This list includes 7 French last names that start with I, from “Ibert” to “Itard”. These surnames often derive from occupations, place names, or given names, and appear across France and francophone regions. This list helps genealogy, writing, and research projects seeking authentic French family names.

French last names that start with I are surnames used in France and francophone areas, often reflecting history or profession. For example, “Itard” recalls Jean Itard, the 19th-century physician known for work with the “wild child” Victor.

Below you’ll find the table with Surname, Meaning/Origin, Variants, and Notable people.

Surname: The family name as used historically and today; you can scan it to find exact spellings and accents.

Meaning/Origin: Gives a concise origin or literal meaning so you understand the name’s roots and cultural context.

Variants: Lists common alternate spellings or accented forms; you use these when searching records or older sources.

Notable people: Names prominent individuals who bear the surname, helping you connect the name to history and culture.

French last names that start with I

SurnameMeaningVariant spellingsNotable people
IbertFrom Germanic personal name (Ibo/Iber) + -bertYbertJacques Ibert — composer
IcartCatalan/Occitan patronymic, from a personal name like “Icar”Icard, IkartRaymond Icart — illustrator
ImbertFrom Germanic personal name Imbert (meaning “famous/bright”)Imber, ImbertsJean Imbert — chef; Jacky Imbert — mobster
IngrandFrom Old French/Germanic personal name Ingrand/EnguerrandEngrand, IngrandeMax Ingrand — stained-glass designer
IpoustéguyBasque toponymic surnameIpousteguy, IpoustéguyRobert Ipoustéguy — sculptor
IsnardFrom Germanic personal name Isnard/IsenhardIsnart, IsnardtJean-Esprit Isnard — organ builder; Joseph Isnard — organ builder
ItardFrom Germanic personal name Itard/It(h)ardItartJean‑Marc Itard — physician and educator

Descriptions

Ibert
Well-known French surname; 19th–20th-century cultural presence, notably composer Jacques Ibert. Found broadly in northern and central France, of Germanic personal-name origin.
Icart
Common in southwestern France and Corsica with Catalan/Occitan roots. Often linked to artistic families; variants reflect local spellings Icard/Ikart.
Imbert
One of the best-attested French surnames starting with I, widespread nationally, especially Midi and central regions. Medieval Germanic origin and frequent in civil records.
Ingrand
Established French family name with notable 20th-century cultural bearers. Found mainly in northern and central France; derived from an old Germanic personal name.
Ipoustéguy
Distinctive Basque-origin surname present in France’s Basque Country and national art circles; toponymic formation typical of Basque family names.
Isnard
Provençal/Occitan surname well attested in southern France. Historically associated with 18th-century organ-building families in Provence.
Itard
Historic French surname remembered for Jean‑Marc Itard (1774–1838). Seen in records across France, with medieval Germanic personal-name origins.
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