Lemons
A surname that most likely began as a spelling variant of Leman or Leeman, originally meaning “beloved one” or “dear friend.”
The #2,910 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 25,056 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The historical evidence points to Lemons as a variant form of Leman, Leeman, or Lemman rather than a name connected with the fruit. These surnames come from Middle English leof-man, meaning “dear man,” “beloved one,” or more generally “sweetheart” or “lover,” from Old English leof, “dear, beloved,” plus man. The final -s in Lemons is likely a later spelling or pronunciation variant, as medieval and early modern records show many interchangeable forms.
History
Bardsley’s examples group Lemons with Leman, Lemman, and related forms, and he notes that the underlying word was used in older English as a term of endearment. The surname is therefore part of a wider cluster of affectionate nickname surnames that later hardened into family names. The modern spelling Lemons is uncommon, but it fits the same historical pattern as Leman and Leeman.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Older English literature used leman for a beloved or sweetheart, so this surname began with a very different sense from the modern word “lemon.”
From the historical record
“change. 11 waa a familiar joke some few years ago to say that there were two Lemons in the House of Commons and only one Peel. Leman Brt, co. Nort., 1J73. A. AIbd til- Leinan, co. Comb., ibid,”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances