Last Name Sempere

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sempere

The meaning and origin of the last name Sempere

The surname Sempere is of Spanish origin, derived from the Occitan word "sempre," which means "always" in English. It was primarily adopted by individuals who resided in regions of Spain that were once under the rule of the Crown of Aragon, where Occitan was spoken. Over time, as the language evolved and the spelling standardized, variations such as Semper, Sempere, and Sémpere appeared. The use of "de" before Sempere indicates a patronymic origin, meaning that it was originally a name for the son or descendant of someone with the given name Sempre. Today, Sempere is a common surname in Spain and Latin America, particularly in Catalonia and Valencia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sempere

The surname Sempere is predominantly found in Spain, with significant concentrations in regions such as Valencia and Catalonia. Historically, it was common among residents of towns like Alcoy, Villena, and Gandia in Valencia, as well as Reus, Igualada, and Sabadell in Catalonia. Additionally, a smaller number of Sempere descendants can be found in various parts of the Spanish-speaking world, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and other Latin American countries due to historical migration patterns. It's also worth noting that some families bearing this name can be traced back to France, particularly to the region of Occitania, suggesting a possible French origin for the surname. However, the exact geographical distribution and origins are subject to ongoing research and may vary depending on sources.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sempere

The surname Sempere has various spellings and variations across regions and over time. Some common spelling variations include Semper, Sempeire, Sempeer, Sempier, Sempeyr, and Sempeyre. These variations may result from differences in transcription and translation, as well as regional dialects or spelling conventions. Additionally, the name can have different pronunciations depending on the country or language context. In Spanish-speaking regions, for example, it is typically pronounced as 'sem-peh-reh'. It is essential to note that these variations do not significantly alter the fundamental meaning and origin of the name, which likely derives from a place name or occupational title.

Famous people with the last name Sempere

Notable individuals sharing the surname Sempere include:

* Francisco Giner de los Ríos y Sempere (1839-1915), a Spanish politician and educator, co-founder of the Instituto Libre de Enseñanza.
* Salvador Sempere y Almelle (1864-1920), a Spanish writer, lawyer, and politician. He served as President of the First Spanish Republic from 1931 to 1933.
* Manuel Sempere i Roca (1875-1942), a Catalan painter, sculptor, engraver, and decorative artist, who worked primarily in the Art Nouveau style.
* Francisco Sempere (born 1960), a Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. He won numerous titles with these teams throughout his career.
* Carlos Sempere (born 1972), a Spanish actor, known for roles in television series such as "Aquí no hay quien viva" and "El secreto de Puente Viejo."

These individuals have made significant contributions to the fields of politics, education, art, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Sempere

The surname Sempere is primarily of Spanish origin, with its roots tracing back to the medieval Iberian Peninsula during the late Middle Ages. Originally derived from several places and variations, such as San Pedro del Mercadillo in the province of Valencia or Santa Perpètua de Mogoda in Catalonia, the name Sempere is generally thought to have been a locational surname, indicating someone who lived in one of these places. Over time, as migration and assimilation occurred, the Sempere family spread throughout Spain and eventually other parts of the world due to colonization, immigration, and trade. Today, the name Sempere can be found in various countries with significant Spanish populations, such as Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States, reflecting its historical migration patterns. Genealogical research on the Sempere family often involves tracing lineages across centuries and continents, uncovering the rich history and cultural heritage associated with this name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sempere"
• 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 : 13 June 2025