The majority of Franco-American families did not arrive directly from France, but rather settled French territories in the New World (primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries) before moving or being forced to move to the United States later on (see Quebec diaspora and Great Upheaval).
Also, the largest French territory in North America was sold to the U.S., absorbing their French citizens (see Louisiana Purchase).
Being isolated, mixed with different cultures, or ignored, the French-Americans developed particular cultures that reflect varying degrees of adaptation of their environments.
This gave birth to streams of French-Americans like the Acadians, the Cajuns (an Anglicization of the autonym Cadien, from the French word for Acadian, Acadien), Louisiana Créoles and many others.
To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article showing they are French American or must have references showing they are French American and are notable.