Surnames from France: Common French Last Names and Their Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings of French surnames? French last names, just like the country itself, are rich in history and cultural significance. Many French surnames offer a glimpse into the past, reflecting professions, locations, or even personal characteristics. Let's delve into the fascinating world of common French surnames.
1. **Bernard**: Meaning "brave bear," it has roots in Germanic origins, signifying strength and courage.
2. **Martin**: From the Roman god of war, Mars, this surname suggests bravery and resilience.
3. **Dubois**: Meaning "of the wood," it indicates an ancestral connection to a wooded area or a profession related to forestry.
4. **Dupont**: Literally "of the bridge," this surname likely originates from a person living near a bridge.
5. **Lefebvre**: "Son of the blacksmith," this surname is a testament to a familial history of blacksmithing.
6. **Moreau**: Meaning "dark," this surname could refer to someone with dark hair or skin, or perhaps someone who lived in a dark or secluded location.
7. **Laurent**: Derived from the Latin "Laurentius," meaning "from Laurentum," a town in ancient Italy.
8. **Garcia**: From the Basque region, this surname is believed to mean "bear" or "warrior."
9. **Girard**: Meaning "brave," this surname is a testament to a courageous ancestor.
10. **David**: A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved," it signifies affection and favor.
11. **Michel**: From the Hebrew "Michael," meaning "who is like God," it signifies strength and divine protection.
12. **Robert**: Meaning "bright fame," it is a name of Germanic origin, suggesting a person with a strong reputation.
13. **Thomas**: From the Aramaic "T'oma," meaning "twin," it signifies a person with a twin brother.
14. **Simon**: A Hebrew name meaning "listener," it suggests someone who is attentive and observant.
15. **Richard**: Meaning "strong ruler," it is a name of Germanic origin, signifying strength and leadership.
16. **Petit**: Meaning "small," it could refer to a person's stature or perhaps their social standing.
17. **Blanc**: Meaning "white," this surname might have referred to someone with fair skin or someone who lived in a white house.
18. **Roy**: Meaning "king," this surname was likely given to someone who held a high position or was considered a powerful leader.
19. **Lemoine**: Meaning "monk," this surname suggests an ancestral connection to the monastic life.
20. **Roux**: Meaning "red," it might have referred to someone with red hair or perhaps someone who wore red clothing.
21. **Lemaire**: Meaning "mayor," it suggests a person who held a position of authority within a community.
22. **Berger**: Meaning "shepherd," this surname indicates an ancestral profession.
23. **Legendre**: Meaning "legendary," this surname suggests a person with a notable story or reputation.
24. **Guillemot**: Meaning "little helm," this surname is thought to refer to someone who was a boatman or sailor.
25. **Brunet**: Meaning "dark brown," this surname likely referred to someone with dark brown hair or skin.
26. **Lambert**: Meaning "bright land," it is a name of Germanic origin, suggesting a person who lived in a fertile or well-lit area.
27. **Robin**: Meaning "bright fame," it is a name of Germanic origin, suggesting a person with a strong reputation.
28. **Gauthier**: Meaning "warlike," this surname suggests a person with a strong warrior spirit.
29. **Dupuis**: Meaning "of the wells," it suggests an ancestral connection to a well or a water source.
30. **Leclerc**: Meaning "clerk," this surname indicates an ancestral profession.
31. **Rousseau**: Meaning "red," it might have referred to someone with red hair or perhaps someone who wore red clothing.
32. **Bernardin**: Meaning "brave bear," it has roots in Germanic origins, signifying strength and courage.
33. **Francois**: French form of Francis, meaning "free man," it suggests a person with a sense of independence.
34. **Pierre**: From the Greek "Petros," meaning "stone," it signifies strength and resilience.
35. **Jean**: French form of John, meaning "God is gracious," it signifies divine favor.
36. **Andre**: French form of Andrew, meaning "manly," it suggests a person with strength and courage.
37. **Alain**: From the Breton "Alan," meaning "harmony," it signifies balance and peace.
38. **Guillaume**: French form of William, meaning "resolute protector," it suggests a person with strength and determination.
39. **Louis**: Meaning "famous warrior," it is a name of Germanic origin, suggesting a person with strength and bravery.
40. **Jacques**: French form of James, meaning "supplanter," it suggests a person who is ambitious and determined.