220 French Last Names or Surnames With Meanings
Surnames are like bridges that connect a family’s past to the present. First-name trends may come and go, but last names are forever. Surnames in France originated from occupations, locations, and personal names. You’ll be in awe to find a variety from pretty French last names to cool last names. Read on to find a curated list of 130 French last names or surnames. The current surnames from France are not only solely from the country but also took inspiration from other old languages and their cultures. Let’s take a look at these top French last names and meanings, understand the core of these surnames, and learn about their ancestry.
Common French Last Names or Family Names
While most common last names in French are derived directly from the parent’s given name, others can be based on occupations and geography or be descriptive in nature. Most common French last names have a Germanic origin, as there was frequent migration between France and Germany. This comprehensive list of the most common French surnames to rich French last names is quite appealing and can help you trace back the lines of your family history.
1. Abadie
Abadie derives from the word ‘abadia’ which means ‘abbey’ or ‘family chapel’. It was made famous by the Spanish economist Alberto Abadie.
2. Abreo
This last name in French is a variant of the word abreu, and it means ‘a wise counsellor’. This family name belongs to the ancient house of Normandy that came into use via the Countship of Évreux, France.
3. Alarie
This French surname is a reflex of the Visigothic personal name Alaric and means ‘all-powerful’.
4. Archambeau
This unique-sounding French last name means ‘bold’ or ‘daring’.
5. Auch
This occupational surname refers to someone ‘who minds cattle at night.’ The second origin is as a habitational name that comes from the southern French town of Auch.
6. Badeaux
A derivative of the word Badar, this surname comes from the Occitan word badau, meaning ‘gullible’. It can also mean ‘to gape’ or ‘to be open-mouthed’.
7. Basset
Derived from Old French, Basset is an occupational surname that means ‘low’ or ‘short’. It refers to a person of humble origins or a short person.
8. Baudelaire
This smooth-sounding French surname refers to ‘small sword’ or ‘dagger’.
9. Beaufort
Pronounced as Bow-four, the surname means ‘fair fortress’ or ‘beautiful’.
10. Bois
Pronounced as Bwah, the name refers to ‘bush’ or ‘shrub’.
11. Cadieux
Cadieux is an ancient surname that is derived from the word cad and refers to a ‘little fighter’.
12. Carbonneau
Derived from the Latin word Carbo, this surname means ‘carbon’ or charcoal’. People with dark hair or a swarthy complexion are mostly the bearers of this name.
13. Castillon
Pronounced as Kaast-ih-yohn, the name stands for ‘castle’. Probably for people living in castles? A good thought, but we are not so sure.
14. Chapelle
This topographic surname denotes a ‘person who lives by a shrine’. In Old French, it means ‘chapel’.
15. Chapdelaine
Pronounced as Chaep-dih-lane, this French last name means ‘cape’ or ‘hood’.
16. Chevrolet
This French surname was first found in Normandy and refers to a ‘goat herder’. It originates from a region in the Lot department of France.
17. DeRose
More common in Italy, DeRose is applicable for a ‘person with a rosy complexion.’
18. Desjardins
This ancient surname is a topographic name or a habitational name that refers to ‘from the marsh’. It can also be the plural of jardin, ‘garden’ in French.
19. De Villiers
Derived from the name of the tendril vrilles, this occupational surname refers to ‘a person who planted or worked on vrilles’.
20. Du Bellay
One of the best royal French last names, Du Bellay, belongs to the French noble family who lived in the historic Anjou region in the 12th century.
21. Edouard
This French surname is similar to the English surname Edwards from Olde English and means ‘a prosperous guardian’.
22. Farrow
This occupational surname is from the word error, which refers to ‘an iron worker’.
23. Forester
Originating from the French word foret, this surname means ‘forest’. It can be an occupational surname referring to ‘the keeper of the king’s forest.’
24. Fortin
Derived from the French word Fort, this surname means ‘strong’ or ‘the dweller at the small fort’.
25. Fraise
This topographic surname refers to someone who lived by an ash tree or lived by ash wood. It is a variant of Old French fresne.
26. Frossard
Derived from the Old French word froisser, this surname means ‘to break’ or ‘shatter’.
27. Gagneux
Derived from the old French word gagnier, Ganeux means ‘to farm’ or ‘cultivate’. Renaud Gagneux was a notable French composer.
28. Gauthier
Gauthier means ‘an army ruler’. This surname is often given to lumbermen. Originating from the Old French gault and Gaelic gaut, which means “forest.” It contains Germanic elements wald, which means ‘to govern.’
29. Gay
Derived from a nickname given to a person who is light-hearted and joyful, Gay in Old French is gai, which means ‘full of joy’.
30. Gouin
Derived from the word gwen, Gouin means ‘light’ or ‘fair’. This surname originates from the Breton Celtic language in the pre-French or Gaelic conquest of Brittany.
31. Heroux
This surname is derived from the German personal name Hariwulf: Hari means ‘army’ and wulf means ‘wolf’.
32. Houde
Derived from a village in Haute-Loire, this surname comes from Auvergne that lies in South France. Derived from the French personal name Oudet, which comes from the Germanic name ode or aud which means ‘wealth’.
33. Hubert
Hubert is a pleasant French surname meaning ‘heart’.
34. Jacques
Jacques is a popular name which is used both as a surname and as a first name. The meaning of this name is ‘the one who follows’.
35. Janvier
Janvier means ‘January’ and means a person who was born or baptized in January.
36. Joubert
Joubert is formed by a combination of a tribe called Gaut and berth which means ‘bright’ or ‘famous’. A variant form of Jaubert, Joubert originates from the central west and centre south regions of France.
37. Jourdain
A variant of Jordan, this surname means ‘one who descends’. It is a personal name that is given to one who was baptized with the holy water from River Jordan.
38. Kaplan
Kaplan is derived from the Old Norman French word Caplain. It means ‘charity priest’ who was endowed to sing Mass daily on behalf of the souls of the dead.
39. Lacroix
Lacroix in French means ‘the cross’.
40. Laflamme
This occupational surname refers to a torchbearer. La in French means ‘the’ and flamme means ‘fire’.
41. Lane
This occupational surname means ‘wool’ or ‘someone who does trading with wool’. The Gaelic Irish surnames, “O’Laighin’ took an Anglicized form to form the surname Lane.
42. Langlais
Langlais is a habitational French surname given to people who moved to live in France from England. The name basically means ‘The Englishmen’.
43. La Rue
This cool and funky last name means ‘of the street’.
44. Laurel
Laurel in French means ‘laurel’.
45. Lavoie
Lavoie is a situational French surname given to those who live near a road. This is because voie in French means ‘road’.
46. Le Beau
Beau means ‘fair’ ‘handsome’ and ‘lovely’ in Old French. Anita Le Beau is a famous Canadian filmmaker.
47. Leroy
Roy means ‘king’ in Old French and is common in northern France.
48. Marchand
Derived from Marchand, this occupational surname means ‘merchant’ or ‘someone who bought and sold goods’ in Old French.
49. Matthieu
Originating from the Latin word Mattaeus, which in turn is derived from the Greek word Matthaios, Matthieu means ‘gift of the Lord’.
50. Meunier
Meunier is an occupational name for miller.
51. Montagne
This aristocratic-vibed French surname means ‘mountain’.
52. Noyer
Noyer is a French last name meaning ‘walnut’.
53. Ozanne
Originating from the female name Osanna, Ozanne means ‘save now’ or ‘save pray’.
54. Page
Originating from the Greek word paidion, Page is an occupational surname for a ‘little boy’.
55. Palomer
This French surname basically originated from the Latin word “palumbes” which means pigeon. The name eventually led to Palomer in French, which means ‘pigeon keeper’.
56. Paquet
This French last name means ‘bundle of kindling’.
57. Pascal
Derived from the Latin word Pascha, Pascal is a patronymic or a hereditary surname. It is a Hebrew name for ‘Passover’.
58. Périgord
Périgord is a habitational French last name used for people who came from the Périgord region of France.
59. Picard
Originating from Picard of Northern France, this surname can be a habitual name for a person living in Picard.
60. Plantier
Derived from the word plentive meaning ‘planter of wines’, this surname could also be a topographic name for ‘an area with plants’ or ‘shrubbery’.
61. Plourde
Derived from Palourde, this surname means ‘a variety of shelfish’.
62. Rayne
Derived from the German word Ragin or from the Old French “reine” this surname means ‘advice’ or ‘counsel’.
63. Renaud
This French surname means ‘rule’.
64. Reason
Derived from the old French word raison, this surname means ‘intellectual faculty’.
65. Remy
Remy is a medieval personal name that is represented by the Latin name Remihius meaning ‘rower’ or ‘oarsman’ and Remedius that means ‘cure’.
66. Richard
This classic name is derived from the word which means powerful and hard meaning ‘brave’ or ‘strong’.
67. Richelieu
Richelieu in French stands for ‘wealthy place’.
68. Riviere
In Old French, this surname means ‘river’ or ‘shore’. It is also a topographic name for someone who lived by the bank of the river.
69. Robida
This surname was first used in Auvergne, which is a place in ancient France.
70. Rodier
The surname Rodier originates from the Latin word ‘rota’, which means ‘wheel’. The name is used for wheelwrights or people who live near a water wheel.
71. Sartre
Derived from the Latin word sartor, Satre is a French occupational surname for someone who sews clothes or ‘tailor’.
72. Sauveterre
Originating from the French word sauve, this surname means ‘safe’ and terre means land.
73. Segal
This occupational surname is derived from the Latin word secale which means ‘rye’ or ‘grower or seller of rye’.
74. Serres
Derived from the word serre, this surname means ‘ridge’ or ‘chain of hills’. It could also be a habitational name for places near southern and eastern France.
75. Simon
Derived from the historical origin, Simon may have been derived from the Hebrew shim’on and means ‘to listen’.
76. Soulier
Originating from the old French word Soule, Soulier means ‘platform’. This is also an occupational surname for a shoemaker.
77. Tasse
Derived from the Old French word tasse that means ‘purse’ or ‘bag’, it could be an occupational name for ‘a maker of purses’.
78. Tavernier
Tavernier is a well-known French last name referring to an innkeeper.
79. Thibaut
Derived from the Old French name Theobald, Thibaut means ‘brave’ or ‘bold’.
80. Travers
Derived from the French word traverser, Travers means ‘to cross’. It is also used for a person who lives near a bridge or a ford.
81. Trottier
Derived from the old French word trotter, Trottier is an occupational surname and means ‘walk fast’.
82. Vachon
Derived from the Latin word vache, Vachon means ‘cow’. It can also be an occupational surname for a person who was a cowherd.
83. Vaillancourt
A variant of the word valencourt, this surname means a ‘low-lying farm’.
84. Vaillant
Derived from the Old French word vaillant, this surname means ‘brave’ or ‘sturdy’.
85. Valade
Originating from Occitan, a language in Southern France, Valade means ‘valley’.
86. Vannier
Derived from the French word vanier, Vannier refers to someone who does winnowing.
87. Varne
Verne means ‘alder’ in French.
88. Varon
Derived from Old German name Waro which originates from Wara meaning ‘protection’.
89. Vautour
Derived from Old French name Voltor, Vautour means ‘vulture’.
90. Vaux
This habitational surname belongs to various places in northern France. Derived from Old French plural of val that means ‘valley’.
91. Vernier
Vernier is a French last name meaning ‘near the alder tree’.
92. Vigneau
Though Vigneau refers to a vineyard in French, the surname is used to represent the owner.
93. Vinet
Derived from the Old French word viner, Vinet means ‘to make wine’.
94. Visage
This French surname means ‘face’. It may have been used as a nickname for someone with a beautiful or remarkable face.
95. Voclian
Voclian comes from Old French and means ‘the wealthy one’.
96. Voland
Derived from the Old French word voler, Voland means ‘to fly’ or ‘agile’. It has an Americanized spelling of Norwegian Våland.
97. Wack
Derived from Old Flemish word wacque, Wack is a measure of weight. Its initial use was found in Silesia and can refer to an official responsible for weighing.
98. Webster
This occupational surname of Norman French origin refers to a person who weaves.
99. Yolande
This medieval French name is a form of the name Violante which is a derivative of Latin viola or ‘violet’. It could possibly be of Germanic origin.
100. Yotte
A variant of Ayotte, this surname means ‘small hedge’ or ‘small woody plot of land’ in Old French.
101. Zabelle
This surname is a variation of ‘beautiful’, as it has the French word ‘belle’ in it.
Unique French Surnames
There are some surnames that can’t be found anywhere else. Their population is quite low and is counted as unique. Here are some examples of unique French last names:
1. Allard
This old French surname has Germanic origin and means ‘noble’.
2. Anouilh
Derived from the word anull that is the Catalan language dominantly used in southern France, Anouilh means ‘slow worm’.
3. Aubert
Aubert means ‘noble-bright’ and originates from the Old German compound word Aedelbeort.
4. Auclair
Auclair is a unique French surname meaning ‘clear’.
5. Bain
Bain is an occupational surname that is derived from the Middle English word bains. It refers to ‘an attendant at a public bathhouse’ or simply ‘bath’ in Old French.
6. Barbier
Derived from Anglo-Norman French, this occupational surname means ‘barber’.
7. Beaumont
This distinguished geographical surname means ‘beautiful hill’.
8. Boucher
Pronounced as Boo-shay, Boucher is an occupational surname referring to a ‘butcher’.
9. Cartier
This Anglo-Norman French word has an aboriginal origin. This occupational surname means ‘a person who worked as a transporter of goods.’
10. Cellier
This last name means ‘a cellar’ or ‘a storeroom’. Cellier is pronounced as Sell-yer.
11. Dubois
The French surname Dubois is not only popular in France but in the US as well. It means ‘forest’.
12. Dupont
This French habitational surname is quite popular and means ‘of the bridge’ or ‘a person living near a bridge’.
13. Durand
This word from Old French or Norman origin means ‘enduring’.
14. Escoffier
Edwards originated from the Old English pre-7th century era and refers to the ‘prosperity guard’.
15. Faucher
Derived from Olde French word fauche, this occupational surname means ‘ mower’ or ‘scythe’.
16. Fontaine
This Old French topographical surname is a derivative of the classical Latin word ‘fons’ and means ‘well’ or ‘fountain’.
17. Garcon
This word might refer to a servant or ‘boy’ in French.
18. Garnier
Garnier is a modern version of the Old French words gerner or gernier. This occupational surname means ‘storehouse for corn’ or ‘keeper of granary’.
19. Guillaume
Originating from the popular Norman name William, this surname means ‘protection’ or ‘strength’.
20. Lambert
Pronounced as LAM-bərt, this common French surname stands for ‘land’.
21. Lavigne
Vi(g)ne means ‘vineyard’ in Old French and can refer to the topographical name for someone who lived near a vineyard.
22. Lefevre
This occupational surname means ‘craftsman’ or ‘ironsmith’ in Old French. It is a variant of Lefevre, Lefebure or Lefeuvre.
23. Moreau
Originally a nickname for someone with a dark complexion More means ‘dark-skinned’ person.
24. Martin
Derived from Mars, the Roman God of War and fertility, Martin belonged to the name of the tribe of Mairtine. Its root Mar means ‘gleam’.
25. Monet
Monet is a variant of the name Simon and means ‘to be heard’.Monet is most common in the Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps.
26. Moulin
Moulin is derived from the Latin word Molina. It is commonly refers to the occupational name for a miller or mill worker.
27. Roche
In Old French, Roche means ‘rocky outcrop’. This topographic surname refers to a person who resides near hills.
28. Toussaint
This French surname of baptismal origin can be traced to the French term ‘Toussaint’ or All Saints Day.
29. Tremblay
This plural form of tremble means ‘aspen’. It could be a topographic name for a person living near a group of Aspen trees.
Popular French Last Names
Are you inspired by French people based on their surnames because you heard of them in movies, magazines and books, and now want to learn about them? Here’s you go!
1. Auger
Originated from the Old French personal name Auger, which is derived from the name Adalgarius. The name means ‘noble spear.’
2. Barbet
Derived from the baptismal name, Barbet is a popular French surname meaning ‘son of Barbara.’
3. Bassett
In old French, the surname refers to someone of humble origins or someone short.
4. Beausoleil
Beausoleil may be a geographical name referring to someplace with good sun exposure. It means ‘beautiful sun.’
5. Belshaw
Derived by combining the meanings of the terms beu which means ‘lovely’ or ‘beautiful’ and chere which means ‘face,’ we get Belshaw, which ultimately means a ‘lovely or cheerful face.’
6. Bernard
Bernard is basically a German given name which means ‘strong as a bear.’
7. Blanc
Blanc or le Blanc is a French surname meaning ‘white.’
8. Boisseau
Boisseau is an occupational surname for people who are corn merchants. The last name originates from the French term bushel, which means ‘measure of grain.’
9. Bonhomme
Bonhomme is a combination surname derived by combining the two beautiful French terms bon, meaning ‘good,’ and Homme, meaning a ‘man.’
10. Breguet
Originating from Normandy, a region in France, the surname is occupational and usually has people following occupations like business, watchmaking, and inventions.
11. Carpentier
With Norman-Picard origin, Carpentier is a popular French surname which means ‘carpenter.’
12. Chappuis
Rooted in the Old French, Chappuis is derived from the term Chaput, which is a chopping block used to create unique shapes.
13. Chevalier
Chevalier in Old French refers to ‘rider,’ horseman,’ or ‘knight.’
14. Collin
Collin is a popular French patronymic surname. It is derived from the French term colle, which is a diminutive of the Latin term Nicholaus, meaning ‘people’s victory.’
15. Couture
Couture is an occupational surname for a tailor. It is extracted from the Old French term cousture, which means ‘seam.’
16. Deloney
Deloney is a geographical last name which means ‘from Aunay.’ You’ll probably find people wearing this surname settled in the northern and eastern parts of France.
17. Fay
Fay originally belongs to the Norman last name de Fae, meaning ‘of the fairy.’
18. Gaudin
Gaudin is an ancient surname with roots in the German name Godino, meaning ‘son of God.’
19. Grange
Grange is derived from the Old French term grange, which refers to ‘barn’ or ‘granary.’
20. Lagarde
You’ll probably find people adorning the surname Lagarde majorly from Ariege, Moselle, and Gers. This habitational surname means in Old French means ‘to watch.’
21. Leclerc
Leclerc is an occupational family name referring to a ‘clerk’ or ‘secretary.’
22. Lemaitre
Lemaitre is a classic French occupational family name which refers to someone who has a mastery of a craft. It is derived from the French term maistre, which means ‘master.’
23. Loup
Extracted from the Latin term lupus, which means ‘wolf,’ this surname is quite popular and well-regarded among people.
24. Pelissier
Derived from the Old French term pellice, which means ‘fur cloak,’ Pellisier is quite a classy family name.
25. Pomeroy
Pomeroy finds its roots in the term Pommeroie, which refers to ‘apple orchards.’
26. Proulx
Extracted from the Old French word preu, the family name refers to ‘brave’ or ‘valiant.’
27. Rousseau
Rooted in the Latin term russus, the surname means ‘red.’ Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a well-known philosopher and writer.
28. Serrurier
Serrurier is a popular occupational name usually borne by locksmiths.
29. Verne
Can you guess anything common in these legendary people: Jules Verne, Larry Verne, and Michele Verne? They all have a common surname. Verne means ‘alder tree’ in French.
30. Villeneuve
Villeneuve is a well-known French family name which means ‘new settlement.’
Rare French Surnames
The following traditional and rare French surnames with their meanings can help you get an understanding of the family lineages of French people.
1. Auguste
Auguste is extracted from the Latin personal name Agostino, which means ‘favoured with good omens.’
2. Bardin
The surname Bardin originates from the old high German name barta, which means ‘battle axe.’
3. Bastien
Bastien is a habitational name referring to people belonging to Sebaste, a town in Asia Minor.
4. Bechard
Bechard is an occupational family name that originated from the Old French term bochier, meaning ‘butcher.’
5. Benoit
Benoit is extracted from the Latin name Benedictus, referring to ‘the one who says the good’.
6. Bernier
Bernier is both a French forename and surname. It is derived from a German name, ‘bear hair.’
7. Blanchard
The family name originates from the Old French term blanchart, and means ‘bordering upon white’ and whitish.’
8. Boivin
Boivin is an extraordinary French surname. While boi means ‘to drink, vin means ‘wine.’
9. Bonne
Bonne is a variant of the French term bon, which means ‘attractive’ and ‘good.’
10. Bruneau
The French surname Bruneau means ‘brown or dark-skinned one.’
11. Carre
Extracted from the French term carre, it means ‘square.’
12. Charbonnier
Charbonnier is an occupational family name meaning ‘who sells or makes charcoal.’
13. Chopin
Ever heard of the famous composer and pianist perfectionist, Frédéric François Chopin? This is the same surname we are going to explore. Chopin is derived from the Old French term chopine, which refers to ‘a medieval measure of liquid.’
14. Comtois
Comtois is a habitational surname for people from Franche-Comte, a province in eastern France.
15. Crozier
This is an occupational family name for people who carry a cross or bishop’s crook in religious processions.
16. Droit
Droit in French means ‘straight’ or ‘right.’
17. Forestier
Forestier is an occupational surname derived from the Old French term foret, meaning ‘forest.’ The surname refers to ‘the keeper of the king’s forest.’
18. Geiger
Geiger is an occupational family name of French origin, referring to someone who makes or plays the violin. It is made from the old French term gigaere, meaning ‘violin or fiddle player.’
19. Lagrange
Lagrange is a situational surname of French origin for people who live by granaries.
20. Lamar
This Old French term la mare originated in Normandy, northern France. It refers to ‘the pool.’
21. Leger
Leger is a French term for ‘superficial’ or ‘light.’
22. Lenoir
Lenoir is a well-known French term for ‘black’ or ‘dark.’
23. Marchal
If you break the surname, you’ll find that it comes from the Old German term marah, meaning ‘horse’ and sclac, meaning ‘servant.’ Marchal could possibly be an occupational last name for people who look after horses.
24. Plessis
Plessis is a unique family name that means ‘a fence made of interwoven branches.’ It is also often written as de Plessis and Plessy.
25. Porcher
Porcher is derived from the French term porchier which means ‘swineherd.’ It could possibly be an occupational name for a person who rears pigs.
26. Renouard
Renouard is quite an unusual French surname and has German origins. It means ‘counsel rule.’
27. Rutter
This French surname enjoys two possibilities. 1. It could have derived from Old French terms roteor, roteeur, and routeer, and refer to an individual who plays the rote. 2. It could have derived from the Old French term rotier or routier, and refer to ‘highwayman.’
28. Tardy
Tardy is a geographical last name for someone who is from Tard.
29. Verville
This French surname is possible to have derived from French terms vert and ville, together meaning ‘green town.’
30. Violette
Violette is the French diminuitive of ‘violet.’
Royal French Last Names
French people and culture is known for their royalty. There are several royal families that date back to the ruling time in France and the surnames have descended to their generation from or the region they came from. Here are some French royal surnames.
1. Aveline
Derived from the botanical name of the common Hazel, which is Corylus avellana, the surname is feel a noble feel to it. Aveline in modern French means ‘haxelnut.’
2. Barreau
Barreau is believed to an occupational surname, meaning ‘doorkeeper’ or ‘jailkeeper.’
3. Bazin
Extracted from the ancient Greek name Basileios, which means ‘royal,’ this French surname packs a punch.
4. Bedeau
Bedeau is obtain from the French term bedeau. It means beadle, which is basically a sergeant of justice.
5. Berengar
Berenger is believed to have German origin and possibly mean a ‘person bearing a spear.’
6. Bethune
Bethune is a habitational name for people belonging from a town Bethune in Pas-de-Calais, France.
7. Blanchet
Blanchet is a highly regarded family name which is extracted from the french term blanc. It is believed to have given to people who had a reputation of purity and piousness or to people who are blonde.
8. Bonfils
Bonfils in Old French means ‘good son.’
9. Borde
Borde in French means ‘plank’ or ‘board.’ It could possibly be a haitational name of people living in the house made of plants or board.
10. Bullion
Bullion in French means a ‘hollow in a rock containing rainwater’ or ’round spring.’ It could possibly be a topographic name for people living near or from springs.
11. Carrel
Carrel is obtained from the Old French term quarrel, which means ‘bolt for crossbow.’ It is beleieved to be an occupational family name for a ‘maker of crossbow bolts.’
12. Chastain
Chastain means ‘chestnut tree’ and is derived from the french term castan. It is beleived to be a topographic family name for ‘people living near a chestnut tree.’
13. Clair
Clair is a French derivative of the Latin term calrus. It means ‘bright’ and ‘famous.’
14. Corbin
Corbin is a modern diminuitive of the Old French term corbeau, which means ‘little crow’ or ‘raven.’
15. Dupuis
Dupuis is a French surname and means ‘from the well or hole.’
16. Fortier
Fortier is believed to be an occupational surname for a person lived or worked in a place with tight security.’ It is derived from the French term fort whch means ‘stronghold.’
17. Fournier
Fournier is a occupational last name for a baker. In the olden times, it is used to refer to an individual who cooked dough in the oven or fourneau.
18. Gerard
Gerard is a turnaround of the old personal name Gerard. While Ger means ‘spear’, hard means ‘strong and brave.’
19. Landry
Landry is obtained from the German personal name Landric. While Land means ‘land,’ ric refers to ‘ruler’ or ‘powerful.’
20. Langlois
Written as Langlois or L’Anglois, the surname means ‘the Englishman.’ The term is used for English people living in France.
21. Lejeune
Lejeune is derived from the French term jeune, which means ‘young.’
22. Leroux
Leroux has emerged from the Old French name rous, which refers to ‘red-haired’ or ‘red.’
23. Martel
Martel in Old French means ‘hammer.’ The surname, thus, beleived to be an occupational for a smith.
24. Poirier
Poirier in French refers to a ‘pear tree.’ it could be a topographic surname for people living near a pear tree or occupational name for people in business of harvesting pear trees.
25. Poulin
Poulin is believed to be an occupational surname for people in business of breeding poultry, as it is derived from the French term poule which means ‘chicken.’
26. Ricard
Ricard is a combination surname in which Ric means ‘powerful’ and hard means ‘strong’ and ‘powerful.’
27. Sale
Sale in Old French means ‘salty.’ It could be a topographic family name for people living or working in a salt marsh.
28. Veilleux
This family name is beleived to be an occupational name for a watchman. as it is derived from an Old French term veille, which means ‘guard’ or ‘watch.’
29. Vieux
Vieux in Old French means ‘old.’
30. Voclain
Viclain is a variant of the French term Vauquelin, which is beleived to have originated from Walkelin, which means ‘the wealthy one.’
French last names are intriguing and stylish. Whether you’re an author looking to name a character in your novel or just a regular person looking for a name for your alter-ego, this list would help choose the best surnames that would add a dash of a special suave and elegance to your personality.
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