Surname Lemp - Meaning and Origin
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Lemp: What does the surname Lemp mean?
The last name Lemp is likely of German origin and can be found mostly in the regions of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It is thought to have first been used as a surname in the area of Hesse, Germany and was likely derived from a nickname related to either the places the family originated from or the bearer's physical or moral characteristics. It could also potentially be derived from an old German word for a lamp or candlestick, such as the German word "Leimpf", which would also have been a nickname related to work or occupation of a candle-maker.
The common spelling of the surname Lemp in American records changed to "Lempp" as it was easier for American-born citizens to pronounce. It was also much easier when taking an application for naturalization.
The Lemp surname is most common in the states of Illinois, New Jersey and California in the United States, and in Westphalia in Germany, indicating a history of having living in these regions.
The surname Lemp produces many famous individuals. Notable people with this surname include Adolphus Busch's wife, Louise Anheuser Busch, the co-founder of the Anheuser-Busch brewery; the American engineer, George Finkle Lemp; and the German artist, Edward Lemp. All three of the families of these famous individuals have a common Lemp surname.
In the present day, the Lemp surname is widespread and especially in the United States, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but likely connected to a place where the family originated, a physical trait of the original holder of the surname, or related to an occupation such as a maker of candlesticks.
Order DNA origin analysisLemp: Where does the name Lemp come from?
The Lemp family is believed to have originated in Germany, though its first documented occurrence occurred in Zurich, Switzerland during the late 15th century. Today, the surname is most commonly found in the United States. The name Lemp first appeared in the United States in the 19th century, most likely due to immigration from Europe. Early immigrants to the States included Ludwig and Jacob Lemp, who both arrived in the United States in the mid 19th century.
Lemp today is a fairly common surname in the United States, especially in Illinois and Missouri. According to the most recent data from the US Census Bureau, over 5,500 individuals across the country have the last name Lemp. The states with the highest concentrations of individuals with the last name Lemp are Illinois (785 individuals), Wisconsin (605 individuals) and Missouri (465 individuals).
The Lemp family is associated with a substantial beer-brewing tradition in the United States, as they were responsible for producing some of the earliest commercial lagers in the United States during the late 19th century. This legacy largely takes place in the state of Missouri, however, the Lemp Family Brewing Society investors have since expanded the business to states like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida.
The legacy of the Lemp family remains alive today. The ensuing popularity of their early brewing endeavors still gives the Lemp family name continued prominence in the United States.
Variations of the surname Lemp
The Lemp surname has multiple origin stories, spellings, and variants.
The most widely accepted etymological source of the surname Lemp ties back to the Middle High German word lint (called a 'Lem'), which is a basket or tub used to transport goods. This indicated a family who traded goods or derived their income from the transport of goods, which indicates occupational origins. This etymology could suggest a number of different spellings, such as Lamp, Lampe, Lampert, Lempcke, Lempert, Limbert, Limpke, Lind, and Limb.
It’s also possible that the surname Lemp originated from the Norman name L'Ambe, which in turn derived from the French words l'ancien (old) and ambe (both). In this case, the spelling could be Lamb, Lam, Lambert, or Lembe.
The surname can also be of Jewish origin, typically stemming from the German word Lämmchen, which means 'small lamb' in English. This could also be spelled Lemchen or Lamchen.
Finally, it’s possible to find variants of Lemp in various European countries. In the Netherlands, the surname is found as Lemmens, in Austria it is Lemm, in Hungary it is Lemm, in Portugal it is Lemos, and in Scotland, it is Lamont.
Overall, it’s likely that the surname Lemp has multiple spellings and variants from a variety of origins, though the exact origin cannot be definitively determined.
Famous people with the name Lemp
- William J. Lemp: German-American brewer best known for founding the Lemp Brewing Company.
- Carl Lemp: German Army infantry officer and entrepreneur who established the Carl Lemp Bicycle Company.
- William Lemp Jr.: Executive with the Lemp Brewing Company and descendant of William J. Lemp.
- William Lemp Sr.: Prominent businessman and father of William Lemp Jr.
- Edward Lemp: Brewer and son of William J. Lemp, who inherited the family business and oversaw its growth.
- Frederick Lemp: Brewer and son of William J. Lemp, who managed the company's Philadelphia facility.
- Johann Adam Lemp: Founder of the Lemp Brewery in Limbach, Germany.
- Elisabetha Lemp: Granddaughter to Johan Adam Lemp, who was responsible for maintaining the Lemp heritage in Germany.
- Faustina Lemp: Daughter of Johann Adam Lemp, who married a member of Theophil Robert Ruland's brewing family.
- John Lemp: Celebrated American bluegrass mandolin player and singer.