Surname Demarest - Meaning and Origin

Demarest: What does the surname Demarest mean?

The surname Demarest is of French origin and is an ethnic name derived from the Old French term “de Marest” which translates to “from Mar(e)st”. The Mar(e)st portion of the term is derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name “Maurus”, which translates to “a Moor” or “a dark-skinned person.” This term is a formative element of the French demesne, meaning “of the manor”, and was likely used by the Norman conquerors who settled in parts of France during the 11th and 12th centuries.

As a surname, Demarest is believed to have originated in Haute-Marne, a region of North-Eastern France. This region was historically known as the demesne of the Marest family, a prominent and aristocratic family who were holders of the local manor for several centuries. The name Demarest is now found across France, the United States and other places where those of French origin have settled.

From its point of origin, the name Demarest is associated with authority and leadership, stemming from its history as the name of a prominent and powerful French family. Furthermore, the meaning of the name perhaps also serves to remind those who bear it to strive for excellence, strength and honor in their lives.

Demarest: Where does the name Demarest come from?

Demarest is a surname that is most commonly found in the United States. According to Census data, about 6,423 people with this name reside in the US today. The name is most commonly found in New York and New Jersey, with the largest population found in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Recently, Demarest has grown in popularity as a given name, particularly among actors, athletes, and musicians. This has helped to raise the popularity of the name overall.

The origin of the Demarest surname is unknown, but some have suggested that it is derived from Dutch, French, or German descendants who immigrated to the United States in the 1600s. The original spelling of this surname is uncertain. Some sources indicate that the original spelling was "demonst" or "demonstere," while other sources suggest that the original spelling was "demarest" or "Merst."

The current spelling of "Demarest" is commonly used by those of Dutch decent, while the alternative spellings (i.e. Demonst, Demonstere, Merst) are more commonly used by those of French or German descent.

In conclusion, the surname Demarest is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of New York and New Jersey. It is uncertain exactly what the origin of this surname is, however it is believed to be derived from Dutch, French, or German immigrants. The current spelling is commonly used by those of Dutch decent, while the alternative spellings are more commonly used by those of French or German descent.

Variations of the surname Demarest

The Demarest surname is derived from the old French phrase “de Mareste” which translates to “from the marsh”, likely referring to describing a person as coming from or living near a marshy area. This surname is found particularly in Netherlands, Belgium and other parts of Europe, though it is also found in places such as the United States, Canada and in some Spanish speaking countries.

Variants of this surname include De Marest, Demarast, Demaras, Demareste, Demeras, Damonares, Damonarest, Demarast, Demerast, Demeraste, Demerasto, Demerest, Demersteen, Demers, Demersey, Demerst, Demarest, Demarst, Demarste, Demerce, DeMarco and many more.

The spelling of the surname has also varied from place to place and over time, appearing as De Mareste, De Marrest, De Marrast, DeMarast, De Maras, De Marice, De Marost, De Merset, De Merest, De Merast, De Merasto, Demaras, Demeras, Demarest, Demerst, Demersten and many more.

Surnames of similar origin, though not necessarily related to the Demarest surname, may include Marzal, Marais, Marais, Marsh, Marelin, Mareste, Marest, Maurais and others.

Famous people with the name Demarest

• Michael Demarest: American actor, director, and casting director
• Dorian Demarest: Canadian television, movie, and voice actor
• Sam Demarest: Venezuelan-American actor, director, and writer
• Don Demarest: American character actor
• Elizabeth Demarest: American silent film actress
• Lola Demarest: American vaudeville and burlesque performer
• Laurence Demarest: American cinema art director
• Ken Demarest III: American film producer and craft artist
• Joe Demarest: former MLB player
• Carlos Demarest: Puerto Rican comedian and actor

Other surnames

DemareDemaree