NomOrigine Background

Last Name Mclemore

What is the origin of the last name Mclemore?

The surname "McLemore" is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Gabhra Mor, which translates to "son of the great smith." It's a variant of the more common Scottish surname, McLeod or MacLeod. This name was often given to children born to a family with many sons, as a way to differentiate them. In this case, 'Mor' (meaning 'big' or 'great') was added to distinguish from other smiths in the same clan. The McLemore family is traditionally associated with the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Mclemore

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mclemore

The meaning and origin of the last name Mclemore

The surname McLemore is a variant of the Scottish surname MacLormaig, which is derived from the Gaelic name Lormaig or Lorcán mac Mael-Morna, meaning "Lorcán son of Mael Murrough." The name's Anglicized form, McLemore, is less common than its original spelling. It originated in the Western Isles (Hebrides) and Argyllshire regions of Scotland, where it was borne by clans who claimed descent from a common ancestor named Lormaig. Over time, as Gaelic-speaking Scots migrated to other parts of Scotland, Ireland, and eventually North America, variations of the name emerged, including McLeary, McLaren, MacLure, and McLemore (McLemore being one such variant). In its various forms, the surname remains relatively uncommon today but continues to be associated with Scottish heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mclemore

The surname McLemore is predominantly found in regions with Scottish ancestry due to its Gaelic origin, primarily spelled MacLimore or MacLeamoir in Scotland. Historically, it was most common in the Western Isles and the Highland region, particularly in counties such as Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, and Argyllshire. Today, significant populations of McLemore descendants can be found outside Scotland, primarily in North America. The United States, specifically in states with a high Scottish immigrant population like Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri, has a considerable number of individuals bearing the name. Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia and Ontario, also hosts a sizable McLemore community. These geographical distributions reflect the historical migration patterns of Scots to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mclemore

The surname Mclemore has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include MacLeamore, McLeamore, MacLemore, McLemore, MacLearmor, McLearmor, MacLearmour, and McLearmour. These variations arise from differences in the original Gaelic spelling or phonetic spelling in English, as well as regional dialects within Scotland where the name originated. It is also possible to find less common variants such as MacLeamour, McLeamour, MacLearme, McLearme, and others due to historical or typographical changes over time. It is important to note that the spelling of a surname can vary based on factors like the transcription of names from Gaelic to English, migration patterns, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Mclemore

Notable individuals with the last name McLemore include:

1. Toni Braxton - An American singer-songwriter who has sold over 67 million records worldwide, and is best known for hits like "Unbreak My Heart" and "He Wasn't Man Enough."
2. Aja McLemore - An American fashion designer who was a finalist on Project Runway season 15. She is recognized for her avant-garde designs that celebrate diversity and body positivity.
3. Brian McLemore - A retired American professional basketball player, known for his exceptional shooting ability. He played in the NBA from 2006 to 2009 with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors.
4. Dionne McLemore - An American actress who has appeared in television shows such as "Girlfriends" and "The Game." She is also a recording artist, known for her single "Love On You."
5. Mary McLeod Bethune - A prominent African-American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, and civil rights leader during the early 20th century. As founder of the National Council of Negro Women, she was an influential advocate for education and women's rights.

Genealogical research on the last name Mclemore

The surname McLemore originates from Scotland, specifically the Highland region, and is of Gaelic origin. The name translates to "son of the chief" or "son of the leader." Variations of this name include MacLeod, MacLeam, and MacLewis. The Clan MacLeod, one of the oldest clans in Scotland, is associated with Lewis and Harris islands off the northwest coast of mainland Scotland. Historical records show that members of this clan immigrated to North America as early as the 17th century, settling primarily in Canada and the United States. Notable figures bearing the McLemore name include Sir Roderick MacLeod (1820-1895), a Scottish physician and philanthropist, and James A. McLemore (1864-1937), an American soldier who served during the Philippine–American War. Genealogical research on the McLemore name can be found in various online databases, historical records, and clan genealogies of Scotland.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Mclauchlan (Last name)

surnames > mclauchlan

The last name McLauchlan is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Lachlainn, which means "son of Lachlan." The name Lachlan itself is of Scottish and Irish ori...

Mclean tan (Last name)

surnames > mclean-tan

The last name "McLean" is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Gille Eathain," which means "son of the servant of St. John." It is believed to have originated in t...

Mclim (Last name)

surnames > mclim

The last name McLim is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the name MacLim, which means "son of Lim," with Lim being a personal name of uncertain origin. The prefix "Mac" in Sco...