Last Name Laramee

The surname Laramee is of French Canadian origin. It is derived from the given name Laramée, a variant of the more common Laurier. The name Laurier comes from the Latin word "laureola," meaning laurel, and was originally a nickname for someone with olive-toned or yellow hair, as the leaves of the laurel tree were traditionally used to symbolize victory and honor in Roman culture. The surname Laramee, like many French Canadian names, was likely first adopted by an individual who was known by that given name. Over time, this name was passed down from generation to generation, becoming a hereditary surname. The spelling variations of the name reflect changes in pronunciation and orthography over the centuries. Common variants of Laramee include Laramie, LaRamee, and Larumee.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laramee

The meaning and origin of the last name Laramee

The surname Laramee is of French-Canadian origin, derived from the given name La Ramée, a diminutive form of the personal name Raoul or Roland. The name La Ramée translates to "the little ram" in French, potentially symbolizing strength and stubbornness, qualities attributed to the mythical creature, the ram. Over time, the spelling evolved from La Ramée to Laramee as surnames became standardized and adapted to English phonetics. The name Laramee first appeared in Quebec during the 17th century and remains a common surname among French-Canadian families today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laramee

The surname Laramee is predominantly found in French-speaking regions due to its French Canadian origins. Historically, it is most concentrated in Quebec, Canada, where it ranks among the top 400 most common surnames. Outside of Canada, it is also found in significant numbers in the United States, particularly in states with large populations of French Canadians such as Louisiana and Maine. In the U.S., it is most frequently found in New England, the Midwest, and the Southeast. There are also scattered instances of Laramee in other parts of the world where French Canadians have emigrated, including France, Belgium, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laramee

The surname Laramee has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions include:

1. Laramey
2. LaRamee
3. LaRamie
4. Laramay
5. Laramie
6. Larame
7. Larameau
8. La Ramee
9. De Laramee
10. Des Laramees

These variations can be found in various regions, though the spelling "Laramee" is one of the more commonly used forms. It's essential to note that the specific variation may carry regional or family-specific significance but is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Laramee

Prominent individuals with the surname Laramee include:

1. Michael Laramee: A Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally for teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL). He also represented Canada at international events, including the 2002 Winter Olympics.

2. Cindy Laramee: A Canadian actress known for her roles in films like The Day After Tomorrow and television series such as Orphan Black.

3. Derek Larimee: An American screenwriter who has worked on shows like House of Cards, Madam Secretary, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

4. Daniel Laramee: A Canadian actor and filmmaker known for his work in independent films, including the short documentary Finding Dawn, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

5. Patricia Laramee: A Canadian journalist who has worked as a correspondent for CBC News in both Canada and Europe. She has also been a contributing editor for The Walrus magazine.

Genealogical research on the last name Laramee

The surname Laramee is of French-Canadian origin, derived from various localities named Laramée in Normandy and Brittany, France. The name was brought to North America by French colonists during the New France period (16th–18th centuries). One notable early settler was Jean Laramee, who immigrated to Quebec in 1634. The family expanded throughout Quebec and later moved westward due to the British Conquest in 1760. By the mid-19th century, Laramees could be found in numerous locations across Canada and later in the United States. Notable individuals with this surname include Albert Laramee, a Canadian businessman, and politician; and Shawn Laramee, an American professional ice hockey player. The Laramee lineage reflects the historical migration patterns of French-Canadian settlers and their subsequent dispersal across North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Laramee"
• 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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