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 Périgord

• 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 Île-de-France region, known for its ties to royal courts and diplomacy.

33. De Ségur

• 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 Île-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 Régime.

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-Léger

• 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 Île-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 Île-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 Fénelon

• 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 Île-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 Île-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 Île-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 Île-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 Angoulême, 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 Île-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 Rhône-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!