| ![Show Contents]() Lemez History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
France
Etymology of LemezWhat does the name Lemez mean? The Lemez family name dates back to the time of Medieval France. It comes from an early member of the family from Normandy who was a person born in the month of May. A May birth was considered lucky as the month was a festive time in which the beginning of the growing season was celebrated. Early Origins of the Lemez familyThe surname Lemez was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where the family anciently resided at Leme, a village in the department of l'Aisne, in the arrondisement of Vervins. By the 12th century the family name also moved south to Aquitaine and Languedoc. A branch was formed in Anjou at Poitiers. Michel Lemay, born in 1630, son of François and Marie (née Gaschet), travelled from Chenehutte-les-Tuffeaux in Anjou to New France in 1659. He settled in Quebec and married Marie Dutaut, born in 1640, daughter of Pierre and Jeanne, at Trois-Rivières on 15th June 1659. His second marriage was to Michelle Ouinville on 12th April 1677. 1 Early History of the Lemez familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lemez research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lemez History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Lemez Spelling VariationsFrench surnames were subject to numerous alterations in spelling because of the various cultural groups that inhabited specific regions. Eventually, each region possessed its own local dialect of the French language. The early development of the French language, however, was also influenced by other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Lemez is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include LeMay, Lemay, Lemais, Lemaise, Lemmais, Lemmaise, Lemaises, Lemet, Lemez, Lemait, Lemaits, Dumay, Dumais, Dumez and many more. Early Notables of the Lemez familyMore information is included under the topic Early Lemez Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Lemez familyIn 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Lemez has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Lemez were Lewis Dumay arrived in Philadelphia in 1811.
- Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
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