150 Royal French Last Names with Rich Histories
150 Royal French Last Names with Rich Histories
150 Royal French Last Names with Rich Histories
Christophe Hernandez
January 23, 2025
Ever wondered what it would feel like to carry a name that once echoed through the halls of Versailles?
French royal surnames paint a vivid picture of France’s aristocratic past and historical significance.
These names aren’t just random combinations of letters – they’re precious fragments of history that have survived centuries of change.
If you’re researching your ancestry, looking for the perfect character name, or simply curious about French nobility
Royal French Last Names with A Touch of Royalty and Prestige
1. De la Croix
Meaning: “Of the cross.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Normandy, linked to crusader knights.
2. De Montfort
Meaning: “From the strong mountain.”
Historical Background: A noble family tied to the medieval French aristocracy.
3. De Valois
Meaning: “Of Valois, a region in France.”
Historical Background: Royal family name of French monarchs in the 14th century.
4. De Bourbon
Meaning: “From Bourbon.”
Historical Background: A royal family with rulers in France and Spain.
5. D’Orléans
Meaning: “Of Orléans.”
Historical Background: A prominent noble family linked to French royalty.
6. De Provence
Meaning: “From Provence.”
Historical Background: Associated with aristocratic families in southern France.
7. D’Anjou
Meaning: “From Anjou.”
Historical Background: Tied to French monarchs and medieval dukes.
8. De Lorraine
Meaning: “From Lorraine.”
Historical Background: A powerful noble family in medieval France.
9. De Savoie
Meaning: “From Savoy.”
Historical Background: The House of Savoy ruled the Kingdom of Sardinia.
10. Leclerc
Meaning: “The scholar or the learned.”
Historical Background: Linked to French military leadership and nobility.
11. De La Tour
Meaning: “Of the tower.”
Historical Background: Tied to feudal nobility in France.
12. De Saint-Germain
Meaning: “From Saint-Germain.”
Historical Background: Associated with the aristocracy and several saints.
13. De Montblanc
Meaning: “From the White Mountain.”
Historical Background: Linked to noble families in the French Alps.
14. Duval
Meaning: “Of the valley.”
Historical Background: Tied to both aristocrats and commoners in France.
15. De Beaumont
Meaning: “Of the beautiful mountain.”
Historical Background: A noble family from northern France.
16. D’Aumale
Meaning: “From Aumale.”
Historical Background: A medieval noble family tied to the House of France.
17. De Villefort
Meaning: “Of the strong town.”
Historical Background: A surname linked to southern French noble families.
18. De PĂ©rigord
Meaning: “From Périgord.”
Historical Background: A noble family in southwestern France.
19. De La Roche
Meaning: “Of the rock.”
Historical Background: Associated with French feudal lords.
20. De Châtillon
Meaning: “From Châtillon.”
Historical Background: Linked to an ancient noble family and crusaders.
21. De Laval
Meaning: “Of the valley.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Normandy, linked to the Crusades.
22. D’Aubigné
Meaning: “From Aubigné.”
Historical Background: A distinguished family from Brittany, associated with French military and politics.
23. De Rohan
Meaning: “From Rohan.”
Historical Background: A prominent noble family from Brittany with ties to royal courts.
24. De La Salle
Meaning: “Of the hall.”
Historical Background: Linked to noble families in northern France, connected to the education movement.
25. De Ponthieu
Meaning: “From Ponthieu.”
Historical Background: A family from the Ponthieu region in northern France, involved in the medieval nobility.
26. De La Marck
Meaning: “Of the mark.”
Historical Background: Tied to the Duchy of Luxembourg and the family of the Counts of La Marck.
27. De Foix
Meaning: “From Foix.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the southwestern region of France with connections to the royal court.
28. De Tancarville
Meaning: “From Tancarville.”
Historical Background: A family from Normandy with medieval ties to the French nobility.
29. De Ligny
Meaning: “From Ligny.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Champagne, associated with French aristocracy.
30. De Brézé
Meaning: “From Brézé.”
Historical Background: A prominent noble family with connections to French royal courts.
31. De Beaufort
Meaning: “Of the beautiful fort.”
Historical Background: A noble family with historic ties to the military and French aristocracy.
32. De Rambouillet
Meaning: “From Rambouillet.”
Historical Background: A family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, known for its ties to royal courts and diplomacy.
33. De SĂ©gur
Meaning: “Of the safe place.”
Historical Background: A family from the southwest of France, linked to noble military and political roles.
34. De Mornay
Meaning: “Of the morning.”
Historical Background: A family associated with the nobility and Protestant leaders in France.
35. De La Vergne
Meaning: “Of the alder tree.”
Historical Background: Tied to noble families from the Poitou region of France.
36. D’Avaugour
Meaning: “From Avaugour.”
Historical Background: An ancient noble family from Brittany, known for its connection to regional leadership.
37. De La Falaise
Meaning: “From the cliff.”
Historical Background: Linked to the noble families of Normandy with medieval and military prominence.
38. De Crecy
Meaning: “From Crécy.”
Historical Background: A family tied to the medieval period, with ties to the Battle of Crécy during the Hundred Years’ War.
39. De Courcy
Meaning: “Of the courtyard.”
Historical Background: A family with a long-standing association with the Norman aristocracy.
40. De Montargis
Meaning: “From Montargis.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, connected to royal military service.
41. De La Fayette
Meaning: “Of the faith.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the Auvergne region, famously linked to the American Revolution.
42. De Clisson
Meaning: “From Clisson.”
Historical Background: A medieval family from Brittany, known for its military involvement.
43. De Guise
Meaning: “From Guise.”
Historical Background: A powerful noble family that played a central role in French politics during the Renaissance.
44. De Chevreuse
Meaning: “Of the goat.”
Historical Background: A noble family tied to the royal court and significant political influence in 17th-century France.
45. De Broglie
Meaning: “From Broglie.”
Historical Background: A family from Normandy, prominent in the military and politics during the Ancien RĂ©gime.
46. De Rieux
Meaning: “Of the river.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Brittany with strong ties to the medieval French aristocracy.
47. De Chalus
Meaning: “From Chalus.”
Historical Background: A noble family associated with the region of Limousin, known for military roles.
48. De La Rochefoucauld
Meaning: “Of the rocky fountain.”
Historical Background: One of France’s most famous noble families, involved in politics and literature.
49. De Noailles
Meaning: “Of the hills.”
Historical Background: A prominent family in the court of Louis XVI and active in French diplomacy.
50. De Tournon
Meaning: “From Tournon.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Ardèche, tied to the French clergy and nobility.
51. De La Bourdonnaye
Meaning: “Of the bumblebee.”
Historical Background: A family with roots in Brittany, historically linked to the military and governance.
52. De Brillac
Meaning: “From Brillac.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Poitou, with connections to French aristocratic society.
53. De Lamoignon
Meaning: “Of the apple tree.”
Historical Background: A prominent family in Parisian legal and political circles during the 17th century.
54. De Lignac
Meaning: “From the oak.”
Historical Background: A noble family tied to the region of Limousin, with military and courtly influence.
55. De Maupeou
Meaning: “Of the hawk.”
Historical Background: A noble family known for their involvement in French politics and law in the 18th century.
56. De La Chapelle
Meaning: “Of the chapel.”
Historical Background: Tied to the aristocracy and the church, with a history in royal service.
57. De Villars
Meaning: “Of the village.”
Historical Background: A military family with a strong presence in the court of Louis XIV.
58. De Marmande
Meaning: “From Marmande.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Guyenne, linked to French nobility and military service.
59. De Saint-Exupéry
Meaning: “From Saint-Exupéry.”
Historical Background: A family associated with the aviation pioneer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
60. De Lancy
Meaning: “Of the lance.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Burgundy, known for their noble military background.
61. De Taisnier
Meaning: “Of the meadow.”
Historical Background: A noble family associated with the southern French regions, involved in local governance.
62. De Lavalette
Meaning: “Of the small stone.”
Historical Background: A family connected to the military and aristocracy of southern France.
63. De Saint-LĂ©ger
Meaning: “From Saint-Léger.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the northern regions of France with ties to the court.
64. De La Farge
Meaning: “Of the forge.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Languedoc with a history in military and civic roles.
65. De Laroque
Meaning: “Of the rock.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Provence, known for their noble estates.
66. De Rochefort
Meaning: “Of the strong rock.”
Historical Background: A family linked to the royal court and military leadership in the 17th century.
67. De Guibert
Meaning: “Of the bright battle.”
Historical Background: Known for military service during the French Revolutionary Wars.
68. De Chavigny
Meaning: “Of the castle.”
Historical Background: A noble family from central France, linked to local governance and military roles.
69. De Castelnaudary
Meaning: “From Castelnaudary.”
Historical Background: A family from southwestern France, known for ties to local aristocracy and military service.
70. De Condé
Meaning: “From Condé.”
Historical Background: One of the great princely families of France, known for their role in the Wars of Religion.
71. De Miremont
Meaning: “Of the mountain.”
Historical Background: A family from the Pyrenees region, with deep ties to the French nobility.
72. De Launay
Meaning: “Of the mill.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Normandy with a history in administrative roles.
73. De Lorges
Meaning: “Of the sword.”
Historical Background: A military family from the region of Normandy, tied to the court of Louis XIV.
74. De Varenne
Meaning: “Of the marsh.”
Historical Background: A family known for their estate in Normandy, historically linked to nobility and land ownership.
75. De La Motte
Meaning: “Of the mound.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Champagne, known for their military leadership.
76. De Cossé
Meaning: “Of the hill.”
Historical Background: A noble family involved in the French military and aristocracy during the Renaissance.
77. De Poussy
Meaning: “Of the pasture.”
Historical Background: Tied to the noble families of Burgundy, with a focus on regional governance.
78. De Conti
Meaning: “From Conti.”
Historical Background: A family closely tied to the French monarchy, historically linked to the French crown.
79. De Villelume
Meaning: “Of the city.”
Historical Background: A family associated with medieval French nobility, particularly from the northern regions.
80. De Brézé
Meaning: “From Brézé.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Anjou, known for its military and courtly influence.
81. De Marigny
Meaning: “From the meadow.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Normandy, known for their roles in military and administration.
82. De Clermont
Meaning: “Of the mountain.”
Historical Background: A prominent noble family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, involved in French politics and military.
83. De Languedoc
Meaning: “From Languedoc.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the southern region of France, historically tied to the court of the kings of France.
84. De Valençay
Meaning: “From Valençay.”
Historical Background: Associated with the aristocracy of central France, with ties to French diplomacy and royal courts.
85. De Chazemartin
Meaning: “Of the martens.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Normandy, known for their military service and noble status.
86. De Mirabeau
Meaning: “From the beautiful view.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Provence, with connections to French revolutionary figures.
87. De Beaufort
Meaning: “Of the beautiful fort.”
Historical Background: A noble family with deep ties to the French royal court during the Renaissance.
88. De Longueville
Meaning: “Of the long village.”
Historical Background: A family of high rank from Normandy, known for its political influence in medieval France.
89. De Rochechouart
Meaning: “Of the strong fortress.”
Historical Background: A distinguished family from southwestern France, involved in both military and political matters.
90. De Gontaud
Meaning: “From Gontaud.”
Historical Background: A noble family known for its presence in the French military and its significant lands in Gascony.
91. De Harlay
Meaning: “Of the rock.”
Historical Background: A powerful family from the ĂŽle-de-France, linked to the French judiciary and aristocracy.
92. De Ceyras
Meaning: “From Ceyras.”
Historical Background: A lesser-known but noble family from the Languedoc region.
93. De Courcelles
Meaning: “Of the meadow.”
Historical Background: A family from the Champagne region, involved in military and political service.
94. De FĂ©nelon
Meaning: “From Fénelon.”
Historical Background: A family of nobility, with ties to the Church and the French court during the 17th century.
95. De Lauriston
Meaning: “From the laurel tree.”
Historical Background: A family linked to the military and nobility in 17th-century France.
96. De Launay
Meaning: “Of the mill.”
Historical Background: A family with a background in military and administrative roles.
97. De Puy
Meaning: “From the hill.”
Historical Background: A noble family with roots in southern France, known for their land ownership and local influence.
98. De Seignelay
Meaning: “Of the seignory.”
Historical Background: A family tied to the aristocracy and local governance in Normandy.
99. De Noailles
Meaning: “Of the hills.”
Historical Background: A prominent family in the court of Louis XVI, with deep roots in French aristocracy.
100. De L’Isle-Adam
Meaning: “From the island of Adam.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, with military and diplomatic influence.
101. De La Rivière
Meaning: “Of the river.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Brittany, known for their role in military and local governance.
102. De Bouillon
Origin: French
Meaning: “From Bouillon.”
Historical Background: A prominent family with ties to the Crusades and the medieval French nobility.
103. De Prie
Meaning: “Of the meadow.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the Poitou region, connected to religious and aristocratic circles.
104. De Faye
Origin: French
Meaning: “Of the ash tree.”
Historical Background: A family tied to nobility in the region of Provence.
105. De Villeparisis
Meaning: “Of the town of Parisis.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, known for their influence during the medieval period.
106. De Salvert
Meaning: “Of the stronghold.”
Historical Background: A family associated with military and noble families in southern France.
107. De Seze
Meaning: “From the seat.”
Historical Background: A family with significant connections to the French legal and political systems.
108. De Saint-Cloud
Meaning: “From Saint-Cloud.”
Historical Background: A family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, known for their ties to the royal court.
109. De Brissac
Meaning: “From Brissac.”
Historical Background: A powerful family from Anjou with deep roots in the French aristocracy.
110. De Lignerolles
Meaning: “Of the bright hill.”
Historical Background: A family from the Normandy region with ties to feudal France.
111. De Saussay
Meaning: “Of the southern region.”
Historical Background: A noble family from southern France, known for their military service.
112. De Montargis
Meaning: “From Montargis.”
Historical Background: A family from the ĂŽle-de-France region, linked to the medieval aristocracy.
113. De Caux
Meaning: “From Caux.”
Historical Background: A family from the Normandy region with significant land holdings and military influence.
114. De Jarnac
Meaning: “From Jarnac.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of AngoulĂŞme, known for its military and political roles.
115. De Vaugelas
Meaning: “From the valley.”
Historical Background: A family with strong ties to the French monarchy and high society.
116. De Bragelongne
Meaning: “From the long field.”
Historical Background: A family from the Normandy region with deep roots in the French aristocracy.
117. De Jodoigne
Meaning: “From Jodoigne.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Brabant, tied to the military and aristocracy.
118. De Nointel
Meaning: “From Nointel.”
Historical Background: A prominent family with strong ties to the nobility and military service.
119. De Pommereuil
Meaning: “From Pommereuil.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the Picardy region, involved in local governance and military affairs.
120. De Gaillon
Meaning: “From Gaillon.”
Historical Background: A family from Normandy, known for their involvement in French court and military matters.
121. De La Tremoille
Meaning: “Of the tremor.”
Historical Background: A prominent family tied to the court of the French kings and noble military service.
122. De Thoisy
Meaning: “Of the thorn bush.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Burgundy, known for their military contributions.
123. De Châtelain
Meaning: “Of the castle.”
Historical Background: A family connected to the medieval nobility and feudal lords of France.
124. De Gouvion
Meaning: “From the governor.”
Historical Background: A family with ties to French military leadership, especially during the Revolution.
125. De La Ville
Meaning: “Of the town.”
Historical Background: A noble family involved in local governance and military roles.
126. De La Marche
Meaning: “Of the border.”
Historical Background: A historical noble family from the Limousin region, involved in regional conflicts.
127. De Beauvoir
Meaning: “Of the beautiful view.”
Historical Background: A noble family with strong ties to French aristocracy, particularly in the Normandy region.
128. De Tournel
Meaning: “Of the tower.”
Historical Background: A family from southern France, known for their association with medieval castles.
129. De Montpensier
Meaning: “From Montpensier.”
Historical Background: A royal family with ties to the House of Bourbon and high influence in French politics.
130. De Carignan
Meaning: “Of the little house.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Savoy, known for their role in French and Italian affairs.
131. De Vieuxpont
Meaning: “From the old bridge.”
Historical Background: A family from Normandy with significant influence during the medieval period.
132. De Coligny
Meaning: “From the hill.”
Historical Background: A noble family with roots in both military service and French nobility.
133. De Roussy
Meaning: “Of the red.”
Historical Background: A family with ties to military leadership during the Renaissance period.
134. De Bercy
Meaning: “From Bercy.”
Historical Background: A family tied to the historic Bercy region of Paris, known for involvement in trade and military service.
135. De Brulard
Meaning: “Of the strong place.”
Historical Background: A noble family known for their military and political involvement in medieval France.
136. De Roquefort
Meaning: “Of the strong rock.”
Historical Background: A family from the region of Languedoc, known for their leadership during military campaigns.
137. De Vaudémont
Meaning: “From the mountain of life.”
Historical Background: A noble family from Lorraine with significant influence during the Renaissance period.
138. De Caumont
Meaning: “From the hill.”
Historical Background: A family with ties to French aristocracy, particularly in the southwestern regions.
139. De Salles
Meaning: “Of the hall.”
Historical Background: A family known for their administrative roles within the French court.
140. De Chambray
Meaning: “From the chamber.”
Historical Background: A noble family involved in political service and governance during the 17th century.
141. De Saint-Priest
Meaning: “From Saint-Priest.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the region of Lyon, historically connected to the French court and military.
142. De Brillac
Meaning: “From Brillac.”
Historical Background: A family with roots in southwestern France, known for their influence in regional governance.
143. De La Rocheguyon
Meaning: “From the rock.”
Historical Background: A prestigious family from the ĂŽle-de-France, connected to military service and the royal court.
144. De Girardin
Meaning: “Of the garden.”
Historical Background: A family from the northern regions of France, tied to both the aristocracy and literary circles.
145. De Chazay
Meaning: “From Chazay.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the RhĂ´ne-Alpes region, associated with medieval French governance.
146. De Lastic
Meaning: “From the fortress.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the Auvergne region, historically involved in military campaigns.
147. De La Touche
Meaning: “Of the touch.”
Historical Background: A family from Brittany, linked to the French military during the medieval period.
148. De Vivonne
Meaning: “From Vivonne.”
Historical Background: A family from the Poitou region, with deep ties to both local governance and French nobility.
149. De La Poterie
Meaning: “Of the pottery.”
Historical Background: A family from Normandy, known for their wealth and influence in the artisan sector.
150. De Chavigny
Meaning: “Of the castle.”
Historical Background: A noble family from the Burgundy region, with strong military ties.
Final Thoughts
French royal surnames give us a window into France’s past.
These names tell stories of how families ruled and shaped French history across centuries. From the Bourbons to the Valois, each name carries tales of power and tradition.
If you find this topic interesting, you might enjoy my other guides about family names around the world. Take a look at how Icelandic families name their children based on parents’ first names, or explore the Spanish and Italian influences in Argentinian surnames.
What do you think about these royal French names? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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