Free Dictionary of Surname Origins
& Last Name Meanings

Choose the first letter of surname:

French Surname Origins:

• Patronymic Surnames - A surname based on the first name of the father is the most common category of French last names. A French prefix or suffix is sometimes added to a given name to form a patronymic surname.
  
  
  • French suffixes, meaning 'son of', is attached to the end of given name:
    • -eau Moreau - son of the Moor.
    
    
    
  • French Prefixes, meaning 'son of', is attached to the beginning of a given name:
    • De- Depaul - Son of Paul
    • Fitz- Fitzroy - Son of the King
    
    
    
  • Most French patronymic surnames do not have a prefix or suffix:
    • Girard
    • Martin
    • Richard
    • Thomas
  
  
  
• Occupational Surnames - A surname based on the person's job or trade is also common.
  • Chevalier - Knight
  • Fournier - Baker
  • Lefevre - Iron Smith
  
  
  
• Descriptive Surnames - A surname based on the person or personality, usually a nickname.
  • Brun - A person with brown hair or complexion
  • Petit - A small person or a junior
  
  
  
• Geographical Surnames - A surname based on a person's residence or former residence
  • Desmarais - lives by the marsh
  • Dupont - lives by the bridge