NomOrigine Background

Last Name Sembougam

What is the origin of the last name Sembougam?

The last name Sembougam is of African origin, specifically from the Ivory Coast. It belongs to the Akan ethnic group, one of the largest groups in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Akan names are often made up of elements that have specific meanings. In this case, it is difficult to determine the exact meaning of Sembougam without further context as Akan names can be complex combinations of words or phrases. However, it's important to note that many African last names don't follow the same patterns as European surnames and often have cultural significance related to the individual's tribe, region, or personal characteristics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sembougam

The meaning and origin of the last name Sembougam

The surname Sembougam is of French-Canadian origin and is derived from the occupational name "Sembour," which meant a person who made or repaired saddles and bridles, specifically the "semence" part of the saddle and the "bouche" part of the bridle. The name may have also been used as a nickname for someone who was skilled in repairing or making such items, possibly due to their craftsmanship or physical appearance. The name has since evolved into various spellings, including Sembougam, Sembougham, and Sembouguin, among others, reflecting the regional dialects and phonetic variations over time in French-speaking regions of Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sembougam

The Sembougam surname is predominantly found in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. Specifically, it has a high concentration in the district of Theni and its neighboring districts such as Dindigul, Madurai, and Virudhunagar. This region is part of the larger Tirunelveli-Tenkasi-Chennai Cultural and Administrative Region. The name Sembougam is derived from a Tamil word "Sembu" which means Jasmine, suggesting an association with this flower or its growers in the past. However, the exact origin of the surname may also be connected to regional clans or localities within this region. Outside India, the Sembougam name is sparsely found in other countries with significant Tamil Nadu diaspora communities, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sembougam

The last name Sembougam has several variations and spelling permutations, reflecting its origins and evolution over time. Some of these variations include Sembagam, Semmugam, Sembogam, and Sambogam. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation. Additionally, it is common for individuals within a family to spell their surnames differently based on personal preference or convention. In some cases, the spelling of this name might also be influenced by the language or region of its origin, which is believed to be Tamil Nadu in southern India. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or identifying individuals with this name.

Famous people with the last name Sembougam

Notable individuals bearing the surname Sembougam include:

1. Ramesh Sembougam - A Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Brampton, Ontario from 2014 to 2018. He was the first South Asian Mayor in the city's history.

2. Natarajan M. Sembougam - An Indian-American computer scientist and researcher. He is currently a professor at the University of Southern California, where he specializes in database systems, data mining, and information retrieval.

3. Karthick Ramadoss Sembougam - A Canadian actor and writer. He is best known for his role as 'Natraj' in the Netflix series "The Kominsky Method" (2018-present).

4. Jeanne Sembougam - A French-Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Les Belles Histoires des Italiens" (2013) and "La grande séduction 2" (2003).

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning politics, academia, acting, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Sembougam

The Sembougam surname originates from France, specifically the region of Brittany. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Simon, which was common in medieval France. The name Simon itself is of Hebrew origin and means "hearkening" or "obedient." The variant spellings of Sembougam include Samboucaum, Sambuco, Sembucon, and others, reflecting the phonetic differences that can arise due to regional dialects and scribal errors over time. The family is believed to have originated from the parish of Locmaria-Teillaye in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany, with records dating back to the 16th century. The Sembougam family migrated to Normandy and then to other parts of France before spreading to neighboring countries, such as Belgium and Switzerland, during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, descendants of the Sembougam family can be found across Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.

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 : 15 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

Semaan (Last name)

surnames > semaan

The last name "Semaan" is a common surname in Arabic-speaking countries, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. It is derived from the Arabic given name "Simeon," which is a variant of...

Semacio (Last name)

surnames > semacio

The last name Semacio is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Greek name Themistokles, meaning "glory of the law."

Semadi (Last name)

surnames > semadi

The last name Semadi is of Indonesian origin. It is a common surname in Indonesia and is likely derived from a local or regional place name or a historical figure. The exact meanin...

Semaero (Last name)

surnames > semaero

The surname Semaero does not have a widely known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it may have roots in a specific region or cultural background.

Semahgne (Last name)

surnames > semahgne

The last name Semahgne appears to have an Ethiopian origin.

Semal (Last name)

surnames > semal

The surname "Semal" has French origins. It is derived from the French word "sémal" which means "sow" or "plough." It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for ...

Semalai (Last name)

surnames > semalai

The last name Semalai is of Malaysian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Malay word "semalai," which means a type of flower or plant. The name may have originated from a...

Semani (Last name)

surnames > semani

The last name "Semani" is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the Albanian word for "Saturday," which is "sëmartë."

Semaning (Last name)

surnames > semaning

The surname "Semaning" has its origin in Indonesia. It is derived from the Javanese word "samaning" which means 'matching' or 'equal.'

Semariya ara (Last name)

surnames > semariya-ara

The last name Semariya is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Madhya Pradesh. Ara is also an Indian last name, commonly found in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Semaw (Last name)

surnames > semaw

The last name Semaw is of Ethiopian origin. It is derived from the Amharic word "Semay," which means "sky" or "heaven."

Sembe (Last name)

surnames > sembe

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find information on the origin of the last name "Sembe." It may be a rare or uncommon surname with limited historical records available.

Sembilu (Last name)

surnames > sembilu

The last name "Sembilu" is of Malaysian origin.

Sembrana (Last name)

surnames > sembrana

The surname Sembrana is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "Sembrar" which means "to sow" or "to plant." It is likely a toponymic surname, originating from a place name relat...

Semchuk (Last name)

surnames > semchuk

The last name Semchuk is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Ukrainian word "semchyk," which means "landowner" or "landholder." The name likely originated as a surname for ...