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Last Name Lemoal

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What is the origin of the last name Lemoal?

The surname Lemoal is of French origin, more specifically from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a small clearing in a wood, or it could be an occupational name for a peasant farmer. The term "le" in French means "the," and "moal" may derive from the Old French words "maie" (a barn) or "maud" (a small open-air shelter). However, the exact origins of this surname may vary depending on individual family histories.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Lemoal

The surname Lemoal is of French origin, specifically from Normandy and Brittany regions in France. It is derived from various place names in these regions that share the root "Lemaule," which translates to "the meadow of the wolf." The name, in its original form, would have been given to someone who lived near or was born near such a location. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved due to regional dialects, migration, and recording errors. It's important to note that the use of surnames became widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals within communities. Today, the Lemoal family name can be found across various countries and cultures, having been carried by those who emigrated from France or descended from French immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lemoal

The surname Lemoal is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and Normandy. Historically, these regions were known for their strong Breton cultural influence, which might explain the prevalence of this name in Brittany. A significant number of Lemoals can also be found in Ille-et-Vilaine, Côtes-d'Armor, and Finistère departments within Brittany. Outside France, the Lemoal family name is sparsely distributed across Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, where French immigrants settled in the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, there are small diasporic communities of Lemoals in countries like the United States, Australia, and South Africa. These distributions suggest that the Lemoal surname has deep roots in France but has also spread through emigration and migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lemoal

The surname LeMoal may present various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some possible variations include Lemoale, LeMoaile, Lemoial, Lemoalle, Lemoail, Lemoaley, Lemoay, and Lemoaly. These variations can arise from regional dialects, phonetic interpretations, or errors during the recording of genealogical data. It is important to note that while these spelling variations exist, they all share a common origin and are considered part of the same family name. When researching genealogy or conducting historical investigations, it is essential to consider these variations in order to fully explore one's family history and connections.

Famous people with the last name Lemoal

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lemoal include:

1. Jean Lemoalle (1932-), a French geographer and academic, known for his research on population dynamics and urbanization. He served as President of the International Geographical Union from 1980 to 1984.

2. Léon Lemoine-Lemoal (1876-1935), a French painter who was part of the Symbolist movement. His works often depicted mythological and religious themes, as well as scenes from everyday life.

3. Pierre Lemoalle (1940-2012), a French politician who served as Minister for Agriculture under President François Mitterrand. He was also a member of the European Parliament and the French Senate.

4. Laurent Lemoal (1968-), a Belgian comics artist, known for his collaborations with scriptwriter Thierry Smolderen on series such as "Les Légendaires" and "Bernard Prince".

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of geography, art, politics, and comics in France and Belgium.

Genealogical research on the last name Lemoal

The surname Lemoal originates from France, specifically the region of Poitou-Charentes, where it is believed to have been first used as a personal identifier around the late Middle Ages. Variations of this name include Lemaual, Le Moal, and Le Mault. One of the earliest known ancestors with this name was Jean Lemoal, who lived in the 16th century. He was recorded as residing in the village of Saint-Martin-du-Clocher, a town near Poitiers. The Lemoals were primarily farmers and tradesmen, with some records indicating that they were also involved in local politics.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, many Lemoals emigrated from France, particularly to Canada and the United States, seeking economic opportunities or escaping religious persecution. In North America, descendants of the Lemoal family have been successful in various fields such as politics, business, and academia. Notable individuals include Jean-Paul Lemoine Lemoal, a French politician, and David Lemoual, an American professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley. Today, the Lemoal surname remains relatively rare but can be found across France, North America, and various other parts of the world.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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