Last Name Lemos

The surname Lemos is of Portuguese origin. It derives from the Latin word "lemus," which means lemon. Over time, the spelling has evolved to its modern form in various parts of the world where people with this surname reside. Historically, the name was often given to someone who was associated with lemons or had a profession related to them, such as a merchant or grower of citrus fruits. In Portugal, it's a common last name, particularly in regions where lemon trees were cultivated extensively. The surname has since been adopted by individuals and families in other countries due to migration and cultural exchange over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lemos

The meaning and origin of the last name Lemos

The surname Lemos is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "lemos" or "lemosium," which means "lemon tree." This name was likely given to someone who lived near a lemon tree orchard in medieval Portugal. The spelling may have evolved over time due to regional dialects and scribal errors. Today, the surname Lemos is primarily found among Portuguese-speaking populations, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. It's also present in other regions where Portuguese settlers established communities, such as Africa, Goa (India), and the former Portuguese colonies of Macau and Timor-Leste. The name can be spelled with various diacritical marks and spellings in different countries, including Lemos, Lemos, Lemosz, L'Emos, etc., reflecting its wide dissemination among the Portuguese diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lemos

The last name Lemos is primarily distributed across Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil and Angola, due to historical migration patterns. A significant number of people with this surname can also be found in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, autonomous regions of Portugal. Additionally, it has a presence in other countries with Portuguese-speaking populations, such as Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde, as well as Goa, India, due to the Portuguese influence there. Beyond these areas, individuals with the surname Lemos can also be found in other parts of the world where Portuguese immigrants have settled, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The name Lemos is derived from the Latin word "lemus," meaning "lemon tree," reflecting its origins in regions where lemon trees were cultivated.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lemos

The surname Lemos has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and usage across different cultures. Some common variations include Lemos, de Lemos, Lemoz, Lemos, DeLemus, Delemos, Demos, and Di Lembo. These variations may arise from regional dialects, the use of different alphabets, or simple spelling errors in documentation. The name Lemos is primarily associated with Portugal and its diaspora, though it can also be found among families of Greek, Italian, or Jewish origin. In Portuguese-speaking countries, surnames often follow the pattern "de" plus a given name, such as de Lemos. However, this naming convention is not always followed strictly, leading to additional variations in the spelling of the name Lemos and its derivatives.

Famous people with the last name Lemos

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lemos include:

1. **Luis Felipe Eduardo de Souza Lemos** (born 1983), a Brazilian professional footballer who played for several European clubs, including Benfica and Porto, as well as the Brazil national team.

2. **Maria Isabel Lemos** (born 1948), a former member of the National Congress of Brazil, representing the state of Rio de Janeiro from 2003 to 2015.

3. **Johnny Leeze** (born 1961 as Carlos Lemos Gomes), a Brazilian musician and composer known for his hits "Festa" and "Cabocla".

4. **Ana Paula da Silva Lemos** (born 1985), a Brazilian model who won the Miss Earth title in 2006.

5. **Jorge Antonio Lemos** (born 1967), a Portuguese-American businessman and philanthropist, known for his work with The Lemos Group and the Jorge M. Lemos Foundation.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Brazil, Portugal, and the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Lemos

The surname Lemos originates from Portugal, where it is believed to have been first used by someone living in or near the town of Lemos, located in the northwestern region of Galicia. The name is derived from various places named Lemos throughout Portugal and Spain, which means "flat" or "leafless" in Latin. The Lemos family has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with notable members playing significant roles in Portuguese politics, military, and exploration. In the 15th and 16th centuries, many Lemos families migrated from Portugal to other parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Americas during the Age of Discovery, spreading the name globally. The Lemos family is part of the larger Leme or Lemos Clan, which has various branches throughout the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lemos"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends