Surname Lemmons - Meaning and Origin

Lemmons: What does the surname Lemmons mean?

The surname Lemmons is predominantly found in North America and is believed to have anglo-saxon origins. It is thought to have been derived from an Old English given name Leofman, which means "beloved man". Over time, the name evolved and was altered due to regional pronunciations and variations in spelling leading to surnames such as Lemmon and Lemmons. The name could also be a locational surname, originating from Lemington, places in Northumberland and Gloucestershire, England. This locational name means "the settlement of Leofman". Locational surnames were typically given to the lord of the manor or to individuals who migrated from their original habitation, often taking the name of their birthplace as a means of identification. Thus, the last name Lemmons can be a testament to family lineage and ancestral locations.

Lemmons: Where does the name Lemmons come from?

The surname Lemmons is of Irish origin. It finds its roots in County Tipperary, Ireland, and is believed to be derived from Gaelic elements like "leamhan," a term for elm tree, or possibly from "liamhan," which means a cloak. It may also be a variant of the Irish surname O'Lemon. Over time, many Irish families moved or were forced to migrate to other regions, leading to the wider dispersal of the name.

Today, many people with the surname Lemmons are concentrated in the United States, specifically in the southern regions such as Tennessee and Texas, due to the migration of Irish people during the crisis periods like the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. However, it is not as common as other Irish surnames due to changes in its spelling and pronunciation over the years. It is also found, though less commonly, in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Lemmons

The surname Lemmons has several variants that are used largely in English-speaking regions. Variations may include Lemon, Lemmon, Lemmones, Leman, Lehman, Leeman, and Leamon. Other versions can include spellings with -s at the end, like Lemons, Leemans, and Lehmanns.

Some of these versions, particularly Leman and Lehman, could also be of German, Dutch, or Jewish origin, although the meanings may diverge from the English "lemon" origin.

Also, surnames with similar phonetics could include Limon, Limone, Limones, Lymon, and Lyman. These spellings might stem from different linguistic backgrounds, like Spanish or French.

Occasionally, double “n” at the end of the surname, such as Lemmonn or Lemann, can be encountered due to clerical errors during immigration, or personal preferences.

The different spellings essentially evolved from the same root, usually related to the lemon fruit, a profession (like a lemon trader), or a geographical feature (like a lemon grove). This highlights the complexity and variety behind the evolution of our last names.

Famous people with the name Lemmons

• Christopher Lemmons: American actor best known for his role as Stanley Yelnats in the film Holes (2003).
• Peter Lemmons: American actor most known for his role as Jeremy in the series Dexter (2008-2013).
• Melissa McCarthy: American actress, comedian, writer and producer, whose mother's maiden name is Lemmons.
• Julia Lemmons: American actress best known for her role in the movie Roberts & Steele Investigates (2007).
• Sterling Lemmons: American professional golfer who won the US Amateur golf title in 1981.
• Melissa Sue Anderson: Canadian-American actress, whose father was of German and English descent and her mother of Irish and French-Canadian descent, with the maiden name Lemmons.
• Jeoffery Lemmons: American artist, musician and film composer.
• Walter S. Lemmons: United States Army soldier who was awarded the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II.
• Herbert Lemmons: American cartoonist, best known for his daily comic strip starring Snooky the Clown, which he wrote and illustrated between 1921 and 1928.
• Joseph Lemmons: American politician from South Carolina, who served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1788.

Other surnames

LemmonLemmondLemmonds