150+ French Last Names

As a first name, Basquiat is used as in honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the neoexpressionist whose art touched on themes of race, wealth disparity, and humanism.

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.

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).

Dubois, which can also be stylized as DuBois or Du Bois, is a surname derived from bois, the French word for "forest." A notable, namesake-worthy bearer is W. E. B. Du Bois (who actually pronounced his surname doo-BOYSS), civil rights activist and a founder of the NAACP. A familiar fictional wearer is Blanche DuBois, protagonist of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was one of the most influential names in his field, known for his theories on cognitive development in children. His surname has potential as a given name, perhaps for the child of a child psychologist.

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.

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.

So tied to being Jacqueline Kennedy's maiden name that it's best saved for a girl.

Creative surname choice, associated with the great French postimpressionist Edouard Villard.

Dapper-sounding choice with old American roots (Dabney Cosby was a 19th century Virginian architect who worked with Thomas Jefferson on some of that state's most iconic buildings). Dabney Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr's bodyguard, giving this name yet more American history depth. Dab is a sweet nickname option for this name.

An old French surname derived from baille, meaning "fortification" – the same root as the English word bailey. The surname was borne by an aristocratic English family descended from French nobility.

Mercer is one fashionable occupational name that can work as well for girls as boys, perhaps because of the soft c or the conventionally feminine nickname Mercy.

This is a French occupational namename brought to the fore by poet Vachel Lindsay, born Nicholas Vachel (Vachel being his father's first name), considered the founder of modern poetry intended to be sung or chanted. and also author of the first book of film criticism in 1915.

This simplified spelling of Claire does not improve on the more popular version.

Intriguing spin on Margaret or Maggie, for admirers of French surrealist Rene Magritte.

This could be a fresh way to honor an ancestral Walter.

Francois is the ultimate sophisticated French name.