Old French Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Are you interested in the fascinating history of French surnames? Old French last names offer a unique window into the past, revealing insights into the lives and occupations of our ancestors. These names, often derived from medieval French, carry rich meanings that speak volumes about their origins. From place names to personal characteristics, these surnames tell compelling stories of the people who bore them. Join us on a journey to discover the captivating history and meanings behind these evocative names.
1. **Achard:** A variant of Richard, meaning "strong ruler"
2. **Alain:** Noble and handsome
3. **Alard:** A variant of "Aldred," meaning "wise counsel"
4. **Aubry:** Elf ruler; a name of Germanic origin, meaning "noble"
5. **Baudouin:** Brave and strong
6. **Berenger:** Powerful bear
7. **Bernard:** Brave as a bear
8. **Bertrand:** Shining bright
9. **Blanche:** White or pale
10. **Boniface:** Good faith
11. **Bouchard:** Axe warrior
12. **Bourg:** A fortified town
13. **Breton:** A person from Brittany
14. **Charles:** Free man
15. **Chrétien:** Christian
16. **Clain:** A person from the Clain valley
17. **Claude:** Lame
18. **Clement:** Merciful
19. **Collin:** Little Colin
20. **David:** Beloved
21. **Denis:** Dedicated to Dionysus
22. **Didier:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "people's warrior"
23. **Dumas:** A person from a place called "Dumas"
24. **Eustache:** A name of Greek origin, meaning "steadfast"
25. **Fabrice:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "craftsman"
26. **Félix:** Happy and fortunate
27. **Florent:** Flourishing
28. **François:** Free man
29. **Gaultier:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "army ruler"
30. **Geoffrey:** Peace, joy, and serenity
31. **Germain:** A person from Germany
32. **Gilles:** A name of Greek origin, meaning "youthful"
33. **Guillaume:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "will helmet"
34. **Henri:** Ruler of the home
35. **Hugues:** Mind, intellect
36. **Jacques:** He who supplants
37. **Jean:** God is gracious
38. **Jérôme:** Sacred name
39. **Joël:** God is my God
40. **Joseph:** God will increase
41. **Lambert:** Bright, famous
42. **Laurent:** A person from Laurentum
43. **Louis:** Famous warrior
44. **Luc:** Light
45. **Marcel:** A person from Mars
46. **Marin:** A person from the sea
47. **Martin:** Dedicated to Mars
48. **Mathieu:** Gift of God
49. **Michel:** Who is like God?
50. **Nicolas:** Victory of the people
51. **Pierre:** Stone or rock
52. **Philippe:** Lover of horses
53. **Raoul:** Wolf counsel
54. **Renaud:** Wise counsel
55. **Richard:** Strong ruler
56. **Robert:** Bright fame
57. **Roger:** Famous spear
58. **Roland:** Fame of the land
59. **Simon:** Hearing
60. **Thibault:** Bold people
61. **Thomas:** Twin
62. **Urbain:** From the city
63. **Valentin:** Strong and healthy
64. **Vincent:** Conquering
65. **Victor:** Victorious
66. **Yves:** A name of Celtic origin, meaning "bowman"
67. **Vincent:** Conquering
68. **André:** Brave, manly
69. **Arnaud:** A powerful leader
70. **Benoit:** Blessed
71. **Charles:** Free man
72. **Daniel:** God is my judge
73. **Emmanuel:** God with us
74. **Étienne:** Crown
75. **Firmin:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "strong and steadfast"
76. **Gaspard:** Treasure
77. **Gustave:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "staff of war"
78. **Jacques:** He who supplants
79. **Jean:** God is gracious
80. **Léon:** Lion
81. **Louis:** Famous warrior
82. **Marc:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "dedicated to Mars"
83. **Mathieu:** Gift of God
84. **Michel:** Who is like God?
85. **Paul:** Small
86. **Philippe:** Lover of horses
87. **Pierre:** Stone or rock
88. **Raymond:** Wise protector
89. **Roger:** Famous spear
90. **Sébastien:** Reverence
91. **Simon:** Hearing
92. **Théodore:** Gift of God
93. **Thierry:** Ruler of the people
94. **Vincent:** Conquering
95. **Xavier:** A name of Basque origin, meaning "bright house"