Last Name Lemaire

The surname Lemaire is of French origin. It derives from a personal name composed of the Old French elements "le" meaning "the" and "maur" meaning "Moor." In Medieval times, the term "Maur" was used to refer to North African people, particularly Muslims, due to their dark complexions. Over time, the surname Lemaire became a hereditary name for those who had Moorish ancestors or were associated with them in some way.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lemaire

The meaning and origin of the last name Lemaire

The surname Lemaire is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "lemaire," which means "master mason" or "architect." It is an occupational name, indicative of a person who was a master builder or stonemason. Over time, it has been anglicized as Lemare and L'Amour, among other variations. The name became popular in France during the Middle Ages, particularly among artisans and craftsmen, and spread to other parts of Europe through migration and conquest. Today, Lemaire is a common surname found primarily in French-speaking regions but also throughout the English-speaking world, where it has been adopted by individuals with French heritage or connections.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lemaire

The surname Lemaire is predominantly found in France, primarily in regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Brittany, which are historically associated with the Norman conquest. It is also present in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, particularly Quebec, due to historical migrations. Outside of France, Lemaire can be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, where it is primarily concentrated in areas with high French-Canadian populations, like Louisiana and parts of New England. Additionally, there are small communities bearing the name Lemaire in various European countries due to historical events like the French Revolution and World Wars.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lemaire

The surname Lemaire has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these variations include LeMaistre, La Mare, De La Mare, Le Maistre, Delemaire, Demair, Delamere, L'Ecuyer, Lemestre, and Lemaistre-Rochon. These variations can be found across various countries, particularly in France, the United States, and Canada, indicating that the surname has a rich history and diverse distribution. Despite these differences, all these variants share a common etymological root, originating from the Old French "la mer," meaning "the sea."

Famous people with the last name Lemaire

Pierre Lemaitre (born 1951), a French author, is one of the most renowned individuals bearing the surname Lemaire. Known for his crime fiction novels, he won the Prix Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary prize, for his novel "Alex" in 2013. Another notable figure is Jean-Pierre Hétier de La Ville-aux-Clercs, Marquis de Lemaire (1863–1935), a Belgian astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and was the first president of the International Astronomical Union. Lastly, Jean Lemaire de Belges (1473–1524), a Flemish poet and humanist, is recognized for his work "L'Espage d'Or," which played an influential role in the Renaissance.

Genealogical research on the last name Lemaire

The Lemaire surname is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "lemarié," meaning a dweller by the mill. The name was originally a nickname for someone who lived near a mill or worked as a miller.

The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century in France, with Guillaume Lemaire appearing in records from Normandy. Over time, the surname spread throughout France and other European countries due to migration.

In terms of notable individuals bearing the Lemaire surname, there are several. Notably, Jacques Lemaire (1510-1584) was a French humanist, poet, and scholar, while Marie-Claire Alain (1926-2013) was a renowned French organist and composer. In the modern era, Jean Lemire is a Canadian ice hockey coach who coached the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League.

The Lemaire surname has also been found among the settlers of the New World, with early records showing families bearing the name in Quebec, Canada, as well as Louisiana, United States, due to French colonization efforts. Today, the Lemaire surname is most common in France and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lemaire"
• 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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