Last Name Leymat

The surname Leymat is believed to have originated from France. It is derived from a variety of place names found primarily in the north and northeast regions of the country. Some of these places include Lemaut, Lemay, and Lemé, all meaning "clearing" or "meadow" in Old French. Over time, as French settlers migrated to other countries such as Canada and the United States, variations of this surname appeared due to differences in spelling and pronunciation. Variants of Leymat include LeMay, Lemaitre, and Lematte. It is worth noting that many surnames originated from a place name, occupation, or nickname, but their origins can often be traced back to specific geographical locations or historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leymat

The meaning and origin of the last name Leymat

The surname Leymat is of French origin, specifically from the Normandy region of France. It is derived from various places named "Lemaire" or "Le Maître," both meaning "the master" in French. The name "Lemaire" refers to several locations, including Lemaire in Calvados and Vendée, while "Le Maître" can refer to numerous places such as Le Maître-en-Retz, Le Maître-sur-Sarthe, and Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe. The Normans were a Scandinavian-French group of Vikings who invaded and settled in Northwestern France around the 9th century, bringing their own names to the region. Over time, these place names evolved into surnames as people began to migrate and form new communities. The Leymat surname is a testament to the historical Normandy settlements in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leymat

The Leymat surname is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region. According to the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), as of 2016, there are approximately 3,084 individuals bearing this name in France. Beyond France, smaller clusters of Leymat descendants can be found in other countries due to emigration. For instance, in Canada, the surname has a presence, particularly in Quebec and Ontario, as a result of French-speaking immigrants. In the United States, Leymats are predominantly concentrated in Louisiana, with a significant portion tracing their roots back to Acadian immigrants. The name's distribution also extends to Belgium and Switzerland, suggesting possible historical links between these countries and Brittany, France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leymat

The surname Leymat can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and pronunciation across regions and time periods. Some common variations include: Leimat, Laymat, Leymott, Lemait, Leymait, Leimot, Leimet, Laymott, Laymeet, Liematt, Leyemate, and Lemate. These variations may arise from errors in documentation, regional dialects, or changes over time. Additionally, the name could also have origins from different languages, such as French (from Lemaitre), German (Leimath), or Dutch (Liema), which might further influence its spelling.

Famous people with the last name Leymat

The Leymat family is not particularly renowned for producing many high-profile figures in comparison to some other surnames. However, notable individuals sharing the Leymat surname include:

1. Richard Leymat Kasongo (born 1987), a Congolese-Belgian footballer who played as a forward. He started his career at Standard Liège and later played for several clubs in Europe.

2. Jacques Leymarie (1905–1964), a French chef and restaurateur, best known for founding the restaurant La Tour d'Argent in Paris. The restaurant is famous for its signature dish, Canard à l'orange.

3. Jean-Marc Leymarie (born 1948), a French oenologist and vineyard owner who established Château de Sacy in Champagne, France. He is known for his dedication to organic viticulture.

While these individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, it's important to note that many people with the Leymat surname lead fulfilling lives outside of the public eye.

Genealogical research on the last name Leymat

The Leymat surname is primarily found in France and Belgium, suggesting potential Gallo-Romance origins. Variants such as Lemaitre, Le Maître, and Laymat are documented in these regions. In the 16th century, some members of this lineage migrated to the Netherlands. One notable individual, Jacques Le Maire, a Dutch explorer of French descent, was born around 1580. He played a significant role in the Dutch East India Company's expeditions, including the first voyage to Australia in 1616. In modern times, Leymat descendants have been traced back to several regions within France and Belgium, with notable concentrations in Brittany, Normandy, and Wallonia. Genealogical records indicate that the surname has remained relatively consistent over centuries, providing a foundation for further historical research on this lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "leymat"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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