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Free Glossary of French Genealogy Terms

By Family Tree Editors
French genealogy word list

Unfamiliar words in French records can throw even the most savvy genealogist off track, so study this list of terms you’ll frequently encounter in your research.

Quick Tip

When researching French ancestors you might come the word dit (pronounced “dee”) as part of a name. For example, Jacques Demet dit Beaulieu. Dit just means “called” or “known as.” It indicates an alternate surname that helps differentiate people. These additional names could be based on a physical trait, location or occupation.

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Relationship Terms

FrenchEnglish
arrière grandpèregreat-grandfather
arrière grandmèregreat-grandmother
cadetyoungest son
épousewife
épouseebride
épouxhusband
famillefamily
filledaughter
filsson
frèrebrother
grandmèregrandmother
grandpèregrandfather
héritiersheirs
l’aineeldest son
mèremother
oncleuncle
orphelinorphan
pèrefather
soeursister
tanteaunt
veufwidower
veuvewidow

Dates

FrenchEnglish
annéeyear
moismonth
jourday
janvierJanuary
fevrierFebruary
marsMarch
avrilApril
maiMay
juinJune
juilletJuly
aoûtAugust
septembreSeptember
octobreOctober
novembreNovember
décembreDecember

These in-depth strategies for finding your French or French-Canadian ancestors are sure to enhance your investigating.

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