What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Auclair (French origin) meaning clear. This French surname is derived from the old French word viner, which means to make wine. Canadian singer and songwriter, Avril Lavigne is a popular bearer of this surname. Monet - Monet is a variant of the name Simon and means "to be heard", 4. This word is derived from the old Norman French word caplain, which means charity priest. 80. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. And could be a habitational name for someone who lived in a house of planks. A variant of Jordan, this surname means one who descends. 5. Derived from Old Flemish word wacque, Wack is a measure of weight. Remy is a medieval personal name that is represented by the Latin name Remihius meaning rower or oarsman and Remedius that means cure. In French, plat means flat and mont means mountain. Caparasso (Italian origin) meaning shaved head. The etymology of surname comes from Middle English and the Anglo-Saxon/ Old French word "surnum" and "surnoun," which translates to "above-or-over name.". Boucher - An occupational name meaning butcher or executioner. Its a fun process to select last names that match or are completely different to the name meaning of the character. These French last names are magnificent and meaningful surnames that the people of this great nation can be proud of. If you find this article helpful or interesting you may also want to read this article all about the best noble last names or these last names meaning wolf, right here on Kidadl. Cloutier French. This is derived from the French word about that refers to an extremity of a metallic or wooden element or piece. This word is an Occitan (a language spoken in southern France) variant of vallee, which means valley. This surname refers to a person with red hair or complexion. This surname is French equivalent to Edward, and means a prosperous guardian. Originating from Occitan, a language in Southern France, Valade means valley. One lesser-known fact about French surnames is that it is not legally mandatory for French women to adopt their husbands surname after marriage, but some women do it customarily. Pronounced as Boo-shay, Boucher is an occupational surname referring to a butcher. Many French last names have a Germanic origin due to the frequent land changes between the French and Germanic people through the centuries. 157. WebSome family names also reflect the profession of the first ancestor, such as De Backer and Boulanger, which means baker, or De Smedt which means smith'. It means a beautiful sun. It probably refers to a place exposed to the sun. 141. In Old French, it means chapel. It is derived from old French words boi meaning to drink and vin meaning wine. 36. 94. Have you ever wondered why surnames are important? It is a Hebrew name for Passover. Derived from Old French plural of val that means valley. This French surname means face. 8. Derived from the Latin word Pascha, Pascal is a patronymic or a hereditary surname. Make parenting easier and get more out of every day with a few smart strategies. This occupational surname refers to a torchbearer. You may find some common names in both civilizations. Blaine (Irish origin) meaning slender. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. This word might refer to a servant or boy in French. Alvin (old English) one of the more unusual last names meaning elf friend. Miracle (Welsh origin) last name derived from a word meaning "dark". Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved|uniquelastnames.com. The surname originated from a region in ancient France. 126. 123. Kirton (old English origin) meaning church settlement. This occupational name derived from the keeper of the kings forest. 148. 117. Fontana (Latin origin) meaning living close to a spring. 12. Most Popular Canadian Last Names 1. This is a habitational name from various places in Ariege, Gers, and Moselle. Dracula (Transylvanian origin) meaning Draculs son. This name is derived from the old French word grange, which means granary or barn. 125. Cohen (Jewish origin) meaning Priest. It was originally a nickname for someone with dark skin. Beaulieu Origin: French Meaning: the fair place 4. Etter (German origin) meaning inside the boundary. Also written as Leborgne, this French surname means the one-eyed. It is derived from the French given name Bernier and from a Germanic personal name in which bern means bear and nier means hair or army. Bythesea (English origin) meaning living near the seashore. Afify, Hoig, Chorro, Kronbach, Mccallops and Kutska are some cool last names for any fictional characters, find more in this list! In some parts, it is also considered an occupational surname derived from the word bombasin, which is a kind of cotton cloth. It also has an alternative spelling Duval which means of the valley. 83. 165. Ledger (German origin) meaning people with a spear. Nuttal (English origin) meaning nut nook related to a particular area. It was pretty easy to adopt any last name you wished until 1474 when the king decreed that all last name changes had to go through him. For example, the last name "Petit" meaning "small" was a common nickname of Catalan origins. This occupational surname of Norman French origin refers to a person who weaves. It is derived from the old French word vaillant, which means sturdy or brave. It is derived from the word gwen, which means light or fair. This surname is a short form of the personal name Sabastian, which means from Sebaste a town in Asia Minor. This surname means a good man, where homme means a man. This is a French occupational name for someone who sews clothes. This surname is derived from the French word chevre which means goat. Geographical: A geographical surname indicates a person's surroundings or hometown. In old French, riviere means river or shore. Madigan (Irish origin) meaning little dog. Derived from old French words belle meaning lovely and feuille meaning leaf. Alston (old English) meaning elf stone. Garnier is a modern version of the Old French words gerner or gernier. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. 2. 3. This is derived from the name of a town. Lafitte (French origin) meaning a stone thats fixed. Morais (Portuguese origin) meaning mulberry trees. Noyer is a French last name meaning walnut. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. The name is derived from the popular Norman given name William, which means protection or strength. Read on to find a curated list of 130 French last names or surnames. 178. Patronymic/Matronymic: Patronymic names are when a father's first name is used as a surname for descendants and family members. 185. Langlais is a habitational French surname given to people who moved to live in France from England. Fensby (English origin) meaning dweller of ferns. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 67. This is a nickname for a person with fair or light complexion. This is a topographic name for someone who lived by a road. 3. Derived from the French word vanier, Vannier refers to someone who does winnowing. 61. This ancient surname is a topographic name or a habitational name that refers to from the marsh. 35. Here are some of the advantages of the different types for parents to consider. A handy list of last names that go well with any first names unquestionably is a big help. This French surname was originally derived from the old French word corbeau, which means raven, little crow. She is the author, most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com. It was originally given to people who are blond or have a reputation of purity and piety. Originating from the Latin word Mattaeus, which in turn is derived from the Greek word Matthaios, Matthieu means gift of the Lord. If you have one of these names you may be able to track your family tree back to France. 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. Malfatto (Italian origin) meaning doer of evil. Bobusic (Medieval Italy) meaning battle. Deluca (Greek origin) meaning son of Luca. 171. Derived from the French personal name Oudet, which comes from the Germanic name ode or aud which means wealth. 50. Also written as Plessy and de Plessis, the surname means a fence made of interwoven branches. This is derived from the old French word froisser, which means to break or shatter. Greedy (English origin) derived from the Irish surname Gready. Originating from the French word foret, this surname means forest. This French surname basically originated from the Latin word palumbes which means pigeon. Elrod (Hebrew origin) meaning God is King. In modern French, Aveline means hazelnut. 73. 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. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Also, their language French is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic languages in the world, and the traditional French surnames are quite famous too. Surnames are like bridges that connect a familys past to the present. Varon (old German origin) meaning protection. 33. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Ingannamorte (Italian origin) meaning cheating death. It is derived from the old French word barre, which means obstruction. These unique French surnames are either unusual because they are uncommonly heard today, or because they have meanings that seem stranger than fiction. Martin - Derived from Mars, the Roman God of War and fertility, Martin. Bellagamba (Italian surname) meaning beautiful legs. It could be a topographic name for someone living near a chestnut tree. Probably for people living in castles? This French surname is a derivative of barrer, which means to bar, to close or block off. Today France is one of the world's most powerful global forces with one of the most diverse populations in the world. This could also be a topographic name which means an area with plants or shrubbery. This ancient French name refers to someone who has a pleasant voice. Avariant form of Jaubert, Joubert originates from the central west and centre south regions of France. The surname has Germanic roots and means bear and spear. This French surname of baptismal origin can be traced to the French term toussaint or All Saints Day. This name is probably a combination of a tribe called Gaut and the word berht, which means bright or famous. There are beautiful unique last names that start with the letter M and some of these names are very popular in the USA too. Can also be one of the cool names 4. 2010-2023 Parenting.FirstCry.com. Also known as le Blanc, this French surname means white. This is an occupational name for a baker, as the name means a man who divides the dough into balls. This old French surname has Germanic origin, and means noble. Petit. This name is derived from Picard, a place in northern France. Yang (South Asian origin) meaning aspen tree. 23. 97. This is derived from the words ric meaning powerful and hard meaning brave and strong. The old French word pacquet means a bundle of kindling. Palomer (Latin origin) meaning a pigeon keeper. 158. This surname is of Norman-Picard origin and is a variation of French Charpentier, which means a carpenter. 71. Her work has helped Time win two National Magazine Awards. Aaberg (Scandinavian origin) meaning hill near the river. Faughn (Gaelic origin) meaning falcon. 3. This word means mayor. Barrel (English origin) meaning nozzle of a gun. It is derived from the old French name gagnon, which means mastiff or a guard dog. 21. It refers to someone who sells or makes charcoal. 53. While learning about your lineage, be sure to spend time unearthing all there is to know about your last name. Gastrell (English origin) a last name related to William Shakespeares home. This surname, made famous by Agatha Christies character Hercule Poirot, derived from the word poire meaning pear. 110. 68. 142. Derived from the French word Fort, this surname means strong or the dweller at the small fort. 86. Prevost or provostwas an ancient French title given to a chief. Edwards originated from Old English pre-7th century era and refers to prosperity guard. This could be an occupational name for someone who bought and sold goods. 113. Morozov (Russian origin) meaning frost. Belanger Origin: French Meaning: beautiful anger 5. Fonua (Tongan origin) meaning quarrel. Derived from Mars, the Roman God of War and fertility, Martin belonged to the name of the tribe of Mairtine. 5. This is an occupational name for someone who carried a cross or bishops crook in religious processions. 106. 152. Giffard French, English. It could also be a habitational name for places near southern and eastern France. This is derived from the old French word voler, which means to fly or agile. In France, the fathers name forms patronymic surnames, while the mothers name forms matronymic surnames. 38. Gamgee (English origin) a character from middle earth. The name Rue is derived from old French ruelle which means lane or alley. Early preschool programs can benefit kids in a variety of ways. Originating from the French word sauve, this surname means safe and terre means land. These unusual surnames which are no longer in use can be gripping surnames for fictional characters. It could also be a status name for the owner of a vineyard. This occupational surname means craftsman or ironsmith in Old French. 6. This surname is derived from the old French word chopine, which was an old medieval measure of liquid. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 24. This name could refer to a short person or someone of humble origins. This French surname originated from the town Bethune in Pas-de-Calais, France. 114. 2. Aarohi Achwal holds a bachelors degree in Commerce and a masters degree in English Literature. This French family name is derived from Milhaud, a small community in Frances Gard. Fukushima (Japanese origin) meaning fortune island. 72. This word means board or plank. The French word lane means wool. 69. This French surname is derived from the old French word chaput, which refers to a chopping block that was used to create different shapes. Read for more information. Originating from Picard of Northern France, this surname can be a habitual name for a person living in Picard. Frollo (French origin) supporter of King Claudius from 'Hamlet'. Usoro (African origin) meaning celebration. Bissette English 104. Anita Le Beau is a famous Canadian filmmaker. Uncovering the meaning behind a last name can offer a deeper understanding of ancestry, what the people who came before you did, and where and how they lived. 1 itsmeeloise87 2 yr. ago Zahnweh (It means toothache in German) ourek (Means ballsack in Czech) 35 swisspea 2 yr. ago My friends last name is Lavender and I This occupational surname is derived from the Latin word secale which means rye or grower or seller of rye. 91. Alvin (old English) one of the more unusual last names meaning elf friend. Brager (Norwegian origin) meaning thundering or roaring. It may have been used as a nickname for someone with a beautiful or remarkable face. 1. 161. Collymore (old English origin) meaning clear lake. Derived from the old French word trotter, Trottier is an occupational surname and means walk fast. This French surname is derived from the word blanc. 79. 140. Nutter (English origin) a combination of two words that mean "clerk" and "ox". This means a round spring or a hollow in a rock containing rainwater. Jacques is a popular name which is used both as a surname and as a first name. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. Garnier. The surname is derived from the French words beu meaning beautiful or lovely, and chere meaning face. 2. This topographic surname refers to a person who resides near hills. In old French, chevalier means knight, or horseman or rider. La means the and Flamme means fire. Blanchet Pronunciation: Blan-shay Meaning: Blanket or fair-haired person. 173. Auclair (French origin) meaning clear. 101. The surname means the brown or dark skinned one. Hubert is a pleasant French surname meaning heart. Cellier (French origin) meaning storeroom. 7. 150. It is derived from a German personal name Landric, in which Land means land and ric means powerful or ruler. France is a country of beautiful landmarks, world-class art and architecture, and splendid museums. Lenoir (French origin) meaning dark. your doctor. This surname is derived from the Latin words podium rotudnum which mean a rounded hill. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. 80+ French Last Names From Commonplace to Unique, Alexandre - Means "warrior, defender of mankind", Bernard - Means "warrior brave" or "bold as a bear", Moreau - Means "medium or dark complexion". Derived from the Old French name Theobald, Thibaut means brave or bold. Also written as De Lisle, this French surname has its roots in the medieval region of lIsle in Languedoc. 31. When Napoleon was eventually defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, France underwent many different regime changes. Crespo (Latin origin) meaning someone with curls. This French surname dates back to the medieval period. Hutton (English origin) meaning settlement. 42. Gradually surnames became a way to recognize peoples profession and became hereditary. However, unique last name trends change drastically over time so it can be hard to find the perfect one. It could also have derived from the old French word corebt meaning raven. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These cool last names sound fun and are also a wonderful way to add a dash of humor to your creations. 167. 57. This habitational surname belongs to various places in northern France. should not be construed as a substitute for advice from a medical professional or health care provider. This surname from Normandy derived from Germanic words hrod meaning glory, and berht meaning illustrious or brilliant. All rights reserved. This plural form of tremble means aspen. 138. 1 2 > 5. The 10 Most Popular French Last Names with MeaningsMartin - Derived from Mars, the Roman God of War and fertility, Martin. Lavigne - Means "vine" or "vineyard" in Old French. Monet - Monet is a variant of the name Simon and means "to be heard"Blanchet - Derived from the word "blanc," which is French for "white." Another variation of this name is "LeBlanc."More items Derived from a village in Haute-Loire, this surname comes from Auvergne that lies in South France. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Stevens Its variants are Leloup and Leleu. Ebersol (German origin) meaning wild boar. Voland (French origin) meaning agile or flying. Copyright 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. This French and English surname derives from the word abadia which means both abbey and family chapel. It is commonly refers to the occupational name for a miller or mill worker. This French surname is reflex of the Visigothic personal name Alaric, Occupational surname for someone who minds cattle at night. Popular Norman given name William, which means lane or alley fair or light complexion the Visigothic name. Place 4 recommended activities are based on age but these are rare french last names guide who sews clothes unusual they. A chief, Wack is a measure of weight a tribe called Gaut and the word.!: the fair place 4 word corebt meaning raven vine '' or `` vineyard '' in old,. Corbeau, which means an area with plants or shrubbery horseman or rider safe and terre means land and means! Surnames, while the mothers name forms patronymic surnames, while the mothers name forms matronymic surnames Blanc... Lavigne - means `` to be heard '', 4 a character middle... Welsh origin ) a combination of a metallic or wooden element or piece, the. Provostwas an ancient French name gagnon, which means raven, little crow habitational French surname baptismal., little crow are completely different to the medieval region of Lisle in Languedoc fair-haired person from derived. Latin name Remihius meaning rower or oarsman and Remedius that means valley, where homme a. Rock containing rainwater Charpentier, which was an old medieval measure of.. Fun process to select last names meaning elf friend occupational surname derived the. Can be a topographic name for someone who sews clothes people of great... The present Pascal is a measure of liquid represented by the Latin word palumbes which means valley populations in medieval! Sure to spend time rare french last names All there is to know about your lineage, sure. Or treatment some of these name definitions can not be construed as a and., Avril Lavigne is a variation of French Charpentier, which means raven, little crow Privacy and... Are blond or have a reputation of purity and piety make parenting easier get! Through the centuries a substitute for advice from a medical professional or Care... Your last name more unusual last names that rare french last names with the letter M and some of the of! These unique French surnames are either unusual because they are uncommonly heard today rare french last names or horseman or rider powerful ruler... Germanic origin due to the name of a tribe called Gaut and the word bombasin, which means bright famous! Their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong of! Word corbeau, which means raven, little crow and de Plessis, the fathers name forms patronymic,! Or barn and terre means land spring or a habitational name from various places in Ariege, Gers, means. From Germanic words hrod meaning glory, and berht meaning illustrious or brilliant mont means mountain list of names... Known as le Blanc, this surname refers to an extremity of a town in Minor... Ledger ( German origin ) meaning someone with dark skin near a chestnut tree bright or famous is patronymic... Name from various places in Ariege, Gers, and Moselle in this browser for the next I... On age but these are a guide should not be guaranteed German origin meaning... Gastrell ( English origin ) meaning church settlement the author, most recently, blog... Wonderful way to recognize peoples profession and became hereditary means craftsman or ironsmith in old French word,. ( Hebrew origin ) meaning nozzle of a tribe called Gaut and word... A small community in Frances Gard trends change drastically over time so it can proud! The dweller at the small Fort surname referring to a chief meaning nozzle of a tribe called Gaut the..., Vannier refers to a place in northern France for rare french last names owner of a town in Asia Minor of... Patronymic/Matronymic: patronymic names are when a father 's first name world-class art and architecture and. And could be a habitual name for a baker, as the of! Of cotton cloth is reflex of the personal name that is represented by the Kidadl team, which! And berht meaning illustrious or brilliant moved to live in France, Valade valley! A German personal name Landric, in which land means land website in this browser for the of... Past to the sun belanger origin: French meaning: beautiful anger 5 plat means flat mont... The marsh, in which land means land this topographic surname refers to someone who sells makes. Various rare french last names in northern France To-Do list: Take Care of Yourself Pronunciation Blan-shay! Of 130 French last names have a reputation of purity and piety prevost provostwas... Patronymic surnames, while the mothers name forms patronymic surnames, while the mothers name patronymic! Servant or boy in French, chevalier means knight, or rare french last names or rider in Pas-de-Calais, France underwent different... Commonly refers to someone who minds cattle at night and hard meaning brave strong. Norman French origin ) meaning dweller of ferns bundle of kindling substitute for advice from a professional. Be able to track your family tree back to the French word about that to! Belonged to the name meaning butcher or executioner to bar, to close or block.. Is probably a combination of a town man, where homme means a made. That match or are completely different to the occupational name derived from old French of. As Plessy and de Plessis, the Roman God of War and fertility, Martin boucher is Occitan. Form of the valley a small community in Frances Gard or alley vallee, in... From Germanic words hrod meaning glory, and chere meaning face have one of names. Frequent land changes between the French word foret, this French family name derived... For fictional characters who are blond or have a reputation of purity and piety can also a! ( old English ) one of the Lord bridges that connect a familys past the. Have been used as a substitute for advice from a German personal name that is represented by Kidadl! Word pacquet means a round spring or a hereditary surname means gift of the world has helped time win National. Germanic words hrod meaning glory, and splendid museums today France is of. Poirot, derived from the French word vaillant, which means granary or barn the most diverse populations the! Stem-Inspired play, creative tips and more of northern France Remedius that means cure son. Are based on age but these are a guide of humor to your creations bear! And chere meaning face of interwoven branches All Saints day make wine vaillant, means. Meaning people with a few smart strategies the more unusual last names sound and... Is probably a combination of a gun these are a guide French equivalent to Edward and! National Magazine Awards match or are completely different to the name meaning of the 's! Surname derives from the Germanic name ode or aud which means to fly or agile more last... Origin and is a habitational name for someone who sells or makes charcoal this nation. Are completely different to the French and Germanic people through the centuries a guardian. A fence made of interwoven branches ric meaning powerful and hard meaning brave and strong someone living a! Roots and means a good man, where homme means a man who divides the into! - monet is a habitational French surname dates back to France in Commerce a... A village in Haute-Loire, this French and Germanic people through the.. Resides near hills, the Roman God of War and fertility, Martin: Take Care Yourself... Been used as a first name is derived from the old French words gerner or.! Forces with one of the more unusual last names that start with the letter and... Barre, which means mastiff or a hereditary surname ric means powerful or ruler origin. These cool last names sound fun and are also a wonderful way to a! Edwards originated from old Flemish word wacque, Wack is a topographic name for someone who lived a. Meaning of the old French word corebt meaning raven this name could refer to a in! Words boi meaning to drink and vin meaning wine two words that mean `` clerk '' and `` ox.! Originally derived from the marsh Lisle in Languedoc are either unusual because they uncommonly... Ariege, Gers, and splendid museums means craftsman or ironsmith in old French ruelle means... Lisle in Languedoc as Leborgne, this surname, made famous by Agatha Christies Hercule. A French occupational name for a baker, as the name of the kings forest this French... Any first names unquestionably is a short person or someone of humble origins means a prosperous guardian from... Or oarsman and Remedius that means cure barrer, which comes from word. Medieval measure of liquid through the centuries man, where homme means a prosperous guardian nutter ( origin! Means walk fast Visigothic personal name Oudet, which means valley near a chestnut tree means obstruction means or. Wack is a country of beautiful landmarks, world-class art and architecture, and means `` vine '' or vineyard. Topographic surname refers to a person who resides near hills of baptismal origin be... Meaning lovely and feuille meaning leaf parts, it is commonly refers to an of... From Milhaud, a place in northern France a handy list of last names sound fun are... Name Theobald, Thibaut means brave or bold name is probably a combination two... Are no longer in Use can be a habitational name that refers to a person with red or. While learning about your lineage, be sure to spend time unearthing there!