Do You Have French Genealogy? | Ancestral Findings Podcast

AF-262: Do You Have French Genealogy?
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Do You Have French Genealogy? You will want to know more about French surnames and their history if you have French ancestry. This information will reveal more about your French ancestors than you imagined.
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[@Ancestralfindings]

Thank you for listening to the podcast and subscribing... I really appreciate it.

[@aliceludlow9558]

My great grandparent were born in Alsace Lorrain area. Both born same town but my Great grandmother was considered French, and my Great grandfather, German. I believe which ever country won, they got the prize. G.Grandma was a Borror(not sure of spelling) G.grandfather, younger than her was Mueller, which I know is German. My grand mother, born in NYC, but spent time with her grandparents. She spoke, French, German and English. In he home French was spoken. Out and about German was the lanuage. This was before the Great War...WW1. My grandmother was born NYC 1890's. My curiosity is the area of France/Germany. My grandmother shared many stories. I'd like to know more of the history.

[@JonDoeNeace]

The problem is the history of the Alsace is continuously being hijacked by a seemingly WS and arbitrarily pro-German Nationalism narrative. The idea that Alsace was ever properly "German" before 1870 is not quite the case. The fact of the matter is this: Alsace was part of the Kingdom of Middle Francia, (Old France), a kingdom whose inhabitants spoke both Gallo Italic vulgar Latin and Old Frankish dialects, the fusion of which forms the basis of the French language. So the terminology that Alsace was "German" is incorrect, it was Frankish and Latin (French), and yes Frankish is Germanic in origin, doesn't make it German. (So are the Anglo Saxons of a Germanic origin, yet no one claims the English are Germans, other than WW1 & 2 Germanic ethnic unification propaganda.) Realistically, it was part of a French speaking region, with predominantly Germanic heritage, (Middle Francia) , and then became an independent state within the Holy Roman Empire, which again, is not strictly German speaking, Alsace would have been a Middle Francian state that joined the Holy Roman Empire. And then also became a French province in the 1600s. While by that time the majority had Germanic surnames and spoke a Franco -German fusion dialect, they were still politically and historically more affiliated with the French. Even though on the basis of religion, they identified more so with the German Lutherans. In the latter 1700s, many Alsatians would have spoken a Franco-German fusion, and identified with the religious culture of other German states, meanwhile, were politically associated with the French, and the history of the inhabitants of the region is intrinsically tied to the history of France long before Germany.

[@jeffsworld8197]

Marcoux. My family came from France to Canada in 1645. Then to the US around 1910. I'm the third generation American. I guess my great x10 grandfather Pierre marcoux built a house in st bellechase Quebec. I guess it's still there. Built in late 1600s. Be cool to see one day.

[@sweetpeasandyarrowaranchdi8327]

Try to find it on Google earth.

[@thotiownaebk3798]

Im from Québec and Bellechssse is Perfect during Winter

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

Beauverd Beauvert (newer spelling) Brevard (anglosized in Ireland or Maryland) Beau Verd literally is Beautiful Green cause the beauverds originated in Landuloc which was a pastoral green area

[@lynneproudfoot3624]

I’ve listened to almost all your documentaries and have never come up with Our last name . Angevin, Langevin, Angevine. We know the name goes farther back that Louis Angevin,1550 ,Anger ,France

[@Therealblueberrymask]

My moms last name is angivinw

[@cassandra5516]

Mine is Stemp. We can tell it had an 'e' on the end but was dropped somewhere along the line. Hard to find out much more!

[@cassandra5516]

@Jack I'm not from the USA.

[@cassandra5516]

@Jack long way from Canada lol Australia! Ancestors bounced around Europe, to England and then here.. like everyone else lol

[@jennyfinster6639]

My mother's name was Searcy. I believe from the lyon (sp?) Region?

[@VirginiaRachal]

Have you heard the surname Rachal

[@Ancestralfindings]

Yes, the surname 'Rachal' is one I've come across. While it might not be one of the most common surnames, it has been present in regions with French influence. Like many surnames, 'Rachal' could have variations in spelling and might have evolved over time. Tracing its origins, especially if your family has French connections, could provide some interesting insights into your genealogy. If you're exploring your French ancestry, looking into historical documents and records might shed more light on the surname's background. Thanks for bringing up 'Rachal'; it's always exciting to dive into the stories behind surnames. Happy Searching!

[@MrKenny1955]

pierre michel and marie adel rachal

[@velondabe6868]

I have Lebo in my family tree, is this a French surname?

[@WoodlandPoetry]

My father's people were from Southern France and the name, as far back as we can go, was Gaston. That sounds more Spanish than French to me. Anyone know if it has a French meaning?

[@gypsieladie]

Gaston is the bad guy in Beauty and the Beast. That is set in France and all the other characters have French names so Ive always assumed its French. When you look up the meaning it confirms the French origin but the meaning is all over the place from site to site. So who can be sure which is right?

[@WoodlandPoetry]

@@gypsieladie Thank you so much for the information. I appreciate it!

[@ALT-vz3jn]

It’s a French first name, so maybe it’s one of the very old surname categories mentioned in the podcast.

[@WoodlandPoetry]

@@ALT-vz3jn Ah-hah! Thank you much.

[@sergykassanda4267]

Gaston is most definitely French, that's one of my grandads middle name 'Louis Ludovic Gaston Debon'

[@austinbrooks8991]

My mothers last name is bourgeois, what’s the history behind that name 👀

[@starygirl]

What about Lafayette ?

[@michellelevrier2317]

Mine is LeVrier.

[@michellelevrier2317]

@Jack no, it's spelled that way. The way we say it is with the first "r" is silent.

[@michellelevrier2317]

@Jack yes

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

maybe also de Dalton Fitzalan Fitzflaad too

[@lindakrzyzewski6912]

Delacroix

[@gracedowney3479]

I'm a Ramage

[@brendajoycewhite5747]

Fuqua

[@juandgyt5547]

Is betancur French ?

[@amakahn6926]

yes

[@juujika9720]

Betancourt probably

[@juandgyt5547]

@@juujika9720 how about betancur

[@juujika9720]

@@juandgyt5547 yes i mean it was probably Betancourt but the family changed it to Betancur at some point and for some reason

[@anniejolu7641]

Bettencourt, the 3rd richest family in the world.( L'Oréal)

[@nancycolbert2703]

Colbert! Were they forced to leave France because of religion ?

[@shesaidyousaid6181]

My fathers last name is DuPont so good to know one of my far away French ancestors were by a bridge

[@thespaceram2879]

I have been told by my aunt that Riveron is French and I thought it was Spanish. My ancestors actually migrated from France to Spain. They had the same last name as I. My aunt included.

[@jetaddicted]

Mine is Durand. Comes from Durandal, a mythical sword that was used in a battle opposing the Franks and the Moors over 1200 years ago. The place is now called Roncevaux, valley of thorns in English, but in ancient Frank it was pronounced Thoren thael, gradually morphing into Dorendaël and eventually Durandal. Oh and Marcel is not related to Marseille but to the God of war: Mars.

[@hailelydurand8107]

thats my last name too

[@justsceptic3085]

are you kidding? durand or durant is the third name the most calling in france,fisrt ;roland was dead in the battle of ronceveaux by the basques,two; thanks for my big laught... et surtout arrete tes conneries et prend tes cachés...

[@sergykassanda4267]

Mine is Debon which means good in French and comes from my pilot 2x great grandfather Robert Marcel Alexandre Debon who fought in WWl. He was born in Noailles, Oise northern France and later resided in Amiens

[@dawnastichter6569]

My maiden name Is Beaulieu and we come from Canada

[@djpdetailing]

I have the surname Pettitt cant get much more french haha

[@rolandconnor575]

My last name is "Renau" and all I know is this originally came from the Lorraine region. I wish I could find out more. There is a rural village in Spain called this and it is the only town in Europe with that name.

[@WoodlandPoetry]

I used to know a pastor named Regnaud. I wonder if the names are related. He knew it was of French origin, but that was it. Hope you have found more information by now.

[@charlenejohnson6632]

My grandmere's father and mother was born in alsace lorraine! Came to America in late 1880' s and worked in the coal mines. I know everything about them. Royalty.

[@robertcuminale1212]

My mother's maiden name is Demarest. it is one of many corruptions of the name De Marest. Our ancestor David came to America in 1653 from The Netherlands. The family was originally from Normandy. They were Huguenots who'd left France in 1567 and received asylum in Norwich, England. A generation later they went to the Netherlands and from there to New Amsterdam. David was the magistrate of Haarlem. His cousin Pierre Cresson came with him. He was Governor General Peter Stuyvesant's adjutant. He was the founder of Woodbury, New Jersey and another of my great grandfathers.

[@billastell3753]

Our family has an ancestor by the surname Besant. Some think it is a French surname. Would anyone know if that is or is not accurate? Thanks!

[@charlottewenzel2005]

My great, great grandfather was Emilien Perrin, of French extraction, and became a successful businessman in New Orleans. Fun fact: he married a German woman with the last name of Groesch and had a dozen or so kids. She died in during the Spanish Flu. So, he married her sister and had 11 or 12 more children. My grandma told me that Teddy Roosevelt was some sort of acquaintance of my ancestor and called him the “Little Pope”, bc he was supposedly height challenged and obviously a very good practicing Catholic for the time. I’ve always wondered if this is true.

[@LizzieAnn451]

My ancestors are from France (around 1750) & then New Orleans. I was born in New Orleans.

[@brianortiz7771]

I’m not quite sure about my surname of Coimbre. From my research it is the literal French translation for Coimbra, a city in Portugal. However, all my family members are of Puerto Rican descent.

[@LydiaMorsman]

My 8th great grandparents were De la Barnardier’s. They were born in Lyon in the late 1600’s, Huguenots who fled to London seeking refuge from religious persecution.

[@christinathom5528]

Huguenots were decedants frm the Jews, frm the tribe of Judah, Jesus direct blood line.

[@LydiaMorsman]

@@christinathom5528 Huguenots were French Protestants who followed the teachings of John Calvin - they fled religious persecution in the 17th century. There were thousands of them from all over France. This happened 1600 years after Jesus Christ died.

[@kurtlaroche-artist]

I share the same history , my family also went to London from France around that time. :)

[@anniejolu7641]

@@christinathom5528 huguenot IS a pejorative way to call protestants and papiste IS a pejorative way to call catholics.( Pape = pope)

[@agbobier2657]

My husband's ancestors were Beaubiers. They were Heugonots and fled to Ireland (Wexford, I believe ). There the name spelling became Bobier. They immigrated to Carlton County in Ontario. I believe in the mid to late 1700s. Maybe due to the potato famine?

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

Dabridgecourt is from Aubrichecourt Brevard is from Landuloc with Beauverd meaning beautiful green cause Landuloc was pastoral green and thats all I can think of

[@lisaquigley-moon9583]

One of my distant grandfathers came from France & was a LaBille. Some distant cousins dropped the “La” & go by Bille or Beal

[@donelmore2540]

It would have been helpful to have the names and translations/explanations typed out on the screen-at least briefly.

[@Ancestralfindings]

here are the notes from the podcast... ancestralfindings.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-french-surnames/

[@dawnastichter6569]

My maiden name is Beaulieu and it is from the beautiful place in 🇫🇷 France

[@brittneybelisle7263]

Mine last name is Belisle which I'm still doing research means beautiful island.

[@ZiulHarnois]

My surname is Harnois.

[@MrKenny1955]

Michel,is my surname

[@cathyaudette1060]

My surname is Audette. My father's family emigrated from Quebec to New England. I've seen it spelled Audet (Au-day) as well. I have no idea what it means, but it is a very common name in New England. Any other Audettes out there? Anyone know how the name originated?

[@MaestroSangurasu]

It's complicated but there are several tracks Audette is a first name of the feminine gender it is a derivative of aude, Aude is a first name of the feminine gender the origin of this name is Germaine Audette is a first name that appears in France in 1902 (I think it's Old). This first name is therefore part of the old first names in France. (I found that for the spelling) AUDET: Diminutive of the personal name of Germanic origin Alda, Aldo (root ald = old) AUDET: Gascon family name (South-West of France), which is the Gascony form of aausel, meaning bird family name derive from Aude apparently some Quebec ancestors came from Gascony

[@starygirl]

@@MaestroSangurasu about Lafayette ?

[@anthonyfowler8634]

Benoist, le Bare and Lemoyne are the three names in the family tree.

[@NotLeftarded1]

Speaking of Civil War history that James deberty Trudeau of Louisiana looks a lot like Justin Trudeau in the painting called Trudeau with the Osage. Pro tip thats his actual ancestor.

[@metalmindedmaniac2587]

Some of my father's mother's side is still in France both my father and grandmother are from France more so my grandmother being born in LeCelle France my father is born with the marriage of my French Grandmother and American Grandfather with Germanic and English Heritage. My grandmothers surnames are Emeraude and Blondeau and I traced the names all the way back to Hrólf or Rollo

[@jo-anneanderson1021]

Well this rings 100 % accurate LOL My ancestors were small, dark haired & lived by the water Les Petite Bruneau famille

[@denisplouffe514]

I would like the history of the name Plouffe or Belouf. I’m interested primarily in the source based on your explanation.

[@tq2435]

Fontenot is my last name

[@sakeesandeep1948]

My surname is Franciscus but iam in srilanka 🥺🙁

[@lizzymoore54]

LaRoche, a place name, meaning The Rock. I was told by my father’s brother ( my uncle ), that the name was actually De LaRoche. French Huguenots, who crossed over to Canada and came down to the states ( late 15 to early 1600’s, if I’m not mistaken ) and help to settle America, ( in New York, South Carolina and Savannah, Ga. ). There are streets named after our father’s family in these areas. The “ squares “ were supposedly designed by the De LaRoche’s. ☺️

[@alainbellemare2168]

French surname dictionary by Jean Cournoyer , le Petit Jean

[@SachaRacine]

My family's last nsme is Racine from Normandy. Mixed with Italian surname Savoy.

[@lindahudson1309]

Looking for Perisho, possibly Perichaud or Pericheaux. Lived in Bretagne early 1600's

[@squashtomato7803]

Amirault - my fathers side. Traced to Francois Amirault dit tourangeau from France

[@LizzieAnn451]

My maiden name is LeNormand. My grandfather came to Louisiana from France around 1750.

[@Dandelionfleur]

Interesting because my Pelletier ancestors were charcoal merchants not furriers.

[@creolelady182]

I have family surnames of Declouette and LeSueur

[@guyinsf]

LeSueur was the actress Joan Crawford's real last name.

[@williammatthews7252]

French Huguenots Desendent I am Dismukes Family

[@TereniaAutrey]

My last name is Autrey

[@Ancestralfindings]

Thanks for listening to our podcast on French surnames! 'Autrey' is an intriguing surname with potential French roots. Exploring its history could uncover fascinating stories about your ancestry. If you delve into it, I'd love to hear about any interesting findings. Happy searching!

[@Limousine08]

I guess Limousin came from the Limousin area

[@Ancestralfindings]

Exactly! The name 'Limousin' does indeed originate from the Limousin region in France. It's fascinating how many surnames and even certain words we use today can be traced back to specific geographical areas, reflecting the history and heritage of those who bore these names. Discovering the origins of names like Limousin can provide valuable insights into our ancestry and the movements of our forebears. Thanks for pointing out this connection. Happy Searching!

[@Limousine08]

@@Ancestralfindings Well I'm from the Limousin family but about 5 generations ago they changed it to something else after they came to canada, I also just leaned Limousin were named after the celtic tribe in that area the Lemovices

[@weatherphobia]

Can a French surname also be an Italian surname, that being it originated as Italian and years later migrated completely to France? Also, what does the prefix DE in a French surname mean?

[@MaestroSangurasu]

The prefix DE means From (origin)

[@lindah0816]

Guionnaux. Any idea what it means?

[@Iamanicajean]

What about Julien. ?

[@MaestroSangurasu]

french first name

[@bluetocop]

john de longdon my ancestor was well hung

[@janineoliveira5544]

mine is Favre. I think that it means something about iron occupation.

[@tanis634]

Favre is an uncommon surname, I think you should easily find information. there were many in charente-maritime, that's where most huguenots lived.

[@donnyrose3394]

Is Sheldon French in a variation

[@wadadli-kid9674]

If anyone have the last name Titre let me know please

[@margievalentin2536]

Is Bahamundi a French last name?

[@herbertbilodeau3389]

How can I find out about my surname....Bilodeau

[@ALT-vz3jn]

French-Canadian surname, start there

[@anniejolu7641]

From Poitou, try geneanet

[@marilyntemple1974]

Mother’s sur name is Pinnix

[@Vivixtoria]

Bourgeoise is my sur name in French

[@jameslascaliajr.2181]

Thanks!

[@dawnastichter6569]

Beaulieu was once DeBeaulieu

[@caroleegross553]

My family name is Hervieux I wonder . DiD the name come Mr old ? "Her " in German mean mister

[@MaestroSangurasu]

Hervieux is a family name very common in Normandy (French region), regional form of herve, baptismal name and Breton (a language from Bretagne which is a french region) patronymic, represents the old name haerveu, that is to say active in combat, soldier nickname

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

so Ivo Fitz Herice my 21st great granfather in England huh. but His Grandfather was Herice / Hericeius so I wonder why he used Fitz when his father was not Herice this is history in my Harris last name

[@marilyndevault4819]

DeVault

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

Dabridgecourt is I think originated from Aubrichecourt France Sir Sanchet D'aubridgecourt is my 16 or 17 Great Grandfather and one of the founding Knights of the Order of the Garter

[@dianneharris8454]

Mallett

[@bananabananaman123]

(Pre-Video Comment) my last name is LeBlanc-Fortin so im curious to see what this fancy name has in store

[@ALT-vz3jn]

Those are just regular surnames

[@tanis634]

it is probably a marriage that gave this name le blanc and Fortin

[@zeflixy9814]

Paino last name of my dad

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

oh and de Beaugency is another surname cause Herice / Hericeius in the Harris origin was a de Beaugency and his grandson Ivo assumed a more Harris like surname - Fitz Herice

[@cherylmorrissette5898]

Morrissette

[@juliewilliams9441]

Le fevre.

[@christiamccubbins3251]

Mine is LaRue. I think it was red hair according to my mother

[@francescapoteet5481]

Is Poteet from Petite?

[@bronsondeliac2625]

Does anyone know the origin of Dubois / du Bois?

[@MaestroSangurasu]

it means "come from the woods"

[@karenfarmer272]

My Grandfather and Great Grandfather were from Belgium. They were french.

[@tderouen5779]

My is de Rouen

[@juujika9720]

From Rouen

[@guyinsf]

Maybe you're related to Joan of Arc!

[@amberdevore9497]

DeVore

[@tanis634]

extremely rare surname! you should easily find our ancestors.

[@ayanbeig4969]

My Grandmother surname is Fourier, don't know more than that, she came from perfume makers

[@ayanbeig4969]

@Crisader Rose What is your orgin? Ethnicity

[@ayanbeig4969]

@Crisader Rose My grandmother was French

[@ayanbeig4969]

@Crisader Rose My Mother said to me from what my grandmother said she was was young their family worked in perfume something to that knowledge

[@ayanbeig4969]

@Crisader Rose My grandfather surname was Buchner

[@ayanbeig4969]

@Crisader Rose My grandfather and Grandmother come South Africa, place that go to was Eastern Cape, My forefathers also both from Grandparents also fled the Huguenot persecution

[@anthonymarecheau3511]

What about Marecheau ?

[@anthonymarecheau3511]

@Jack thanks for the Information I did't know that

[@shaniquamichaux1422]

​@@anthonymarecheau3511 yours sounds similar to mine. Michaux. Still trying to piece together where it came from.

[@jemarkduran3289]

My Surname is Hugo

[@WoodlandPoetry]

Wonder if you are related to Victor Hugo.🤔

[@gracedowney3479]

Meaning wild man

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

French surnames in my Ancestry (that I have found so far) Beaufort Beaugency Beaumont Beauverd, Beauvert, Brevard Bourdeaux (not Bordeaux) Cadet, Young D'aubrichecourt, D'abridgecourt, Dabridgecourt Forney / DeFerney / Fahrni (is this a French or Swiss name??) LeGros but there are more that I cannot name from memory or unfound research!

[@MaestroSangurasu]

it is German Swiss

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

@@MaestroSangurasu yep I think my Forney is from Farni, Fahrni, and Von Farne from Farne

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

@Jack some of them are and some may not be

[@anya7818]

Mine is ‘de Roubaix’

[@MrKenny1955]

my family sold a plantation to a robieu, in 1837 Louisiana.

[@anya7818]

@MrKenny1955 Mine came straight from France to South Africa 🇿🇦 was the mayor of Paarl, and the previous name Franschhoek was in honor of my direct ancestor. Franchhoek = French corner, named that because most french workers and refugees (Huguenots) stayed their). Also, only 6/7 generations in SA came in 1832+-. All also had only one child until my great grandparents who had multiple children. Also married amongst the indigenous and slaves the Dutch brought. It was common for the french in SA to marry other races before the Dutch and British made it illegal.

[@zntrl]

Mine is subervi

[@annettebarlette9471]

Hello Barlette my family

[@leefauvelfauvel5271]

My surname is fauvel

[@tanis634]

rather rare surname, probably from Calvados, Seine Maritime and Manche (French department) / nom de famille assez rare, probablement du calvados, seine maritime et manche (departement français)

[@lochinvar50]

Instead of a static view of old Paris, it would be better if you could write samples of what you are saying specially since French is quite different from English for that matter.

[@ALT-vz3jn]

Yes, that would have been preferable.

[@I_Wish_I_Was_Home]

DeLaMare de la Mare DeLaWare de la Ware may be others Beauchamp too but I am not certain that these are also in my Ancestry

[@frazzledhaloz3184]

Mullenix…..lol