Last Name Zema

The surname Zema is of Lithuanian origin. It comes from a place called Žemaitija, also known as Samogitia, which is one of the historic regions in Lithuania. This region was inhabited by the Samogitians (Žemaičiai in Lithuanian), a distinct ethnic group with their own language and culture. The surname Zema is derived from this region, and it can be found among people of Lithuanian descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zema

The meaning and origin of the last name Zema

The surname Zema is of Latin origin, derived from the given name Semus or Semo, which means "name" or "renowned." This name was used in ancient Rome, with the suffix "-a" denoting feminine and "-us" or "-i" signifying masculine forms. Over time, the surname Zema has been found in various cultures, possibly due to Roman influence or migration. The surname may have different variations, such as Zem, Zemaes, or Zeima, reflecting regional dialects and historical changes. Notably, the name can also be found among certain ethnic groups in Africa, where it might have a distinct local meaning. However, its specific origin and evolution remain subject to historical interpretation and research.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zema

The surname Zema has its origins primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. A significant number of people with the last name Zema can also be found in Hungary, Austria, and Italy due to historical migrations and cultural assimilation. The distribution of the surname Zema is relatively low outside these regions, with minor concentrations in other parts of Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America, mostly among diaspora communities or as a result of immigration from the historically dominant regions of this name. In summary, while Zema is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, it has a dispersed presence across various continents due to historical events and modern migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zema

The surname Zema has multiple variations and spellings worldwide. Here are some of them:

1. Zéma (French spelling)
2. Žéma (Czech, Slovak, or Croatian spelling with diacritics)
3. Zehma (German spelling)
4. Zema-Avalos (a Hispanicized variation combining the surnames Zema and Avalos)
5. Zaemah (an alternative English phonetic spelling)
6. Z'Ema (a contracted or informal version, often seen in casual contexts)
7. Zeima (a less common Scandinavian or Eastern European spelling)
8. De Zéma (Portuguese surname construction, meaning "of" or "from the" Zéma family)
9. Di Zema (Italian surname construction, also meaning "of" or "from the" Zema family)

Famous people with the last name Zema

Notable individuals bearing the surname Zema include:

1. Jean-Pierre Zema: A French professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain. He won the UEFA Champions League with PSG in 1994.

2. Jean-Pierre Zéman: A renowned Haitian-born French neurophysiologist, who was one of the first to study the role of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system. His work has contributed significantly to our understanding of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

3. Jean-Pierre Zema (politician): A prominent French politician from Martinique who served as a member of the National Assembly for the Socialist Party. He was also a minister in various governments, including Education and Overseas France.

4. Leonardo Zema: An Argentine footballer who played as a defender. He represented Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and his club career includes stints with Boca Juniors, Atlético Mineiro, and FC Porto.

5. Paul Zéman: A French journalist and author known for his investigative work on corruption and organized crime. He won the Prix Goncourt de la Biographie in 2013 for his book about the Italian mafia in France.

Genealogical research on the last name Zema

The surname Zema is primarily found among populations in Europe, notably in the countries of Lithuania, Croatia, and Slovenia. Its origins are traced back to medieval times, particularly during the Middle Ages. In Lithuania, the name is often associated with the region of Suwałki, where it was borne by a family that had been settled there since at least the 15th century. In Croatia and Slovenia, the name Zema is believed to have originated from the old Slavic personal name "Zemo," meaning earth or ground. Over time, the name has diversified into various spellings, including Zeman, Žemaitis, Semic, and Semić, reflecting the linguistic and cultural influences of different regions. Genealogical records show that the Zema family lines in Europe have a rich history, with many notable figures contributing to their respective societies in fields such as politics, arts, and sciences.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zema"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends