What are those people called that seat you at fancy restaurants?

Question

I think it's some french name

Answer 1

Maitre d'

Answer 2

matrade   spelled horribly and with out the tilda i'm sure is in there somewhere

Answer 3

This person you speak of is called the maître d'.

It is a shortened version of maître d'hôtel, which translates literally to "master of the hall."

They have many responsibilities, depending on the establishment they work in.  In American restaurants, they are sometimes called captains or headwaiters.  

You were right in your assumption.  It is some French name.