* Latin: The foundation of French is Vulgar Latin, the language spoken by the common people in the Roman Empire, as opposed to the more formal "Classical Latin" used in literature and official documents.
* Gaulish: The native Celtic language of the region where French developed was also a factor in shaping the language.
* Frankish: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Franks conquered the region and their language influenced vocabulary and grammar.
* Germanic languages: Other Germanic languages like Old Norse and Old English contributed to the vocabulary.
* Other influences: Over the centuries, French was influenced by Arabic, Spanish, and many other languages.
It's more accurate to say that French evolved rather than being created by a single person. It's a fascinating tapestry of influences and changes over time, making it a rich and diverse language.