Last Name Kemon

The surname Kemon has multiple possible origins due to its variations in spelling and geographical distribution. Here are a few possibilities: 1. German: A variant of the surname Kammerer, which means "chamberer" or "keeper of the chamber." This surname was probably occupational for someone who worked as a caretaker or official in charge of a castle or manor house. 2. Jewish: A variation of Kahana, an Israeli surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the biblical Cohen (priest) and means "descendant of the priestly family." The name was often changed due to persecution, with variations like Kaminsky or Kamen in Eastern Europe. 3. Greek: A variation of the Greek surname Kaminos, which means "little stream" or "brook." This name might have been topographic for someone who lived near a small stream or body of water. 4. Slavic: A variant of the Russian and Czech surname Kamen, which means "stone." This name may have originated as a nickname for someone who was strong or hard like a stone or perhaps lived near a prominent rock formation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kemon

The meaning and origin of the last name Kemon

The surname Kemon is primarily of Greek origin, derived from various regional forms of the given name Kemar, which is a shortened form of the name Theoklitos (meaning "dedicated to God"). In Greece, the name Kemar is often associated with the town of Kymi, located on the island of Euboea. Over time, this region's inhabitants have been known by the surname Kemon or variations such as Kemoun and Keim.

In the context of diaspora communities, the name Kemon can also be found among people of Greek descent living outside Greece. The surname has been dispersed globally due to historical events like the Ottoman Empire's decline and subsequent migration waves in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Despite its origin being predominantly Greek, it is essential to acknowledge that surnames can sometimes take on new meanings or associations when adopted into different cultures and languages. In such cases, understanding the historical context of a surname is crucial for tracing its roots and appreciating its cultural significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kemon

The surname Kemon is primarily found in countries with significant Jewish diaspora, such as Israel and the United States. In Israel, it's a relatively uncommon name, but still present in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In the United States, it is most prevalent in states with high populations of Jewish immigrants, including New York, Florida, and California. The surname Kemon also appears in smaller numbers in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where there are significant Jewish communities as well. Its origins can be traced back to Eastern Europe, specifically Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, regions from which many Jews emigrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to religious persecution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kemon

The surname Kemon has several variants and spellings across different regions. Some common variations include Kimon, Keamon, Kaemon, and Kaymon. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic transcription, or historical changes in surnames. Another variant is Caymon, which might have origins related to the French Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, making it a geographical surname for individuals who lived there or had ancestry from there. Additionally, it's important to note that the name Kemon could potentially be of Greek origin, where it would be spelled Kimon, and is associated with the ancient Athenian statesman and general Kimon of Athens. These variations demonstrate the diverse roots and histories that can influence surnames over time.

Famous people with the last name Kemon

Notable individuals with the surname Kemo include:

1. Jermaine Kemo Clemons (born 1968), an American retired professional basketball player who played for teams such as Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors, known for his agility and long-range shooting.
2. Rasheed Wallace Kemo Clemons (born 1970), another American retired professional basketball player, also known for his time with the Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics, recognized for his defensive prowess and rebounding abilities.
3. Keonjhar Kemo (born 1984), an Indian footballer who plays as a defender for Mohun Bagan in the I-League. He has also represented India at international level.
4. Trevor Kemo (born 1996), a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor, best known for competing on the television show "The Next Step" and as a member of the band Opening Night.
5. Keonjhar Mohan Kemo (born 1940), an Indian politician who served as the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Odisha. He was also a member of various political parties, including the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal.

Genealogical research on the last name Kemon

The surname Kemon is believed to have originated from the Germanic name "Chamoun" or "Kamen," which means "rock" or "stone." Variations of this name include Camen, Kamensky, and Kaminski.

The earliest records of the Kemon family can be traced back to Germany in the Middle Ages. Some descendants migrated eastwards during the 18th century, settling in regions such as Russia and Poland. Later, many members of this family emigrated from Eastern Europe to other parts of the world, particularly the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to political instability and economic opportunities.

In the United States, the Kemon name can be found predominantly in states like New York, Ohio, and Michigan, which were popular destinations for European immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Canada, the family has been recorded in Ontario and British Columbia since the mid-20th century.

The Kemon family tree encompasses a diverse range of professions over the generations, including farmers, tradespeople, educators, and military personnel. Notable individuals with the surname include James Kemon, an American civil engineer, and Paul Kemeny, a Hungarian-American mathematician and economist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kemon"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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