Nice and Alpes-Maritimes: Martin tops list of most common surnames in 2026
New data from genealogy websites shows that Martin remains by far the most widespread surname in Nice, the Alpes-Maritimes and across France, alongside names reflecting strong Italian and Provençal roots.
In Nice and across the Alpes-Maritimes, the surname Martin remains the most common.
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Data from two genealogy websites confirm that this name continues to dominate the region.
In the department, according to Genanet, the top ten most frequent surnames are: Martin, Guiraud, Raybaud, Isnard, Roux, Hugues, Gastaud, Ardisson, Funel and Laugier.
Within Nice itself, the ranking varies slightly but still places Martin at the top.
Filae reports the city’s most common surnames as: Martin, Rossi, Roux, Dalmasso, Giordano, Faraut, Bailet, Viale, Blanc and Mari.
While Martin leads both in the city and the wider department, the other names reflect the area’s local history and Italian and Provençal influences in the coastal city.
Across France, Martin is also highly prevalent, followed by Bernard and Petit, demonstrating that this surname remains popular nationally while being particularly rooted in the South-East.