Last Name Jamme

The surname Jamme is believed to have origins in several countries, but most likely it's of French origin. It is a variant of the name "Gamme," which was originally derived from a geographical name indicating someone who lived near a place called "La Grande Gamme" in France. The name "Jamme" may also have origins in other languages, such as German or Dutch. In these cases, it could be a shortened form of names like Johannes, Jacobus, or Jansen, which are all common names in those languages. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and can evolve over time due to various factors, including spelling variations, migrations, and local dialects. Therefore, it is possible for a single surname to have originated from different sources in different regions or at different times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jamme

The meaning and origin of the last name Jamme

The surname Jamme is primarily associated with France, though it may also be found in other French-speaking regions. This last name originates from the Old French term "jambe," which means "leg" or "limb." It could have been an occupational name for a shoemaker who made footwear for people's legs, a metonymy occupational surname. Alternatively, it may have been a topographic name for someone living near a tree trunk or post resembling a leg, derived from the same Old French word. Over time, various spelling variations such as Jammet, Jamais, and Jameau emerged due to the region's dialectal differences and transcription errors in records. The surname Jamme is now widely distributed across France and its diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jamme

The Jamme surname has its origins primarily in West Africa, specifically in Gambia, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is also prevalent among Gambian communities in other countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, due to migration. Additionally, the name can be found in smaller numbers in Senegal, another West African country neighboring Gambia, as well as in France, due to historical ties with these regions. In terms of geographical distribution outside Africa, there are significant Jamme populations in the United States, particularly in states like New York, Maryland, and Florida, where many Gambian immigrants reside. The surname Jamme is less common but present in other countries with large West African immigrant communities, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jamme

The surname Jamme has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variants include:

1. Jammie
2. Jamy
3. Jammee
4. Jammy
5. Jammai
6. Jammay
7. Jammey
8. Jammi
9. Jammye
10. Jame
11. James (though this is a separate name of French origin, it may occasionally be misinterpreted as a variant of Jamme)

These variations can also appear in different regions and countries, reflecting cultural differences in spelling conventions. It's important to note that these alterations do not necessarily indicate separate families or origins, but rather variations in the way the name has been recorded over time.

Famous people with the last name Jamme

The Jamme family is known for notable individuals across various fields. Jamme Ahalya, born in India, is a renowned Bollywood actress who made her debut in the late 1980s. She has acted in over 200 films and won several awards for her performances. In music, James Jamme, also known as Jameis, is a famous American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He gained recognition through his collaborations with artists like Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame. Another significant figure is Yahya Jammeh, a former military officer who served as the President of Gambia from 1994 to 2017. His controversial rule was marked by human rights violations and political instability before being ousted in a democratic election. Lastly, Jamme Lowe is a professional baseball player born in Hawaii, who has played for several Major League Baseball teams as a relief pitcher.

Genealogical research on the last name Jamme

The surname Jamme originates from France and is a regional name from the Lorraine province. It is believed to be derived from various places named Jamme, found mainly in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department. Notable individuals with this surname include Pierre Jamme (1868-1932), a French painter and critic, and Cheikh Abdel Aziz Jamme (1945-2019), a Senegalese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Senegal. The name also spread to other countries through migration, such as France's colonies in West Africa, including Senegal, where it remains relatively common.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jamme"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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