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Last Name Quemener

What is the origin of the last name Quemener?

The surname "Quemener" is of Breton origin, from the region in northwestern France. In Breton, the term "Kerneveg" means "man from Kernev", where Kernev is the historical name for the region of Brittany (in French). Over time, the name has been phonetically anglicized to Quemener. It is a patronymic name, derived from the given name Kemen or Kenan, which were Breton forms of the Christian names Ascan or Canan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quemener

The meaning and origin of the last name Quemener

The surname Quemener originates from the French-speaking region of Brittany, specifically in the Côtes-d'Armor department of northwestern France. The name is derived from a place name, which is common in this area. The word "Quemener" means "wood where the wind comes from" in Breton, a Celtic language spoken historically in Brittany. It is likely that the earliest bearers of this surname lived near such a location and were identified by it. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different areas, the spelling of the name may have evolved slightly to accommodate local linguistic variations or scribal errors during record-keeping. Today, the Quemener family name can be found across France and in various diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quemener

The surname Quemener is predominantly found in the Brittany region of France, particularly in its western department, Finistère, which is known for its Celtic heritage. A significant number of individuals with this last name also reside in Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes-d'Armor, neighboring departments within Brittany. The name Quemener is a Breton toponymic surname, derived from various locations named Quéméné, which can be found throughout the Brittany region. Over time, some individuals with this last name may have migrated from Brittany to other parts of France and Europe, although it remains relatively rare outside of its traditional heartland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quemener

The surname Quemener has several variations and spellings. These include: Quemenho, Kemen, Keman, Quimener, Quimer, Quimeno, Kimeño, Kimeno, Quimén, Kimén, and possibly others due to regional dialects or transcription errors over time. The name is of Breton origin, common in the historic region of Brittany, France. Some families with this surname may also be found in neighboring countries such as Belgium and Canada, where Breton immigrants settled. It derives from the Breton words "kem" meaning stone or rock, and "en" indicating a place or location, thus translating roughly to "rocky place".

Famous people with the last name Quemener

The Quemener family has produced several notable figures across various fields, showcasing their diverse talents and accomplishments. In the realm of literature, Jean-Marie Quemener is a renowned French author who has been decorated with numerous awards for his works, including the Prix Goncourt. In science, Marie Quemener stands out as a molecular biologist, contributing significantly to the understanding of cell cycle regulation in yeast and earning recognition as an expert in her field. As for sports, Cédric Quemener is a professional footballer who has played for several French clubs and the French national team. Moreover, Yves Quémener, born in France but with connections to Brittany, is a prominent figure in Breton music and culture, known for his work as a singer-songwriter and musician. Together, these individuals represent the rich tapestry of achievements and contributions made by those bearing the last name Quemener.

Genealogical research on the last name Quemener

The surname Quemener is of Breton origin, most likely stemming from the region of Léon in Brittany, France. The earliest recorded occurrence of this name can be traced back to the 12th century in parish records. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Jean Quemener, who lived in the late 13th century. Throughout history, various branches of the Quemener family have been documented across Brittany. The family often held important positions within their communities, such as notaries and judges, reflecting a strong influence in local governance. Some members of the Quemener family migrated to the New World during the 16th and 17th centuries, establishing branches in Canada and later in the United States. Today, Quemeners can be found worldwide, with significant populations still residing in Brittany, as well as in other French-speaking regions, North America, and various parts of the world where Breton immigrants have settled.

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 : 12 June 2025

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