Origin & Meaning of the Lema Surname
What does the last name Lema mean?
The surname Lema carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,913 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lema ranks as the #8,439 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lema come from?
The Lema surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lema name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lema trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lema |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,439 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,913 |
| Per 100K People | 1.33 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lema
According to the US Census, the Lema surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,913 Americans with the Lema last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 28.11% |
| Black | 6.54% |
| Hispanic | 61.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.66% |
| Native American | 0.79% |
| Two or More Races | 1.05% |
Popularity of Lema Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lema surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lema surname increased by 1,296 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lema
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Lema.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lema
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