Last Name Lamour

The surname Lamour has French origins and is derived from the Old French "l'amour" which translates to "the love" in English. It may have been used as a nickname for someone who was very loving or affectionate, or it could have been given as a symbolic name to a child born out of wedlock, suggesting that their parentage was unknown but that they were loved.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lamour

The meaning and origin of the last name Lamour

The surname Lamour is of French origin and is derived from the Old French term "l'amour," which means 'love.' This surname was often given to children born out of wedlock, suggesting that their parents had feelings of love for one another but were unable to marry. Over time, the spelling has evolved from its original form, with variations such as LaMour and Lamore appearing. The name can also be found in other European countries where French settlers emigrated, such as Canada and Louisiana in the United States. Today, it is a relatively uncommon surname but carries the historical connotation of affection and romance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lamour

The surname Lamour is most prevalent in French-speaking regions, primarily in France and its overseas territories such as Quebec (Canada) and Haiti. It also has notable presence in Belgium, Switzerland, and other French-speaking areas of Europe, reflecting the name's origin from the Old French word "l'amour," meaning love. The name is less common but still found in some English-speaking countries with significant historical ties to France, such as the United States, particularly in Louisiana due to its French colonial past. In addition, it has been transported through migration and dispersal among the French diaspora, with smaller concentrations appearing in various parts of the world like Africa, South America, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lamour

The surname Lamour can be spelled in various ways due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation. Some common variations of this name include: de Lamour, Delamour, LaMour, De La Mour, De LaMoore, de la Moor, La Moor, and Delamoore. It is of French origin, meaning "love" or "fame." The spelling can change based on personal preference, historical context, or geographical location. However, it ultimately refers to the same ancestral lineage.

Famous people with the last name Lamour

Yves Lambert-Lamour (1874-1937) was a Swiss architect who designed notable buildings in Geneva, Switzerland, including the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Parc des Bastions. In France, Jeanne Moreau (1928-2017), an actress of film, theater, and television, is renowned for her work in French New Wave cinema. She won a BAFTA Award and was nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Actress. On the musical front, American guitarist, singer, and songwriter Rick James (James Ambrose Johnson Jr., 1948-2004) popularized the funk sound with hits such as "Super Freak" and "Mary Jane." Lastly, Isaiah Washington (b. 1963), an American actor, is best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and the film The Chronicles of Riddick. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for his work on Grey's Anatomy.

Genealogical research on the last name Lamour

The surname Lamour originates from France and is a variation of the original French "l'amour," which means "the love." It first appeared in records during the Middle Ages, particularly in Normandy and Picardy regions, where it was common among nobility and high-ranking officials. Over time, individuals bearing this name immigrated to other European countries and later colonies such as North America. In England, the Lamour family can be traced back to the 13th century, while in the United States, the first known bearer of the name, Jacques Lamour, arrived in Massachusetts in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. The Lamours also played significant roles in the colonization of Canada, with Jean-Baptiste Lamour being one of the founders of Quebec City in 1608. Today, the Lamour surname can be found across various countries, with notable branches in France, Canada, England, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lamour"
• 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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