Do you have a French last name in your family tree? Whether your ancestors immigrated from France centuries ago or your French roots are more recent, your surname may hold fascinating clues about your family’s past.
French surnames have a rich and complex history, shaped by medieval society, migration patterns, and linguistic evolution. They often originated from occupations, physical traits, given names, or locations — offering insights into how people were identified in their communities.
At MyHeritage, we’re proud to offer exceptional resources for exploring French heritage, including millions of historical records from France and Québec. With Filae — the leading genealogy platform in France — and MesAieux, focused on Quebec records, now part of MyHeritage, tracing your Francophone ancestors has never been easier.
Let’s explore the most common surnames in France today — and what they might reveal about your family’s origins.
Martin
The most common surname in France, Martin comes from the Latin Martinus, meaning “of Mars” — the Roman god of war. It gained popularity thanks to Saint Martin of Tours, a revered 4th-century bishop who evangelized Gaul.
A 15th century sculpture depicting the figure of St. Martin of Tours
Today, over 250,000 people in France bear the name, especially in Paris and the Rhône and Loire-Atlantique regions.
If you have Martins in your family tree, you’re not alone: this name is also widely found in North America and other countries with French diaspora communities.
Bernard
Bernard has Germanic roots, from Bernhard, meaning “brave bear.” Originally a personal name, it eventually became hereditary. Today it’s especially common in northern France and among descendants of French immigrants worldwide.
Thomas
Derived from the Aramaic word for “twin,” Thomas became widespread thanks to the apostle known as “Doubting Thomas” and later Saint Thomas Becket. Though originally a given name, it evolved into a surname over time.
Petit
Literally meaning “small” in French, Petit likely began as a nickname for someone short in stature — or perhaps the youngest in a family. Today, it’s borne by more than 115,000 people in France.
Robert
Another name with Germanic origins, Robert comes from Hrodberht — combining words meaning “fame” and “bright.” It became widespread in medieval France and remains common in both France and Francophone regions abroad.
Richard
Richard also has Germanic roots: ric means “ruler,” and hard means “strong” or “brave.” In 15th-century France, it sometimes denoted a wealthy man. It’s now one of the most widespread surnames across French-speaking communities.
Dubois
A topographical surname meaning “from the woods,” Dubois indicated someone who lived near or in a forest. If you have this surname, it may point to your ancestors’ geographic origin.
Dubois means “from the woods,” possibly referring to geographic origins
Durand
Durand comes from the Latin Durandus, meaning “enduring” or “stubborn.” It was once a personal name and became a hereditary surname, still common in France and French-speaking parts of North America today.
Moreau
Originally a nickname for someone with a dark complexion, Moreau also comes from the Latin Maurellus. It’s widely found across France and appears frequently in early colonial records in Quebec and Louisiana.
Laurent
Derived from the Latin laurus — meaning “laurel” — Laurent symbolizes victory and honor. It was a popular name in ancient Rome and remains a common surname throughout the French-speaking world.
Explore your French roots
If any of these surnames appear in your family tree, you may be just a few steps away from uncovering new insights about your heritage. With extensive French and French Canadian collections, MyHeritage is the ideal place to begin — or deepen — your journey into your Francophone past.
Start exploring today and see where your French surname takes you.
The post The Most Common French Surnames and What They Reveal About Your Heritage appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Source: My Heritage
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