150+ French Last Names

  1. Noland
    • Origin:

      Irish or French surname
    • Meaning:

      "champion; not land"
    • Description:

      Noland exists as a surname among the Irish and the French. In Ireland, it's a variation of the much more common Nolan. As a French surname, Noland is derived from Germanic components not, "need" and land.
  2. Clair
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"
    • Description:

      This simplified spelling of Claire does not improve on the more popular version.
  3. Germaine
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Germain
    • Description:

      Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough.
  4. Fremont
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "free mountain"
  5. Vardon
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "green knoll"
    • Description:

      Pleasant-sounding French surname.
  6. Chaplin
    • Origin:

      English and French surname
    • Meaning:

      "clergyman of a chapel"
    • Description:

      Chaplin carries two very distinctive images: the beloved Little Tramp and a minister, often to the military. It was the baby-name choice of Ever Carridine in 2010.
  7. Daumier
    • Origin:

      French artist name
    • Description:

      If you're seeking a French artist name that goes beyond Monet and Manet, Daumier -- known for his revealing caricatures -- makes a rich, sophisticated choice.
  8. Barbeau
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "fisherman"
    • Description:

      How to spruce up Fisher or Beau? This French surname-name might be an option for a parent unafraid of the unusual. The name derives from Barbel, a type of fish, which is how it became a surname for some fishermen.
  9. Lanier
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "wool worker"
    • Description:

      The fashionable occupational last name category gets some French flair with this, Tennessee Williams's middle name.
  10. Favre
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "ironworker"
    • Description:

      Surname of a fifteenth-century saint and a twenty-first-century quarterback, Brett Favre.
  11. Drury
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "dear one, sweetheart"
    • Description:

      Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
  12. Disney
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "from Isigny"
    • Description:

      The Disney surname is derived from the French d'Isigny, referring to someone from the Norman town of Isigny. Isigny may be etymologically related to the Germanic name Iso.
  13. Jospin
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "lord"
    • Description:

      Probably derived from the Breton name Judoc, meaning "lord". As a first name, it's predominantly found in French-speaking African countries. As a surname, it famously belonged to former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin (in office 1997-2002).
  14. Cartier
    • Origin:

      French variation of Carter, English
    • Meaning:

      "transporter of goods by cart"
    • Description:

      Luxury baby name associated with Jacques Cartier's eponymous jewelry company.
  15. Duvall
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of the valley"
    • Description:

      Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
  16. Barber
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "beard"
    • Description:

      This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.
  17. Gauthier
    • Origin:

      French variation of Walter
    • Description:

      This could be a fresh way to honor an ancestral Walter.
  18. Durant
    • Origin:

      English and French from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "enduring"
    • Description:

      Durant's meaning signifies staying power, a good quality to impart to your child. Notables with the surname Durant include Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Will and Ariel Durant, most famous for their eleven-volume The Story of Civilization, and William Crappo Durant, co-founder of General Motors and Chevrolet.
  19. Renaud
    • Origin:

      French variation of Reginald
    • Description:

      Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.
  20. Gervaise
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "skilled with a spear"
    • Description:

      Unusual saint's name rarely heard outside Roman Catholic rectories until it made an appearance on a reality-TV show; has an attractive French feel.