Last Name Remes

The surname Remes has roots in multiple cultures, but one of its most common origins is from the Germanic language. It is derived from a personal name Remegis, which was a variant of Remigius, a Latin name that means "oarsman" or "rower." This name became popular during the Middle Ages due to Saint Remigius, also known as Remigius of Reims, who was a famous Christian bishop and missionary in the 5th century. Over time, the surname has been passed down through various families in different parts of Europe. In Estonia, for example, Remes is a relatively common surname that may have originated from German settlers or immigrants. It's essential to note that the exact origins and migration patterns can vary depending on individual family histories. Researching one's genealogy can help uncover specific details about the particular lineage of the Remes surname for any given individual. Genealogical resources, such as historical records, census data, and ancestry websites, can be valuable tools in this process.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Remes

The meaning and origin of the last name Remes

The surname Remes is of Finnish origin, derived from a personal name or occupational name. It is believed to have originated as a byname for someone with a physical characteristic associated with the word "remu," meaning 'busy' or 'active.' Over time, this byname evolved into a hereditary surname. The spelling variations in the name Remes may be attributed to changes in transcription over the centuries, as well as differences in language and regional dialects. Today, Remes is primarily found among Finnish speakers and individuals of Finnish descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Remes

The surname Remes is primarily distributed across several regions, with a significant concentration in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Estonia, Ukraine, and Poland. In Estonia, Remes ranks among the top 1000 most common last names. In Ukraine, it's relatively less frequent but can still be found in various parts of the country. The name also appears in Poland, albeit sparsely. Beyond Europe, remnants of the surname Remes can be traced in the United States and Canada, particularly among populations of Eastern European descent. This geographical distribution suggests a historical connection to Eastern Europe for the majority of individuals bearing the last name Remes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Remes

The surname Remes can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription, pronunciation, and regional dialects. Some common variations include Rémés, Rémes, Remès, and Remis. In some cases, there might be slight alterations in spelling based on the country or region of origin. For example, in Hungary, the name may be spelled as Rémesz or Rémezey. It is also possible to find versions with diacritics such as Rémész or Rémésey, reflecting the original Hungarian pronunciation more accurately. These variations are a result of historical and linguistic factors, making tracing family history potentially challenging but also interesting.

Famous people with the last name Remes

Notable individuals with the surname Remes include:

1. Juri Remes (born 1973), an Estonian actor and film director, best known for his work in films such as "The Classmate" and "Tangerines."
2. Mikhail Remes (1886-1943), a Russian revolutionary, military leader, and political figure who played a significant role in the early days of the Soviet Union.
3. David Remes (born 1957), an American attorney and political activist who has served as the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and as a lawyer advocating for human rights causes.
4. Tanya Remes (born 1952), an American psychologist and professor known for her research on the psychological effects of trauma, particularly in relation to victims of political violence and torture.
5. Vitaly Remes (born 1988), a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for HC Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Genealogical research on the last name Remes

The surname Remes originates from Hungary, where it is believed to have evolved from various place names, such as Rémez (in Somogy County) or Remete (in Fejér County). The first recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century in Hungarian documents.

Over time, people bearing the surname Remes migrated across Europe and North America. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Remes families emigrated from Hungary to Austria-Hungary's neighboring countries, such as Romania and Yugoslavia, due to economic and political factors.

Later, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a significant number of Remes immigrants arrived in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. They were mostly drawn by the promise of better opportunities, settling primarily in urban areas like New York City, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal.

The Remes family tree is widespread today, with descendants maintaining their ancestry through various cultural, religious, and regional groups across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "remes"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends