Surname Lemons - Meaning and Origin

DNA test with iGENEA: A journey of emotional discovery and understanding of the Lemons' lineage

My experience with a DNA test via iGENEA has been a thrilling yet emotionally charged journey. Learning about my lineage and the rich history behind my surname, Lemons, has brought me a newfound respect for my family history. Despite the anxieties and uncertainties, the process has left me feeling more connected to my roots and offered a profound understanding of my legacy.

L. Lemons

Lemons: What does the surname Lemons mean?

The surname Lemons is of English and Scottish origin, and is a locational or topographic name derived from a place where elm trees were prominent. It originates from the Old English word "leoma," referring to the elm tree. Over time "leoma" evolved into "Lemons." It could, therefore, be given to individuals residing near an elm tree or a grove of elms. Like other surnames derived from geographical features, this surname was likely first used by local landowners, and later adopted by those who lived near notable elm trees. Also, families with this surname may have moved to different areas, adapting the surname as a means of identification. Spelling variations of this family name include: Lemmon, Lemon, Lemmond, Lemmonde, Leimon, and others. As with many surnames, information about its origin and history is often lost or diluted over time, but these are the widely accepted theories. Also, while "Lemons" seems to associate with "lemons" fruit, there is no historical evidence suggesting the last name has any links to the fruit.

Lemons: Where does the name Lemons come from?

The surname Lemons is of English origin. It's believed to have derived from the personal name "Lemon", which was quite popular in the Middle Ages. The name might have been given to someone who lived by a lemon tree or it could be a nickname for a person with a sour disposition. The surname dates back to the 13th century in England, with records including a Richard Lemun in 1273 in the "Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire" and a William Lemon in the "Subsidy Rolls of Sussex" in 1327.

Today, the surname Lemons is common in the United States, particularly in the southern states. According to the US Census Bureau, Lemons ranked as the 2432nd most common surname in the US in 2000. Other countries where this surname has a notable presence include England, Australia, and Canada. It's also found in Europe, primarily in the Netherlands, where it could have a separate derivation from the Dutch given name Lemmens.

Variations of the surname Lemons

The surname Lemons is of Anglo-Saxon origin and the variants can reflect the region or country of origin, usage, or phonetic spelling alterations over time. Common variant spellings can include Lemmens, Lemans, Lemond, Leamon, Lemon, Lamons, and Limon.

The surname variant "Lemon" is predominantly found in Northern Ireland, bearing the same meaning as "Lemons". The name "Leamon" is more likely to be found in England, while "Lemmens" and "Lemans" could indicate someone of Belgian or Dutch ancestry.

If we consider names of similar pronunciation, "Leman" might be interpreted as a variant, and it's found in England back to the 12th century. The name "Lamons" might be a possible Americanized version of the Irish surname 'Lamont'.

There can be a Spanish or French influence seen in the surname "Limon", with a meaning of "lime" (the fruit), a frequent nickname for a person with a sour disposition in medieval jests and pageants.

Over time, changes in border, language, culture and migration have caused variations in such names. Ethnic background and regional pronunciation often affect the spelling variants of such surnames.

Famous people with the name Lemons

• Terry Lemons II, professional basketball player
• Tara Lemons, Paralympic hurdler
• Anthony Lemons, professional football player
• William Lemons, actor
• Jeff Lemons, NFL official
• Elisha Lemons, a professional wrestler
• Jim Lemons, Stand Up Comedian
• Robert Lemons, professional motocross racer
• Rebecca Lemons, International news anchor
• Cleo Lemons, Grammy-nominated Soul/R&B singer-songwriter
• Maynard Lemons, Grammy-winning Hip Hop producer
• Debra Lemons, interior designer
• Mary Kay Lemons, philanthropist
• Sarah Lemons, Nun
• Lonnie Lemons, physicist
• Kate Lemons, award-winning children's book author

Other surnames

LemonLemondLemonds