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Unusual last names: discover the origin of the funniest, most unlikely, or hardest to bear!
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Did you know that in France, there are last names like Bizarre, Couilleboeuf, or even Cruchot? Inherited from history, personality traits, or geographical features, some surnames surprise, amuse, or question. But where do these unusual names come from? Why have they survived through the centuries? And most importantly, what do they tell us about our ancestors?
In this article, let's delve together into the archives to discover the most original last names, sometimes funny, sometimes unlikely... but always fascinating. And who knows? Maybe you'll come across one in your family tree!
Last names began to be established in France starting in the 12th century. They responded to a need for more precise identification as populations grew. They were often constructed from :
Unusual names, on the other hand, often come from a nickname given to an ancestor, sometimes flattering, sometimes mocking — but rarely neutral. They have passed through the centuries, carried from generation to generation, sometimes with orthographic variations.
Here is an authentic selection of surnames recorded in France (sources: INSEE, genealogy websites, departmental archives) and their assumed origin. We have chosen to classify these surnames in alphabetical order.
Nothing to do with a killer: this name, present since the 16th century, would be an evolution of the Germanic name Sahso, meaning "Saxon".
Designated, without detour, a child born out of wedlock. Very present in Savoy and in the West of France.
Rare name, probably a nickname linked to a baker... or to a person considered cute!
A surname that is, at the very least... surprising. It designated a person considered original, even eccentric.
Name derived from the Germanic bod ("messenger"), but could also be given to a blood sausage merchant... or to a round person.
Nothing to do with the dish: this name comes from a Gascon place name meaning "small oak grove".
Despite its current connotation, this name has a noble Germanic origin: kuono (brave) + hard (hard). It was therefore synonymous with "courageous".
In Old French, designated a "small horn". The comic sense of "fool" only appeared in the 19th century.
Norman name probably linked to a mocking nickname or a regional joke. A linguistic oddity!
Made famous by Louis de Funès, this name means "small jug", probably an affectionate or mocking nickname.
Common in Normandy, variant of Cocu, with an ancient origin, but not necessarily linked to adultery.
Evoke a person living near a cemetery, which also served as a public gathering place in the past.
Has nothing to do with laughter: it is a deformation of Derolez, a place name in Pas-de-Calais.
A nickname inherited from a grumpy or grumpy ancestor. Indo-European origin linked to the verb "to grumble".
Savoyard toponym describing a large mound or pile of stones. Nothing anatomical!
Evident descriptive name, probably given to an ancestor known for his imposing feet.
Could come from bite, an ancient carved stone or piece of wood for mooring, but could also designate a residence (habit) in some toponyms.
Very present in northern France, this name would be a nickname given to a big drinker or wine lover.
Derived from the Latin merda, it evokes an unsanitary place or a person living in precarious conditions.
Comes from the estocard, the one who gives blows of the sword. A warrior nickname for a man-at-arms from the Middle Ages.
A baker's name... or not! If it evokes warm bread, it could also come from a place name or an old word designating a plant.
Typical of Lorraine compound names, it could designate a small stature, an affectionate nickname, or a member of the Poisson family.
Of Sicilian origin, this name is a diminutive of Giuseppe (Joseph). No schoolyard joke at the time!
Very rare and Provençal, this name could come from a place linked to a source, or from a behavioral trait considered... striking.
A name that invites a smile but comes from Proust, itself derived from Provost (prevost, magistrate).
Literally means "wine bag", used as a mocking nickname to designate a (too) assiduous lover of the bottle.
Once worn in Vendée, this name would designate a hairless man, not well provided with hair or hair.
In the Middle Ages, this name did not mean drunkard but rather "satiated", coming from the Latin satullus.
Present in the south of the Massif Central, it could designate a place name (from the word vielle, hamlet) rather than a worn tooth.
Originating from Morocco, this name comes from the Ziz river. The suffix -i indicates filiation or proximity: Zizi would therefore mean "the one from Ziz".
Several reasons explain why these unusual names still exist today:
Today, these unusual names make us smile, but they are also valuable clues for genealogists : they tell a story, an era, a context.
Last names are much more than simple labels: they are witnesses of the past, carriers of anecdotes, customs, and regional inheritances. The most unusual ones remind us that our ancestors sometimes had a lot of humor… or mocking neighbors!
🙂 What if you started looking for original names hidden in your own family tree?
Geneafinder lets you build your family tree for free and easily.
Identify your ancestors, discover their jobs, their regions of origin… and maybe some surprising names!