Surname Lemon - Meaning and Origin
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“Discovering My Roots: An Emotional Journey with iGENEA and the Lemon Surname”
Embarking on a DNA testing journey with iGENEA allowed me to discover my roots and trace my family history. The emotional experience was deep and transformational, changing not only my understanding of my family but also imparting a profound appreciation for my surname, Lemon, and its rich historical lineage.
L. Lemon
read moreLemon: What does the surname Lemon mean?
The surname Lemon originates from England and it is derived from the medieval English personal name Lefman, which is composed of the elements "leof," meaning dear or beloved, and "mann," meaning man. Lemon is a translation of Lefman, as "lemon" was seen in Middle English to mean lover or sweetheart, making it equivalent to "leof mann" or dear man. Over time, Lemon was adopted as a surname, passed down through generations. Some of the earliest recordings of this surname date back to the 13th century in county Sussex, England. Despite sharing a name with the citrus fruit, the surname Lemon does not have any direct connection to lemons. It is also important to note that the specific meaning of a surname can often be lost over time and can vary greatly across different cultures and regions. Thus, for some families, the surname Lemon may hold other, more personal meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisLemon: Where does the name Lemon come from?
The surname Lemon is derived from the medieval English personal name "Leman", which itself is an occupational name for a "grower of lemons" or an affectionate nickname implying "beloved". The name has its roots in the pre-7th-century Old French "Limon", with the nickname originating from Middle English "lem(m)an" (lover, sweetheart). In England, this surname dates back to at least the 12th century.
There are also several places called Lemon or Lemmon in the United States, and some of the bearers of this surname might have acquired their name from these locations.
Today, the surname Lemon is more common in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. According to Forebears, a genealogical data website, the country where it is most common is the United States, followed by England. In the United States, the highest concentration of the Lemon surname is found in West Virginia. In England, it is most widespread in Devon. It is far less common in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Lemon
The surname Lemon is of English or French origin and might be a variant of the surname Le Moyne. It could have been derived from the Old French "limon," meaning "citrus," referring to a grower or seller of the fruit. Common alternative spellings include Lemmon, Lemman, Leman, Lemun, and Lemmond. The surname appears with varying frequency throughout England—the southern and eastern counties feature more families bearing this surname compared to the north and the west. Its usage in Scotland is significantly less common.
In French-speaking regions, the name can be linked to Le Mon, Le Monne, Lemoine, or Lemoyne. French Canadians may Anglicize the surname Le Moyne to Lemon. In Ireland, Lemon may be an Anglicization of the Gaelic surname Ó Líomháin, meaning "descendant of the bright or bare one."
It's important to remember that variations in spelling may not always indicate a relation, as surnames were often recorded as they sounded in earlier times before standardized spellings became the norm. Moreover, geographic relocations can also lead to variations in spelling over time.
Famous people with the name Lemon
- Tracy Morgan: American comedian, actor, and writer.
- Trinity Lemon: American author, TEDx speaker, and executive coach.
- David Lemon: American actor.
- E.J. Lemon: American professional basketball player.
- Barbara Lemon: British artist and sculptor.
- Emitt R. Lemon: American football coach.
- Philip Lemon: English cricketer.
- Doug Lemon: Canadian professional athlete and businessman.
- Meagen Lemon: American model and Instagram influencer.
- Rondell Lemon: American rapper and music producer.