150+ French Last Names

Not all names that end in -er were originally occupational. This one, for instance, is a surname name that derives from the Old French for "help" or "mercy."

A rarer spelling of Dashiell, a handsome route to the nickname Dash. Neither variation is common for girls — Dashiell, at its peak, was given to six baby girls in a single year — but actress Milla Jovovich chose this spelling for her daughter, born in 2015.

A simple and strong Ethiopian name with a lovely meaning. Pronounced "zhe-nay", it's a French surname associated with playwright Jean Genet.

An intriguing surname option with ties to the natural world and to cool names like Hollis and Holland. But beware: another origin of the surname is from Old French horier meaning "pimp, brothel keeper".

Randall Jarrell was an important mid-20th century poet; his surname makes a pleasingly soft name for a girl.

A fresh take on Jessica, Jessel is currently borne in the public eye by Jessel Taank, a Real Housewife of New York City.

An intriguing surname option with ties to the natural world and to cool names like Hollis and Holland. But beware: another origin of the surname is from Old French horier meaning "pimp, brothel keeper".

Foch made the Top 1000 in 1918, the year the Allied Powers declare victory in WWI. Ferdinand Foch was the Supreme Allied Commander, whose efforts led to triumph in 1918. That year, 58 sets of parents chose his surname for their sons.

Ever Carridine chose this unusual name for her daughter, born in 2010. Chaplin has hovered in use around five baby boys each year — it's never made the charts for girls.