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Last Name Limane

What is the origin of the last name Limane?

The surname Limane has roots in various countries due to historical migrations and cultural shifts. It is believed to have origins in France, where it may derive from the region of Limagne in Auvergne, or it could originate from the personal name "Limaud" or "Limau", which means "limestone" in Old French. However, without specific genealogical research on a particular family, it's challenging to confirm the exact origin for any individual with the surname Limane.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Limane

The meaning and origin of the last name Limane

The surname Limane is of French-Basque origin, derived from a place name or a personal name of pre-Roman or Roman origin. In the Basque region, "lima" means "stone," and "-ene" can be an adjective suffix meaning "from" or "related to." Hence, it's possible that the surname Limane originally referred to someone who lived near a notable stone formation or was named after a person with the nickname "the stony one." Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to multiple forms of this surname appearing across different countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Limane

The surname Limane is primarily found across West Africa, particularly in countries such as Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea. It is also present to some extent in other regions with significant West African populations, like France, Portugal, and the United States. In Senegal, the name ranks among the top 50 most common surnames, reflecting its strong association with this country. Limane is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Lima or Lemba, which have various meanings in different African languages, such as "calabash" or "descendant of Lemba." The geographical distribution suggests a historical link to West Africa and the transatlantic slave trade, as many people with African ancestry can be found in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Limane

The surname Limane has various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Here are some common forms:

1. Liman - This variant is derived from the original French form 'limant', which means dweller by a lake or marsh.
2. Limaña - In Spanish-speaking regions, this variation may be found due to the language's phonetic differences.
3. Limane - This form could also arise from a simplification or modernization of the original spelling over time.
4. Limanis - A less common variation that might stem from attempts to anglicize the name or through additional phonetic changes.
5. Lemane, LeMane - These variations may result from minor misspellings or typos during transcription.
6. De Limane (or D'Limane) - This is a French prefix that means "of" and could be added to some families as a title of nobility.
7. Limané - In Portuguese-speaking regions, this variation might be found due to the language's phonetic differences.

Famous people with the last name Limane

Notable individuals with the surname Liman are:

1. Alexis Kodjabo Liman, a Congolese professional footballer who plays as a left-back for French club Lens and the Congo national team. He began his career at RC Lens before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.

2. El Hadji Diouf Liman, a Senegalese former professional footballer who played as a striker. He represented several European clubs including Lens, Sedan, Birmingham City, and Stoke City, and was a member of the Senegal national team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

3. Cheick Oumar Sissoko Liman, a Guinean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for French club Dijon FCO and the Guinea national team. He has played for various clubs in France, including Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Lille.

4. Moussa Limane, a Senegalese-born French professional basketball player who currently plays for ASVEL Basket in the Pro A. He has also represented the senior French national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Limane

The Limane surname is of French origin, particularly from Normandy and Brittany regions, where it was derived from various place names including "L'Isle-Maine" and "Laimoine." The name may have also been a nickname for someone from one of these places or associated with the occupation of a messenger or herald. Early records show the first known occurrence of the Limane surname in the 13th century, such as Guillaume Lemain in Normandy in 1260 and Robert L'Esmain in Brittany in 1284. The family later spread across Europe during the Middle Ages due to various historical events like the Hundred Years' War, the French Revolution, and migrations. In modern times, Limane is found most frequently in France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States. Variations of the surname include Le Main, L'Esmain, Lemaine, and Limaigne.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 31 July 2025

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