FRANCE
France
Origin and Meaning
The surname France is of Old French origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Francis" or "Francois", which itself originated from the Latin name "Franciscus", meaning "a Frank" or "a Frankish person". The term "Frank" referred to a member of the Germanic tribes that inhabited the region that is now modern-day France, and the name was often given to those who displayed qualities associated with the Franks, such as bravery or freedom.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname France is relatively uncommon in Britain compared to other surnames. It is most prevalent in the southern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Kent and Sussex. The name has also been recorded in Scotland and Wales, although to a lesser extent.
Historical Significance
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname France have been associated with various notable accomplishments and roles. Some members of the France family may have been involved in military campaigns, government positions, or prominent in artistic and intellectual circles. Due to the nature of surnames and their inheritance patterns, the surname France may have developed multiple branches and variations over the centuries.
Famous Individuals
Notable individuals with the surname France include:
- Anatole France (1844 - 1924) - A French writer and Nobel Prize laureate in Literature.
- John France (born 1946) - A British historian known for his works on medieval history.
- David France - A British artist known for his contemporary sculptures and installations.
Coat of Arms
The France family coat of arms typically features elements that symbolise courage, loyalty, or family heritage. The design may vary depending on the specific branch of the family and its history.
Modern-Day Presence
While the surname France may not be as common as some other surnames, individuals bearing this name continue to contribute to various fields and industries in Britain and beyond. The lineage of the France family serves as a reminder of the historical ties between the British Isles and continental Europe.
There are approximately 7,719 people named France in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,217th most common surname in Britain. Around 119 in a million people in Britain are named France.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Joan
- Julie
- Kellee
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Ames
- Bell
- Farrance
- Ferrance
- Ference
- Farance
- Farence
- Farrence
- Franc
- Franca
- Fairness
- Fairns
- Farens
- Farinas
- Farnes
- Farnese
- Farnesi
- Farness
- Farniss
- Farnos
- Farns
- Farons
- Farrans
- Farrens
- Farrins
- Fearnes
- Fearns
- Fearons
- Feirns
- Ferens
- Ferenz
- Ferins
- Fernce
- Fernes
- Ferness
- Fernis
- Ferns
- Ferons
- Ferrans
- Ferrens
- Ferrins
- Ferrons
- Fierens
- Fiorenza
- Fiorenzi
- Fiorenzo
- Firness
- Firns
- Fornce
- Fornes
- Forness
- Forrance
- Forrnes
- Fournaise
- Fourness
- Fournis
- Fourniss
- Fracey
- Frain
- Fraine
- Fraines
- Fran
- Franas
- Franceis
- Francek
- Frances
- Francey
- Franceys
- Franch
- Franche
- Franci
- Franck
- Francke
- Franckel
- Francks
- Franco
- Francs
- Francu
- Francy
- Frande
- Frandes
- Frane
- Franek
- Franel
- Franes
- Franey
- Frange
- Franic
- Franices
- Franis
- Franke
- Frankes
- Frann
- Frans
- Fransch
- Franse
- Franses
- Frant
- Franta
- Franten
- Franter
- Frants
- Frantz
- Franus
- Franz
- Franza
- Franze
- Franzi
- Franzo
- Frayn
- Frayne
- Frean
- Freance
- Freane
- Frebbance
- Frence
- Frendt
- Frens
- Frense
- Frent
- Frentz
- Frenz
- Friance
- Frins
- Fronius
- Frunza
- Frynas
- Furnace
- Furnas
- Furnass
- Furneis
- Furnes
- Furness
- Furnice
- Furnies
- Furnis
- Furniss
- Furns
- Furnues
- Furrance
- Furrence
- Vaernes
- Varanasi
- Varanese
- Varennes
- Varnas
- Varnes
- Varns
- Vergnes
- Vernazza
- Vernes
- Verness
- Vernice
- Vernis
- Verns
- Veronese
- Veronesi
- Viernes
- Vournas
- Vranas
- Vreones
- Vriens
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.