Last Name Hemery

The surname Hemery is of French origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "the high homestead" in Old French. The specific region where this name originated is uncertain, as numerous places in France have this name. As with many surnames, it was originally a geographical or topographical name, denoting someone who lived near such a place or, alternatively, an occupational name for a peasant farmer living on high ground.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hemery

The meaning and origin of the last name Hemery

The surname Hemery is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from the Old French "hémerie," which means "farmstead" or "homestead." Over time, this geographical term evolved into a hereditary name in various parts of France. The Hemerys were landowners who lived and worked on their farmsteads, passing down the family name to subsequent generations. In English, the name is often spelled as Hemery, but it may also appear as variations like Héméré or Hemaire. The name Hemery is relatively rare outside of France, but it remains a proud part of French heritage and identity for those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hemery

The surname Hemery is primarily found in France, particularly in the Brittany region. A significant number of people with this surname are also present in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes-d'Armor. Additionally, there are smaller clusters of Hemerys in other parts of France such as Paris, Normandy, and the Rhône-Alpes region. Outside of France, the surname Hemery can be found sparsely in Quebec, Canada, due to historical French immigration. In Europe, it has also been identified in small numbers in Belgium and Switzerland. The distribution of this surname outside of these regions is minimal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hemery

The surname Hemery has several variants and spellings, reflecting its origins and potential alterations over time. Some common variations include: Hemmery, Hemmory, Heemery, Hemyer, Hemerye, Hemmerye, and Hemery. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages. The original spelling of this name is believed to be French, and it's likely that the variations emerged as families with this surname migrated and settled in other countries, adapting their names according to local customs and pronunciation rules. Despite these variations, all of these forms are derived from the same root and share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Hemery

The Hemery family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. Most renowned is Jean-Paul Hermary (1942-), a French sociologist and political scientist who made significant contributions to the study of urbanization, social movements, and global governance. He has authored numerous books and articles, and his works are widely recognized in academic circles.

Another well-known Hemery is Fabien Hermary (1984-), a French triathlete and multiple Ironman champion. He won the Ironman World Championship twice (2017, 2018) and set numerous records in the sport. His athletic achievements have inspired many around the world.

Lastly, mention should be made of Jacques Hermary (1926-), a French ethnomusicologist and musicologist, known for his work on traditional music from the Middle East and North Africa. He was a professor at the University of Paris-Sorbonne and published several influential works on music and culture.

These Hemerys have each made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving lasting legacies that continue to inspire others.

Genealogical research on the last name Hemery

The Hemery surname originates from France, specifically the region of Brittany. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "hier", meaning "today" or "yesterday", and was likely used by someone who worked as a messenger or herald, delivering news from one day to the next. The first recorded spelling of the name appeared in the 13th century as Haimeri, in the cartularies of the Abbaye de Beauport, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany. Throughout the centuries, the Hemery family spread across France and later migrated to other countries, with significant populations found in Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals with the Hemery surname include Jean Hemery, a French composer and organist, and Charles-Edouard Hemery, a French engineer known for his work on the Panama Canal. The genealogy of the Hemery family is rich and varied, reflecting their long history and wide geographical dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hemery"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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