Surname Demeritt - Meaning and Origin

Demeritt: What does the surname Demeritt mean?

The last name "Demeritt" is of English origin but can be traced back to the French surname "Démaret". Most sources suggest that it is derived from a nickname or an occupational name. In Old French, 'merite' means 'reward' or 'prize'. Therefore, "Demeritt" may be understood as 'of merit', suggesting that the bearer of the name might have been someone who had accomplished something noteworthy or was recognized for their merit. However, like many surnames, the exact meaning and origin can vary based upon historic linguistic and regional variations, so it is difficult to provide a definitive interpretation. In England, Demeritt families were primarily located in Kent. With time, this surname has been anglicized, leading to variations including De Merit, Demerit, Demerritt, among others. Also, it's important to note that meanings of surnames can be specific to families and may have evolved separately.

Demeritt: Where does the name Demeritt come from?

The surname Demeritt is of French origin. It is derived from the French term "de Merit" which means "of merit," or in other words, a person deserving of praise or recognition. The name has undergone several changes over the centuries with variations such as De Meritt, Demerrit, and finally Demeritt. The family emigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily settling in Canada and the United States. Today, the surname Demeritt is most common in the United States, particularly in northeastern states like Maine and New Hampshire. It is quite rare and unique, with fewer than 4,000 individuals bearing this surname in the United States today. As per existing records and lineage tracking, the Demeritt family has been concentrated in North America ever since their emigration from France. Despite the French origins, the name is not common in contemporary France.

Variations of the surname Demeritt

The surname Demeritt is unique and has a variety of spellings and variations which may have evolved over time due to different translation, pronunciation and regional distinctions. Some known variant spellings include: Demeritte, Demarit, Demerit, Demerritt, Demaritt, and De Meritt.

The surname is possibly of French origin, suggesting it could be a variant of the surname Demarest or Demaret, which is a habitational name from a place in Belgium called De Meret. Names of the same origin encompass those that are likely to have French language roots and similar phonetic or orthodox forms.

It’s important to note that variations in spelling could have emerged due to regional differences, transcription errors, or pronunciation differences. Additionally, different branches of the family may have chosen to spell their surname differently over generations.

Also, families may have changed the spelling upon immigration to make it easier for others in their new country to pronounce or spell, or to assimilate more smoothly into the new culture. Therefore, more distantly related variations influenced by such factors could exist as well.

It's recommended to use genealogical research resources to explore the various branches and histories of the surname Demeritt.

Famous people with the name Demeritt

• Robert DeMeritt: Robert DeMeritt is a Canadian gardener, horticulturist, and television presenter. He was most recently the host and producer of the popular gardening show, "Gardening with DeMeritt."
• Rufus DeMeritt: Rufus DeMeritt is an American singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania. He is known for his soulful voice and has released several albums.
• Kim DeMeritt: Kim DeMeritt is an American Olympic bobsledder. She competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics and placed 4th in the Two Woman competition, making her the highest-ranking woman bobsledder in the US.
• Seth DeMeritt: Seth DeMeritt is an actor, most recently seen in the Netflix Original Series “Better than Ever.” He is also known for his work on the television series “The Tomorrow People.”
• John DeMeritt: John DeMeritt is an accomplished British sculptor. His work has been exhibited throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
• Sir Edward DeMeritt: Sir Edward was a British Army Major General and member of the House of Lords. He was a decorated hero in World War I and was recognized for his bravery and excellence in the field.
• Colonel Fred DeMeritt: Colonel Fred DeMeritt was a British Army officer in World War I. He served with distinction and was actively involved in the D-Day invasion during World War II.
• Claudia DeMeritt: Claudia DeMeritt is an American mathematician. She is a professor at California State University and has published many papers and books on the subject of mathematics.
• Rose DeMeritt: Rose DeMeritt is a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has served as an editor and stylist for many editorial magazines, as well as a frequent guest on several television shows.
• Ashleigh DeMeritt: Ashleigh DeMeritt is an Australian model and actress. She is best known for her roles in the films “Summer Challenge” and “Honeybunch.”

Other surnames

Demerit