Last Name Lamar

The surname Lamar has origins that can be traced back to several different cultures and regions. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in France, derived from a place name meaning "lake" or "marshy area." It was also adopted by African Americans as a surname during and after the American Civil War, with many former slaves being given the name Lamar (or variations such as Lemar, LaMar, etc.) by their former owners. The name may have been bestowed to honor notable French military figures who fought for the Confederacy during the war. Additionally, there are also instances of the name originating in Spain and Portugal, where it has similar meanings related to water or lakes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lamar

The meaning and origin of the last name Lamar

The surname Lamar is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "la mer," which means "the sea." Originally, it was used as a given name, reflecting the geographical location of the individual's home near a body of water. Over time, it evolved into a surname, indicating that the original bearer or their ancestors lived near the sea. The name became popular in France during the Middle Ages and subsequently spread throughout Europe, particularly to England, Spain, Portugal, and the British colonies, including North America. Notable figures bearing this surname include Fannie Lou Hamer, an American civil rights activist; Samuel Lamar, a U.S. Congressman from South Carolina; and David Lamar, a French-American actor. The surname Lamar is also relatively common in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lamar

The surname Lamar is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States, where it originates from the French term "la mer," meaning "the sea." This suggests that early bearers of this surname may have lived near coastal regions or were involved in maritime activities. However, the distribution of the name has expanded significantly over time and is now found across various states, with high concentrations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida. Additionally, there are notable populations of Lamar family descendants in other parts of the United States, such as California, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. In Canada, there are also communities with the surname Lamar, primarily in Ontario and Quebec. While less common, the name can also be found in countries that have historical ties to France, such as Haiti and France itself. The wide geographical spread of the Lamar surname reflects its long history and the migration patterns of its bearers over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lamar

The surname Lamar has several variations and spellings, reflecting its historical origins and regional adaptations. Some of these include Lamarr, LaMar, L'Amour, de Lamare, Le Maure, and Lemar. These differences in spelling primarily stem from the Norman French influence in England, where the name was initially brought during the Conquest in 1066. Over time, as families migrated to other countries, particularly to the American colonies, variations of the name evolved due to phonetic changes and local dialects. For example, Lamarr may have originated from an attempt to approximate the pronunciation of the original French spelling "de La Mare" in English. Similarly, Le Maure might be a variant used by families who originated from the Mediterranean island of Mauritius, while L'Amour could be a French-Canadian or Quebecois adaptation. Despite these differences, all these versions share a common etymological root and can trace their ancestry back to the Norman family de La Mare.

Famous people with the last name Lamar

The Lamar surname has been associated with prominent figures in various fields. One such individual is Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, professionally known as Kendrick Lamar, an American rapper and songwriter who gained international recognition for his critically acclaimed albums "good kid, m.A.A.d city," "To Pimp a Butterfly," and "DAMN." In 2018, he won a Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album "DAMN," making him the first rapper to receive this prestigious honor. Another well-known individual with the Lamar surname is James Dean Lamarque Adams, better known as Jimmie Dale "J. D." Lamarque Adams Jr., an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader who was a pioneer in swing music during the big band era of the 1930s and 1940s. He led one of the most popular and commercially successful big bands of that time, earning himself the nickname "The King of Swing."

Genealogical research on the last name Lamar

The surname Lamar originates from Old French "la maison du lord", meaning "the house of the sea loch". First recorded as Lamare and later simplified to Lamar, it is primarily associated with France, though it has been widely dispersed due to migration. In France, prominent Lamar families include those from Normandy and Poitou regions. The name made its way to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest in 1066, where it was often Anglicized as Lambert or Leamer.

In America, the Lamar family is significant historically. Davy Crockett's son, John Wesley Crockett, adopted the name Lamar after his wife's family. Another notable Lamar family includes Mirabeau B. Lamar, president of the Republic of Texas and a key figure in its early development. The name is also prominent in Louisiana, where the Lamar Plantation once stood.

In genealogical research, it is important to note variations such as de Lamare, LeMaire, or Lemar that may arise due to differences in recording and transliteration over time. Researching the Lamar lineage requires careful examination of records from France, Britain, and America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lamar"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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