French Last Names of the 1800s: A Historical Look at Common Surnames

Are you curious about the origins and meanings of French last names? The 19th century was a pivotal time for France, and the last names of the era reflect its rich history, culture, and society. From traditional patronymics to occupational surnames, exploring these names provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and families of people living in 1800s France. Let's delve into a selection of common French last names from this period, uncovering their intriguing stories and meanings.
1. **Dupont:** meaning "from the bridge" or "of the bridge," this name indicates a person who lived near a bridge.
2. **Bernard:** meaning "brave bear," this name is a common and popular surname with Germanic origins.
3. **Martin:** meaning "warlike," "from Mars," or "war god," this name has Latin origins and signifies strength and courage.
4. **Laurent:** meaning "laurel," this name is of Latin origin and signifies victory and triumph.
5. **Robert:** meaning "bright fame" or "famous glory," this name has Germanic origins and signifies renown and honor.
6. **Richard:** meaning "brave ruler" or "strong ruler," this name has Germanic origins and signifies power and leadership.
7. **Thomas:** meaning "twin" or "a twin," this name is of Aramaic origin and signifies a person born with a twin.
8. **Michel:** meaning "who is like God," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies divine resemblance.
9. **François:** meaning "free man," this name is of Germanic origin and signifies liberty and independence.
10. **David:** meaning "beloved" or "friend," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies affection and companionship.
11. **André:** meaning "manly" or "brave," this name is of Greek origin and signifies strength and courage.
12. **Pierre:** meaning "rock" or "stone," this name is of Greek origin and signifies solidity and resilience.
13. **Jean:** meaning "God is gracious," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies divine favor.
14. **Louis:** meaning "renowned warrior," this name is of Germanic origin and signifies fame and strength.
15. **Jacques:** meaning "supplanter" or "he who seizes," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies ambition and determination.
16. **Marie:** meaning "bitter," "beloved," or "sea," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies various meanings depending on interpretation.
17. **Blanche:** meaning "white" or "fair," this name is of French origin and signifies purity and innocence.
18. **Marie-Louise:** a combination of Marie and Louise, this name signifies various meanings depending on interpretation.
19. **Anne:** meaning "grace" or "favor," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies divine grace.
20. **Catherine:** meaning "pure" or "clean," this name is of Greek origin and signifies purity and innocence.
21. **Isabelle:** meaning "God is my oath," this name is of Hebrew origin and signifies faith and devotion.
22. **Sophie:** meaning "wisdom" or "prudence," this name is of Greek origin and signifies intelligence and discernment.
23. **Rose:** meaning "rose," this name is of Latin origin and signifies beauty and love.
24. **Juliette:** meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded," this name is of Latin origin and signifies innocence and freshness.
25. **Caroline:** meaning "free woman," this name is of Germanic origin and signifies liberty and independence.
26. **Germaine:** meaning "sister" or "from Germany," this name has Germanic origins and signifies family and origin.
27. **Lemaire:** meaning "the mayor" or "the master," this name indicates a person who held a position of authority.
28. **Dubois:** meaning "from the wood" or "of the wood," this name indicates a person who lived near a forest.
29. **Lefèvre:** meaning "the blacksmith," this name indicates a person who worked as a blacksmith.
30. **Roux:** meaning "red," this name refers to a person's hair color or appearance.
31. **Martin:** meaning "warlike," "from Mars," or "war god," this name has Latin origins and signifies strength and courage.
32. **Girard:** meaning "strong spear," this name has Germanic origins and signifies bravery and strength.
33. **Dupuis:** meaning "from the well," this name indicates a person who lived near a well.
34. **Moreau:** meaning "dark" or "brown," this name refers to a person's hair color or appearance.
35. **Legrand:** meaning "the big," this name indicates a person who was tall or of high stature.
36. **Dumont:** meaning "from the mountain," this name indicates a person who lived near a mountain.
37. **Breton:** meaning "from Brittany," this name indicates a person who originated from the region of Brittany in France.
38. **Guillot:** meaning "little William," this name is a diminutive form of the name William.
39. **Renaud:** meaning "famous counsel," this name has Germanic origins and signifies wise advice.
40. **Durand:** meaning "lasting" or "enduring," this name has Germanic origins and signifies resilience and longevity.