Fontaine
The origin of the surname Fontaine
Fontaine was given to someone who lived by a spring or fountain.
What kind of surname is Fontaine?
As a toponymic (locational) surname, the surname Fontaine originally described where its bearer lived or came from — a village, region, landscape feature or landmark. When people moved from one place to another, neighbours often identified the newcomer by their place of origin, and that association became a lasting family name. Some toponymic surnames name a specific town or county; others describe the local terrain, such as a hill, wood, field, ford or bridge beside which a family lived. These names are a kind of map of migration and settlement, recording where earlier generations put down roots.
How French surnames work
French surnames grew from patronymics, occupations (Boucher, “butcher”), locational names (often with “de”, “du” or “des”), and descriptive nicknames. Norman French carried many into England after 1066, and centuries of French pronunciation smoothed their forms. Regional languages such as Breton and Occitan added further distinctive names.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Fontaine mean?
The surname Fontaine means By the spring. Fontaine was given to someone who lived by a spring or fountain.
Where does the surname Fontaine come from?
Fontaine is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Fontaine?
Fontaine is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from.
How common is the surname Fontaine in the United States?
Fontaine ranks #2,856 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 11,542 people.