granary.

147. Lamar

Originated from a place in Normandy, this name is derived from the old French word la mare meaning ‘the pool’.

148. Lambert

This name is derived from an old German name Landberht, which means ‘bright land’ or ‘light of the land’. This surname could also be an occupational surname for a lamb herd.

149. Landry

It is derived from a German personal name Landric, in which Land means ‘land’ and ric means ‘powerful’ or ‘ruler’.

150. Lane

The French word lane means ‘wool’. It could be an occupational surname for someone who traded in wool.

151. Langlois

Also known as L’Anglois or Langlois, it means ‘the Englishman’. This word was used for the Englishmen living in France.

152. Laval

This name is derived from the French word vallee, which means ‘valley’. It also has an alternative spelling ‘Duval’ which means ‘of the valley’.

153. Lavigne

Traditional French surname refering to somone living near vineyard

Image: Shutterstock

In old French, vi(g)ne means ‘vineyard’. It could be the topographic name for someone who lived near owned a vineyard.

protip_icon Trivia
Canadian singer and songwriter, Avril Lavigne is a popular bearer of this surname.

154. Lavoie

This is a topographic name for someone who lived by a road. The word voie means ‘road’ or ‘path’ in French.

155. Le Borgne

Also written as Leborgne, this French surname means ‘the one-eyed’.

156. Le Beau

In old French, beau means ‘fair’, ‘lovely’ or ‘handsome’.

157. Leclerc

In French, the words leclerc means ‘the clerk’. This could be an occupational name of a scribe or secretary.

158. Lefebvre

It is also written as Lefevre, Lefeuvre, and Lefebure. This is an occupational surname for an ironsmith. In old French, fevre means ‘craftsman’.

159. Leger

In French, leger means ‘light’ or ‘superficial’.

160. Lejeune

The word jeune means ‘young’.

161. Lemaire

This word means ‘mayor’. It is a title given to a town official.

162. Lemaitre

In old French, maistre means ‘master’. This could be an occupational name for someone who is a master of his craft.

163. Lenoir

In French, noir means ‘dark’ or ‘black’.

164. Leroux

This surname is derived from an old French name rous, which means ‘red’ or ‘red-haired’.

165. Leroy

In old French, Roy means ‘king’.

166. Le Sueur

This is a surname for a shoemaker or a cobbler. In old French, sueur means ‘one who sews’.

167. Levasseur

This surname was a status name from the old French word vasseor, who is a tenant ranking below a baron in the feudal system.

168. Loup

This French surname is derived from the Latin word lupus meaning ‘wolf’. Its variants are Leloup and Leleu.

169. Marchal

This surname is derived from the old German word marah, which means ‘horse’ and sclac meaning ‘servant’. This could be an occupational name for someone who looked after horses.

170. Marchand

This could be an occupational name for someone who bought and sold goods. In old French, Marchand means ‘merchant’.

171. Martel

Derived from the old French word martel meaning ‘hammer’, it could possibly be a name for a smith.

172. Matthieu

This surname derived from the Latin word Matthaeus, which is in turn derived from Greek Matthaios, meaning ‘gift of the lord’.

173. Milhaud

This French family name is derived from Milhaud, a small community in France’s Gard.

174. Moreau

It was originally a nickname for someone with dark skin. More means ‘dark-skinned’.

175. Moulin

Derived from the Latin word Molina, which means ‘mill’, Moulin could be an occupational name for a miller.

176. Ozanne

This originated from a female given name Osanna, which means ‘save now,’ or ‘save pray’.

177. Page

The occupationalname originated from the Greek word paidion, which means a ‘little boy’.

178. Palomer

Meaning ‘pigeon keeper’, the name derived from the Latin word palumbes that is ‘pigeon’.

179. Paquet

The old French word pacquet means a ‘bundle of kindling’. This could have been an occupational name for a gatherer or seller of firewood.

180. Pascal

This is derived from the Latin word Pascha, which means ‘pass over’.

181. Pelissier

In old French, pellice means ‘fur cloak’.

182. Picard

This name is derived from Picard, a place in northern France. This could be a habitual name for someone living in Picard.

183. Plamondon

In French, plat means ‘flat’ and mont means ‘mountain’. Could be a nickname for someone who lived near a flat-topped mountain.

184. Plantier

This is derived from the word plentive, which means ‘planter of wines’. This could also be a topographic name which means an ‘area with plants’ or ‘shrubbery’.

185. Plessis

Also written as Plessy and de Plessis, the surname means ‘a fence made of interwoven branches’.

186. Plourde

It could have derived from palourde, a type of shellfish.

187. Poirier

This means ‘pear tree’ in French and could be a name for someone who lived close to a pear tree.

188. Poirot

This surname, made famous by Agatha Christie’s character Hercule Poirot, derived from the word poire meaning ‘pear’.

189. Pomeroy

This surname originated from the word Pommeroie, meaning an apple orchard.

190. Porcher

Derived from the French word porchier meaning ‘swineherd,’ this could be an occupational name for someone who rears pigs.

191. Poulin

This could be an occupational surname for a person who breeds poultry. In old French poule means ‘chicken’.

192. Prevost

Prevost or provost was an ancient French appellation given to a chief.

193. Proulx

This surname is derived from old French word preu, meaning ‘valiant’ or ‘brave’.

194. Pueyrredon

This surname is derived from the Latin words podium rotudnum which mean a ‘rounded hill’.

195. Rayne

This surname is derived from the German word ragin, meaning ‘advice’ or ‘counsel’.

196. Reason

This surname is derived from the old French word raison, which means ‘intellectual faculty’.

197. Remy

This medieval personal name is represented by two Latin names, Remihius, which means ‘rower’ or ‘oarsman’, and Remedius, which means ‘cure’.

198. Renouard

This surname is derived from the German words ragin meaning ‘counsel’, and wald meaning ‘rule’.

199. Ricard

This is derived from the words ric meaning ‘powerful’ and hard meaning ‘brave’ and ‘strong’.

200. Richelieu

This is derived from the name of a town. Riche means ‘wealthy’ and lieu means ‘place’ in French.

201. Riviere

Riviere, traditional French surname

Image: IStock

This is a topographic name for someone who lived by the bank of a river. In old French, riviere means ‘river’ or ‘shore’.

202. Robida

This name was first used in Auvergne a place in ancient France.

203. Robillard

This surname from Normandy derived from Germanic words hrod meaning ‘glory’, and berht meaning ‘illustrious’ or ‘brilliant’.

204. Roche

This is a topographic surname who resided near hills. In old French, the word roche means ‘rocky outcrop’.

205. Rodier

This is an occupational name for wheelwright or a topographic name for someone who lived near a waterwheel. It is derived from the Latin word rota which means ‘wheel’.

206. Rossignol

This ancient French name refers to someone who has a pleasant voice. It derived from the old French word rossinhol, which means ‘nightingale’.

207. Rousseau

This surname refers to a person with red hair or complexion. It is derived from the old French name rous, which means ‘red’.

208. Rutter

There could be two origins for this surname.It could have originated from the old French words roteor, roteeur, and routeer, which are used for a person who plays the rote. Or it may be related to the old French word rotier, routier meaning ‘highwayman’.

209. Sale

This is derived from the old French word sale which means ‘salty.’ This could be a topographic or occupational name for someone who lived by, or worked in a salt marsh.

210. Sartre

This is a French occupational name for someone who sews clothes. It derived from the Latin word sartor meaning ‘tailor’.

211. Sauveterre

This name originated from the French word sauve meaning ‘safe’ and terre meaning ‘land’.

212. Schaeffer

This surname is of German origin and is derived from the word schaffaere meaning ‘manager’ or the ‘the head of the household’.

213. Segal

Occupational name for a grower or seller of rye, derived from Latin secale meaning ‘rye’.

214. Sergeant

This is derived from an old French word sergent meaning ‘servant’ which derived from a Latin word servire meaning ‘to serve’.

215. Serres

This could be a habitational name for places near southern and eastern France, or topographic name derived from the word serre meaning ‘ridge’ or ‘chain of hills’.

216. Serrurier

It means ‘locksmith’.

217. Simon

This is a popular surname is Europe and has historical origins. It means ‘to listen’.

218. Soulier

This is an occupational surname for a shoemaker, derived from the old French word soulier which means ‘shoe’ or ‘sandal’. It could have also originated from the old French word soule, which means ‘platform’.

219. Tardy

This could be a habitational surname for someone who is from a place called Tard or could have derived from the word Tardif, which means ‘slow’.

220. Tasse

Derived from old French word tasse meaning ‘purse’ or ‘bag’, it could be an occupational name for a maker of purses.

221. Tavernier

This is an occupational name derived from the old French word Tavernier, which means ‘innkeeper’.

222. Thibaut

This surname is derived from the French personal name Theobald which means ‘brave’ or ‘bold’.

223. Toussaint

Tous means ‘all’, and saint means ‘saints’.

224. Travers

Derived from the French word traverser meaning ‘to cross’, this name was used for a person who lived near a bridge or ford.

225. Tremblay

This is a plural form of tremble, which means ‘aspen’. This could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a group of aspen trees.

226. Trottier

This is an occupational surname derived from the old French word trotter, which means ‘walk fast’.

227. Vachon

This is derived from the Latin word vache, which means ‘cow’. It could be an occupational name for someone who was a cowherd.

228. Vadeboncoeur

This surname means ‘go with a merry heart’.

229. Vaillancourt

This is a variant of the word valencourt, which means a ‘low-lying farm’.

230. Vaillant

It is derived from the old French word vaillant, which means ‘sturdy’ or ‘brave’.

231. Valade

This word is an Occitan (a language spoken in southern France) variant of vallee, which means ‘valley’.

232. Vannier

This surname is derived from the French word vanier that referstosomeone who does winnowing (blows the chaff from wheat).

233. Varon

This surname is derived from the old German personal name Waro, which in turn derived from wara meaning ‘protection’.

234. Vautour

This surname is derived from the old French name voltor or Occitan name vautor, which means ‘vulture’.

235. Vaux

This could be a habitational name from various places in northern France, which are called vaux. This name is derived from the old French plural of val which means ‘valley’

236. Veilleux

This surname, derived from the old French word veille, means ‘watch’ or ‘guard’. It could also be an occupational name for a watchman.

237. Vercher

This name is derived from the medieval Latin name vercaria, which means ‘farmland’.

238. Verne

In French, the word verne means ‘alder’.

239. Verville

This French surname could have derived from the French words vers meaning ‘towards’ and ville meaning ‘town’. It could have also originated from from the words vert meaning ‘green’ and ville meaning ‘town’. The third origin is from the word vervelle, which ‘metal keeper’.

240. Vieux

This name is derived from the French word vieux, which means ‘old’. It

241. Vigeant

This is a habitational name from Vigeant in Vienne. It is known to be derived from the Latin word vinacus, which is a derivative of vicus meaning ‘village’.

242. Vigneau

It could also be a status name for the owner of a vineyard. This is derived from the Occitan word vinhier, which means ‘vineyard’.

243. Villeneuve

This name is derived from the words ville meaning ‘settlement’ and neuve meaning ‘new’.

244. Vinet

This French surname is derived from the old French word viner, which means ‘to make wine’. It could also be an occupational name for a wine-grower.

245. Violette

It is the French variation for ‘violet’.

246. Visage

It means ‘face’.

247. Voclain

This surname is derived from old French name Vauquelin, which must have probably originated from Walkelin meaning ‘the wealthy one’.

248. Voland

This is derived from the old French word voler, which means ‘to fly’ or ‘agile’.

249. Wack

This is derived from old Flemish word wacque which is a measure of weight. This could be an occupational name for an official responsible for weighing.

250. Webster

This is an occupational name for someone who weaves.

Discover More Names

When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do French last names work?

French surnames are derived from several elements, such as the surname of either the mother or the father, profession, place of residence, or other unique characteristics.

2. Do French do not like to use the first name?

Some French do not like being called with their first name unless you are a close person. They prefer the formal way of calling, which is using their surname.

3. Do French wives take their husbands’ last names?

French women may take their husbands’ last names. However, it is not a legal requirement. They may also either keep their maiden surname after marriage or use both her and her husband’s family name as a hyphenated surname.

4. How did traditional French surnames come about?

The development of surnames in France can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and many early French surnames were derived from the given name of the person’s father or mother by adding a suffix or prefix to the parent’s name. Another significant category of French surnames originated from the occupation or trade of an individual.

5. What is the historical significance of surnames in France?

Surnames in France have evolved over centuries, originating from occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. They serve to identify individuals and trace family lineage and history, reflecting the societal structure of the times. Many surnames help us understand historical roles and migration. These last names play a crucial role in administrative purposes, legal identification, and social hierarchy.

6. Are traditional French surnames still used today?

Yes, traditional French surnames are still used today. Many of these surnames have been passed down through generations to uphold their ancestors’ beliefs and culture and keep the family’s tradition alive.

This is a well-curated list of the traditional French surnames. French last names can be either patriarchal, matriarchal, or hyphenated in alphabetical order. One lesser-known fact about French surnames is that it is not legally mandatory for French women to adopt their husband’s surname after marriage, but some women do it customarily. A few surnames are also used as middle names by some. And if you like the meaning or the sound of any name, you may use it as a alias name, pen name, or stage name.

Infographic: French Last Names Or Surnames

French last names or surnames are usually based on ancestry or toponymic origin. If you are mesmerized by the country’s names and traditions, check out this infographic for some of the traditional and vibrant French surnames.

french surnames (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • The French last names and surnames reflect France’s rich culture and traditions.
  • Abadie, Borde, Laferriere, and Picard are some locational and habitational surnames linked to different places in France.
  • Surnames such as Bazin, Couture, and Farrow reveal information about the occupations of French individuals.
  • Other French surnames, such as Cerf, Loup, and Vachon, draw inspiration from animals.

Learn about the literal translations of French surnames and their meanings! Discover the history behind your family name and its origin.

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Faouzi Youssef Hajji has 20 years of experience teaching English language and literature and is currently an IB curriculum teacher at Emirates National School. His love for languages, especially English, French, and Arabic, made him gain further insights into literary styles and devices, mainly novels, drama, and poetry.

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Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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