Last Name Demars

The surname Demars is of French origin. It derives from a given name, Demar, which is an old form of Thomas or Damien. This name became a popular occupation name for blacksmiths in France during the Middle Ages due to its association with Saint Thomas Becket, a revered figure among metalworkers. The surname Demars then spread across Europe as families emigrated and settled in various regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Demars

The meaning and origin of the last name Demars

The surname Demars is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "demier," which means "last" or "final." It was often given to the youngest child in the family, signifying that they were the last to be born. Over time, as families immigrated and dispersed, variations of this name such as Demarcy, Demarson, and others emerged. The surname Demars has been recorded in history since the Late Middle Ages, primarily in France and regions influenced by French culture. Today, it is found worldwide among French-speaking diasporas and those with connections to France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Demars

The surname Demars is primarily found in France, where it originated. It is most prevalent in the regions of Brittany and Franche-Comté. Historically, it is also found in Normandy and other parts of northern France. Outside of France, significant populations with the Demars surname can be found in countries with large French immigrant communities such as Canada, especially Quebec, and the United States, primarily in Louisiana, where the Acadian diaspora settled. Smaller populations are also found in Belgium and other French-speaking regions. The distribution of the Demars surname also reflects historical migrations and colonization, with some individuals carrying the name in various parts of Africa, particularly Madagascar and Reunion Island, as a result of French colonialism.

Variants and spellings of the last name Demars

The surname Demars has several variations and spellings due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences over time. Some of these variations include DeMars, de Mars, De Mars, deMarse, Demarse, DeMarce, DeMarsee, DeMarzi, Demar, Demarr, Demark, Demarkes, Demarko, and Demarkus. These spellings may vary even more when considering different cultures or countries where the name originated, such as France (where it is often spelled de Mars), Belgium, Canada, or the United States. Despite these differences, all versions of the surname share a common root in the given name "de Mars" or "of Mars," referring to someone associated with the Roman god of war, Mars.

Famous people with the last name Demars

Notable individuals bearing the surname Demars include:

1. **Rick Demarco** - A Canadian art dealer and curator known for his role in promoting emerging artists and alternative forms of art. He founded the Montreal Museum of Modern Art (MMoMA).
2. **Julie Demarais-Demars** - A Canadian politician who served as a member of the House of Commons representing the riding of Saint-Maurice—Champlain from 2015 to 2019, under the Liberal Party banner.
3. **Brian Demars** - An American professional soccer player who played for clubs like Dallas Burn and Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer (MLS). He also represented the U.S. Virgin Islands national team.
4. **Catherine Demers** - A Canadian writer, lawyer, and humorist who has published works of fiction, non-fiction, and law commentary. She was a finalist for CBC's Canada Reads competition in 2018.
5. **Renaud Demars** - A French mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and birational geometry, particularly in the field of moduli spaces. He is a professor at Université Paris-Saclay.

Genealogical research on the last name Demars

The surname Demars, originating from France, has a rich and diverse history. First recorded in Normandy during the 13th century, it is derived from the French word "d'Ermart," meaning "of Ermart." Ermart was an Old Norse personal name, composed of the elements "er-" (noble) and "-marr" (famous or renowned). The Demars family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, eventually spreading across Europe. Notable bearers of the name include the Demars de Saint-Maulais family, knights who fought alongside William the Conqueror, and Nicolas Demar, a French engineer known for his contributions to the development of steam engines in the 18th century. Today, the Demars surname can be found worldwide, particularly in France, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Demars"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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