The Most Popular Last Name in France, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the last name you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:43
Identifying the most popular last names in a country like France can provide unique insights into historical immigration patterns, cultural influences, and social trends that have shaped the nation over centuries. By ranking these names, we can also see which names have remained common through generations, offering a window into the past and a reflection of the present demographic landscape.
This website allows you to contribute to the ongoing tally of France's most favored last names by casting your vote. Your participation is crucial, as it helps ensure the accuracy and currency of our rankings, making this a reliable resource for anyone interested in the sociology and history of French names. Join others in shaping a current and comprehensive list that continually updates to reflect new data and trends.
What Is the Most Popular Last Name in France?
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155votesAccording to French census data, Martin is the most popular last name in France, with over 3.5 million people bearing the name.Martin is a traditional and widely used boy name that originates from Latin. It is derived from the Roman name 'Martinus' which means 'of Mars', the Roman god of war. The name Martin has been popularized by various famous personalities and saints throughout history.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Of Mars
- Popularity: Widely used
- Famous Personalities: Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Scorsese, Martin Freeman
- Saints: St. Martin of Tours, St. Martin de Porres
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248votesBernard is the second most common surname in France, with over 1.8 million people sharing the name.
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331votesDubois is the third most popular surname in France, with over 1.3 million people having the name.Dubois is a common last name in France, originating from the Middle Ages. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name 'Dubois', which means 'of the wood'. The name is widespread across the country and holds historical significance.
- Origin: France
- Meaning: 'Of the wood'
- Popularity: One of the most common last names in France
- Historical Significance: Associated with the Middle Ages and French history
- Patronymic: Derived from the given name 'Dubois'
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421votesThomas is the fourth most common last name in France, with over 1.2 million people bearing the name.Thomas is a charming town located in Tucker County, West Virginia. Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains, it is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, friendly community, and preserved historic buildings.
- Population: Approximately 600 residents
- Art Galleries: There are several art galleries showcasing local and regional artists' work.
- Music Scene: Thomas has a vibrant music scene with live performances and music festivals.
- Outdoor Recreation: The town is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
- Historic Buildings: Thomas boasts beautifully preserved historic buildings that offer a glimpse into its rich past.
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525votesRobert is the fifth most popular last name in France, with over 1 million people having the name.Robert is one of the most popular last names in France, derived from the Germanic name Hrod-berht, which means 'bright fame'. This name has a long history and is widespread among French families.
- Popularity: Widespread among French families.
- Origin: Derived from Germanic origins.
- Meaning: 'Bright fame'
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614votesMoreau is the sixth most common surname in France, with over 950,000 people sharing the name.
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711votesLaurent is the seventh most popular last name in France, with over 850,000 people having the name.Laurent is a common last name in France, often derived from the Latin name Laurentius. It has origins in ancient Roman times and is widely spread across the country.
- Origins: Derived from the Latin name Laurentius.
- Popularity: One of the most common last names in France.
- Geographic Distribution: Spread throughout France, although more concentrated in certain regions.
- Historical Significance: Has roots dating back to ancient Roman times.
- Etymology: Derived from the Latin word 'laurens', meaning 'laurel'. It was used as a symbol of honor and distinction in Roman times.
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88votesAlthough it is of Spanish origin, Garcia is a very common last name in France, with over 700,000 people having the name.Garcia is a common family name of Spanish origin. It is most prevalent in Spain and Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The surname derives from the personal name GarcÃa, which originally meant 'brave warrior' or 'fearless leader' in Old Basque.
- Origin: Spain
- Popularity: Common
- Meaning: 'Brave warrior' or 'fearless leader'
- Distribution: Spain, Latin America
- Variations: GarcÃa, Garcy, Garza, Garcês, Garrido
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912votesDurand is the ninth most popular surname in France, with over 650,000 people sharing the name.The last name Durand, known as a common surname in France, originates from a French word 'dur' meaning 'hard' or 'resistant.' It represents a person with strong qualities or characteristics.
- Popularity: The last name Durand is one of the most prevalent surnames in France, with a large number of individuals bearing this name.
- Geographical Distribution: The name is spread throughout various regions of France, with no specific concentration.
- Meaning: Durand signifies someone who is steadfast, resolute, or tough in nature.
- Historical Significance: The Durand name has a long history and has been documented since medieval times in France.
- Variations: There are several variations of the Durand surname, including Durant, Duran, and Duranti.
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1010votesSimon is the tenth most common last name in France, with over 600,000 people having the name.Simon is a common last name in France, derived from the given name Simon. It is of biblical origin, as Simon was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The name became popular in France during the Middle Ages and has since remained a prominent surname in the country.
- Origin: Biblical
- Popularity: Common
- Country: France
- Meaning: Listener, one who hears
- Historical Significance: Used since the Middle Ages
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Ranking factors for popular last name
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Geographic distributionAssessing the regional distribution of a last name can provide insights into its popularity. A last name that is more commonly found in certain regions of France might be more popular in those areas than in others.
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Historical significanceSome last names may have a historical significance in French culture, which can contribute to their popularity. Researching the history and meaning behind certain last names can help understand their popularity.
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Lineage and family tiesIn some cases, a popular last name might be associated with a prominent family or lineage. Examining the ancestral history and origins of a last name can provide information about its popularity.
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Language and etymologyThe linguistic roots and etymology of a last name can also play a role in its popularity. For example, last names with Latin or Germanic origins might be more common in France than those with Celtic or Slavic origins, which could impact the overall popularity of a last name.
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Immigration and cultural influencesFrance has a diverse population with various cultural influences. Taking into account how immigration and cultural exchange may have introduced new last names or influenced existing ones can help in understanding the popularity of certain last names.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular last name in France. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or surname is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2858 views
- 229 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each surname once every 24 hours. The rank of each surname is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular last name in france
France, with a population of approximately 67 million people, is home to a wide variety of surnames. Historically, French surnames were derived from the father's name, occupation or location, and as a result, there are many unique and diverse last names in the country. However, there are some names that are more common than others. In this article, we will explore the most popular last name in France and delve into its history and significance.
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