French is an anglicised version of Defreine, which has a

Norman Norman or Normans may refer to: Ethnic and cultural identity * The Normans, a people partly descended from Norse Vikings who settled in the territory of Normandy in France in the 10th and 11th centuries ** People or things connected with the Norm ...

origin. Although the name is of French origin, it does not mean "French"; rather, it comes from the French word for ash tree. ''French'' is or was the surname of the following individuals (alphabetized by first name): * Adrienne French (born 1987), fine art photographer * Alexander French (born 1980), Hong Kong cricketer * Alice Masak French (1930–2013), Canadian Inuit writer *

Anne French Anne French (born 1956) is a New Zealand editor and poet. Life French was born in Wellington, New Zealand. She graduated from Wellington Girls' College and Victoria University of Wellington with an MA. She worked as an editor for Oxford Univer ...

(born 1956), New Zealand poet *

Annie French Annie French (6 February 1872 – 27 January 1965) was a Scottish painter, engraver, illustrator, and designer associated with the Glasgow School. Biography French was a student of Jean Delville and Fra Newbery at the Glasgow School of Art fro ...

(1873–1965), Scottish artist *

Anthony French Anthony Philip French (November 19, 1920 – February 3, 2017) was a British professor of physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was born in Brighton, England. French was a graduate of Cambridge University, receiving his ...

(born 1920), English professor of physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology * Arthur W. French (1846-1916), American journalist and songwriter, and composer *

Bob French (jazz musician) Robert "Bob" French (c. December 27, 1938 – November 12, 2012) was an American jazz drummer and radio show host at WWOZ, from New Orleans, Louisiana. French led The Tuxedo Jazz Band from 1977 until his death in 2012. (The Tuxedo Jazz Band ...

(contemporary), American drummer * Brett French (contemporary), Australian rugby league footballer * Bruce French (actor) (born 1945), an American actor * Bruce French (cricketer) (born 1959), English cricketer *

Callie Leach French Callie M. Leach French ("Aunt Callie" 1861–1935) was an American steamboat captain and pilot. For much of her career as a captain, she worked with her husband, towing showboats along the Ohio, Monogahela and Mississippi Rivers. She played the ca ...

(1861-1935), American steamboat captain *

Charles K. French Charles K. French (born Charles Ekrauss French or Charles E. Krauss; January 17, 1860 – August 2, 1952) was an American film actor, screenwriter and director who appeared in more than 240 films between 1909 and 1945. Biography French was ...

(1860–1952), American actor *

Charlie French Charles Calvin French (October 12, 1883 – March 30, 1962) began his major league career at the age of 25 with the Boston Red Sox. He played in 105 games with 377 at bats. He had 78 hits and 20 RBIs with no home runs In baseball, a hom ...

(1883–1962), American baseball player * Christine French (1968-to present), Mother of Cameron Casner, IT consultant and Sales, former wife of Jason Casner * Christopher French, Irish theologian * Christopher French (judge) (1925–2003), British barrister and judge * Daniel French (inventor) (1770–1853), American inventor and steamboat pioneer * Daniel Chester French (1850–1931), American sculptor * David H. French (anthropologist) (1918–1994), American anthropologist and linguist; expert on Native Americans *

David French (playwright) David Benson French, OC (January 18, 1939December 5, 2010) was a Canadian playwright, most noted for his "Mercer Plays" series of '' Leaving Home'', ''Of the Fields, Lately'', ''Salt-Water Moon'', ''1949'' and ''Soldier's Heart''. Early life Fr ...

(born 1939), Canadian playwright best known for ''Leaving Home'' (1971) and other plays about the Mercer family * Dawn French (born 1957), Welsh-English actress, writer, and comedy performer * Domingo French (1774–1825), Argentine leader of the May Revolution and War of Independence * Drew French (born 1984), American baseball coach * Edward French (bishop), bishop of Elphin from 1787 to 1810 * Elizabeth French (contemporary), English archaeologist * Emma Lee French (1836–1897), English immigrant to the Southwestern United States who became known as a caregiver * Freddie French (1911–1989), New Zealand rugby union and professional rugby league footballer * Frederick Fillmore French (1883–1936), American real estate entrepreneur * Gary French (contemporary), Australian rugby league footballer *

George Arthur French Major General Sir George Arthur French, (19 June 1841 – 7 July 1921) was a British Army officer who served as the first Commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police, from October 1873 to July 1876, and as Commandant of the colonial military ...

(1841–1921), Canadian law enforcement officer * Harriet Schneider French (1824–1906), American physician and temperance movement activist * Heather French (born 1974), American beauty pageant winner * Henry F. French (1813–1885), American agriculturist, inventor, lawyer, and public servant * Hollis French (born 1958), member of the Alaska Senate * Ian French (born 1960), Australian rugby league footballer * Jackie French (born 29 November 1953), Australian author *

James French (murderer) James Donald French (ca. 1936 – 10 August 1966) was an American criminal who was the last person execution, executed under Oklahoma's death penalty laws prior to ''Furman v. Georgia'', which suspended capital punishment in the United States, c ...

(1936–1966), American criminal; became sole prisoner executed in 1966 * James Bruce French (1921–2002), Canadian-American nuclear physicists * James R. French (contemporary), American aerospace engineer *

Jay Jay French Jay Jay French (born John French Segall, July 20, 1952) is an American guitarist, manager, record producer and founding member of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister. He is a columnist, author and motivational speaker who oversees licensing and i ...

(born 1952), American guitarist * Jennifer French (disambiguation), multiple people *

Jim French (cowboy) Jim French was a cowboy in the New Mexico Territory. Called either "Big Jim" or "Frenchy", he was a key participant in the 1878 Lincoln County War. Out of all Lincoln County Regulators and associates of Billy the Kid, French remains the most ...

(before 1865–after 1879), an American frontier figure who became known as an outlaw * Jim French (photographer) (born 1932), American artist and photographer of homoerotica who has used the pseudonym Rip Colt * Jim French (baseball) (born 1941), American catcher active during the 1960s and 1970s *

Jim French (radio) James Rowley French (September 23, 1928 – December 20, 2017) was an American radio personality and producer who has written and produced, as of 2011, over 803 radio shows, including ''The Adventures of Harry Nile'' and ''The Further Adventures ...

(contemporary), American voice actor and producer * Joe French (footballer), English footballer with Southampton and New Brompton in the 1890s/1900s *

John French (physician) John French (1616–1657) was an English physician known for his contributions to chemistry (in particular, distillation) as well as for his English translations of Latin and German works. Life He was born in 1616 at Broughton, near Banbury, Oxf ...

(1616–1657), English doctor and chemist * John R. French (1819–1890), American publisher, editor, and political figure * John French, 1st Earl of Ypres (1852–1925), English military leader, commander of the British Expeditionary Force in World War I * John French, 2nd Earl of Ypres (1881–1958), English army officer and artist; son of 1st Earl *

John William French John William French (October 22, 1888 – November 8, 1970) was a Canadian politician and a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. Background He was born in Scotstown, Eastern Townships on October 22, 1888 and married Dorothy Isabell ...

(1888–1970), Canadian political figure * John Alexander French (1914–1942), Australian soldier; posthumous recipient of Victoria Cross for valor in World War II * John French (racing driver) (born 1930), Australian champion racer of the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s *

Joe French Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Charles French, (born 15 July 1949), often known as Sir Joe French, is a retired senior Royal Air Force officer who was the last Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Strike Command (2006–07). RAF career French joi ...

(born 1948), British air chief marshal, Royal Air Force commander *

John French (musician) John Stephen French (born 29 September 1948) is an American drummer and former member of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band, where he was known by the nickname Drumbo. He was the principal drummer on several of Beefheart's albums, including 1969' ...

(born 1949), American drummer *

John French (ice hockey) John George French (born August 25, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 420 games in the World Hockey Association. Born in Orillia, Ontario, he played with the New England Whalers, San Diego Mariners, and Indianapo ...

(born 1950), Canadian ice hockey player * Joseph Lewis French (1858–1936), American novelist, editor, and poet *

Joseph Nathaniel French Joseph Nathaniel French, Sr. (October 24, 1888 – February 28, 1975) was an architect with Albert Kahn Associates from 1914 to 1967. He was the chief architect for the Fisher Building in Detroit, Michigan. Biography He was born on October 2 ...

(1888–1975), architect * Kate French (born 1984), American actress * Katy French (1983–2007), Irish socialite and model *

Kenneth French Kenneth Ronald "Ken" French (born March 10, 1954) is the Roth Family Distinguished Professor of Finance at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College. He has previously been a faculty member at MIT, the Yale School of Management, and the Uni ...

(born 1954), American economist * Kristen French (1976–1992), the Canadian murder victim * Lisa Ann French (1964–1973), American murder victim * Lorna French, British playwright *

Lucy Virginia French Lucy Virginia French (pen name, L'Inconnue (The Unknown); March 16, 1825 – March 31, 1881) was a 19th-century American author from Virginia. Her blank verse was considered especially strong, and her themes were well chosen, mostly in their ...

(1825-1881; pen name, "L'Inconnue"), American author * Marilyn French (born 1929), American author *

Mary Billings French Mary Montagu Billings French (March 6, 1869 – June 14, 1951) page 251. was an American heiress and society figure, as well as YWCA president and board member. She was the daughter of Frederick Billings and inherited the Marsh-Billings-Rockefelle ...

, American heiress * Melinda Ann French (born 1964), American philanthropist ex-wife of Bill Gates; best known as Melinda Gates *

Michael French Michael French (born Michael Clark, 17 September 1962) is an English actor, known for his roles as David Wicks in ''EastEnders''; Nick Jordan, a consultant and Clinical Lead, Senior Consultant in emergency medicine in '' Casualty'' and former ...

(born 1962), English actor best known for his television roles as David Wicks on ''EastEnders'' and Nick Jordan on ''Casualty'' and ''Holby City'' * Micky French (born 1955), English footballer *

Nicki French Nicki is a given name, and may refer to: Film and television * Nicki Aycox (1975-2022), American actress best known for her roles as Syl on the series ''Dark Angel'' and Stella Vessey on the dramedy ''Ed'' * Nicki Chapman (born 1967), English tel ...

(born 1964), English singer * Patrick French (bishop), bishop of Elphin from 1731 to 1748 * Pete French, member of hard rock band Cactus (American band) *

Percy French William Percy French (1 May 1854 – 24 January 1920) was an Irish songwriter, author, poet, entertainer and painter. Life French was born at Clooneyquinn House, near Tulsk, County Roscommon, the son of an Anglo-Irish landlord, Christopher F ...

(1854–1920), Irish songwriter, performer, and painter * Peter French (1849–1897), cattle baron in Oregon * Peter French (Dominican) (died 1693), Irish theologian * Ray French (baseball) (1895–1978), American Major League shortstop of the 1920s; later Minor League manager and umpire * Ray H. French (1919–2000), American artist and printmaker *

Ray French Raymond James French, MBE (born 23 December 1939) is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s. French played at international level in both codes. He won four caps for England in rugby union ...

(contemporary), English rugby radio commentator and former player *

Robert French Robert Shenton French (born 19 March 1947) is an Australian lawyer and judge who served as the twelfth Chief Justice of Australia, in office from 2008 to 2017. He has been the chancellor of the University of Western Australia since 2017. Fren ...

(born 1947), Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia * Rufus French (born 1978), American football player *

Samuel French Samuel French (1821–1898) was an American entrepreneur who, together with British actor, playwright and theatrical manager Thomas Hailes Lacy, pioneered in the field of theatrical publishing and the licensing of plays. Biography French foun ...

(1821–1898), an American entrepreneur and theatrical publisher * Samuel Gibbs French (1818–1910), American Army officer who served as Confederate major general during Civil War *

Sarah French Sarah French (born September 17, 1985) is an American journalist. She is currently an anchor/reporter for WCNC 36 in Charlotte, North Carolina. After the murder of her friend and colleague Alice Morrin, French became an advocate for domestic vi ...

, an American beauty contest winner who subsequently became a television news reporter * Seán French (1890-1937), Irish Fianna Fáil political figure who served in Dáil and as Lord Mayor of Cork (1924–29 and 1932–37) * Seán French (1931–2011), Irish Fianna Fáil political figure who served in Dáil and as Lord Mayor of Cork (1976–77) *

Susan French Susan French Moultrie (January 23, 1912 – April 6, 2003) was an American stage, television, and film actress. Early years Born in Los Angeles, French was the daughter of Lloyd Moultrie, a show-business lawyer. She was a graduate of the ...

(1912–2003), American television, film, and stage actress *

Tana French Tana French (born 10 May 1973) is an American-Irish writer and theatrical actress. She is a longtime resident of Dublin, Ireland. Her debut novel '' In the Woods'' (2007), a psychological mystery, won the Edgar, Anthony, Macavity, and Barry ...

(born 1973), Irish novelist and theatrical actress *

Valerie French (actress) Valerie French (born Valerie Harrison; 11 March 1928 r 1932– 3 November 1990) was an English film and stage actress whose career began in 1954, with much occurring in 1956. Career French was born in London and spent her early childhood i ...

(1928–1990), English-American performer who played leads in six 1956–57 films * Valerie French (born 1962), American wrestling personality best known under the ring name, Sunshine (wrestling) *

Victor French Victor Edwin French (December 4, 1934 – June 15, 1989) was an American actor and director. He is remembered for roles on the television programs ''Gunsmoke'', ''Little House on the Prairie'', ''Highway to Heaven'', and '' Carter Country''. ...

(1934–1989), American actor best known for playing in support of Michael Landon on the television series ''Highway to Heaven'' * Walter French (baseball) (1899–1984), American outfielder for Philadelphia Athletics who played in 1929 World Series * Walter French (cricket umpire) (before 1905–1961), an Australian cricket figure who umpired 1931 Test matches * Warren French (born 1963), founder of the Victorian Geocaching Club *

Wesley French Wesley M. French (born November 30, 1996) is an American football center for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He spent seven years playing college football at Western Michigan seeing game action during five of those s ...

(born 1996), American football player * William H. French (1815–1881), American Union Army general in Civil War

See also