French Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

French Name Meaning: This is an ethnic name for someone from France,or who has adopted French airs.

The middle english term is 'frensche',also a variant of Anglo-Norman french 'frain',a topographic name for someone who lived near an ash tree or ash wood.

Discover how your French ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

French Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the French family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 522
Female Servant 306
Independent 207
Labourer 130
Male Servant 126
Farmer 116
Carpenter 70
Shoe Maker 68
Ag Labourer 45
Butcher 36
Dress Maker 33
Tailor 31
Weaver 28
Pauper 27
Gardener 21
Servant 21
Apprentice 20
Baker 20
Independant 19
Lace Maker 18
Ag Lab 18
Pupil 17
Clerk 17
Publican 16
Laundress 16

French Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 French 100% 101,598
2 Franch 83% 809
3 Frinch 83% 712

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The surname French is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the French family