Origin & Meaning of the Lemke Surname
What does the last name Lemke mean?
The surname Lemke 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 10,501 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lemke ranks as the #3,406 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lemke come from?
The Lemke 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 Lemke name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lemke 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 | Lemke |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,406 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,501 |
| Per 100K People | 3.56 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lemke
According to the US Census, the Lemke surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,501 Americans with the Lemke last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.36% |
| Black | 0.33% |
| Hispanic | 1.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.3% |
Popularity of Lemke Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lemke surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lemke surname increased by 142 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lemke
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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 Lemke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemke
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