What is the meaning of French surname?

French Surname Meaning Being from France in England potentially gave rise to the surnames: Francis (starting as Frauncays or “the Frenchman”) and French (starting as de Freyne or “from France”). De Freyne had a Norman origin.

What is a common French last name?

Also very common among French surnames, occupational last names are based on the person’s job or trade, such as Pierre Boulanger or "Pierre, the baker." Several common occupations found prevalently as French surnames include Caron (cartwright), Fabron (blacksmith), and Pelletier (fur trader).

Where did the name French come from?

The surname French was first found in Devon. They were descendants of Theophilus de France who accompanied William the Conqueror into England in 1066. Robert Fitz-Stephen de France accompanied Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, on his invasion of Ireland. This web page shows only a small excerpt of our French research.