Origin & Meaning of the Lemay Surname
What does the last name Lemay mean?
The surname Lemay 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 8,471 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lemay ranks as the #4,182 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lemay come from?
The Lemay 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 Lemay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lemay 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 | Lemay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,182 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,471 |
| Per 100K People | 2.87 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lemay
According to the US Census, the Lemay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,471 Americans with the Lemay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.79% |
| Black | 3.8% |
| Hispanic | 1.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.78% |
| Native American | 0.81% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Lemay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lemay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lemay surname increased by 151 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lemay
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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 Lemay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemay
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