French Surname Origins & Genealogy Resources
French surnames were first used in the 11th century to distinguish people who had the same given name; however, surnames didn't become common for all until centuries later.
As in other countries, French surnames developed from four major sources:
- 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 such as (eau), 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:
- Most French patronymic surnames do not have a prefix or suffix:
- French suffixes such as (eau), meaning 'son of', is attached to the end of given name:
- Occupational Surnames - A surname based on the person's job or trade is also common.
- Descriptive Surnames - A surname based on the person or personality, usually a nickname.
- Geographical Surnames - A surname based on a person's residence or former residence
Some of the more common French surnames are:
Gillet / Gillette
Thomas
See also: French Genealogy Words