150+ French Last Names
- Noland
Origin:
Irish or French surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Clair
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
This simplified spelling of Claire does not improve on the more popular version.
- Germaine
Origin:
French, feminine variation of GermainDescription:
Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough.
- Fremont
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"free mountain"
- Vardon
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"green knoll"Description:
Pleasant-sounding French surname.
- Chaplin
Origin:
English and French surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Daumier
Origin:
French artist nameDescription:
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.
- Barbeau
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"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.
- Lanier
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"wool worker"Description:
The fashionable occupational last name category gets some French flair with this, Tennessee Williams's middle name.
- Favre
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"ironworker"Description:
Surname of a fifteenth-century saint and a twenty-first-century quarterback, Brett Favre.
- Drury
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"dear one, sweetheart"Description:
Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
- Disney
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Jospin
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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).
- Cartier
Origin:
French variation of Carter, EnglishMeaning:
"transporter of goods by cart"Description:
Luxury baby name associated with Jacques Cartier's eponymous jewelry company.
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
- Barber
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"beard"Description:
This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.
- Gauthier
Origin:
French variation of WalterDescription:
This could be a fresh way to honor an ancestral Walter.
- Durant
Origin:
English and French from LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Renaud
Origin:
French variation of ReginaldDescription:
Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.
- Gervaise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.