Lemont is a name of African origin, specifically from the Igbo people of Nigeria. Its meaning can be interpreted in different ways depending on the source, but it generally means "to follow" or "to chase". Some sources also attribute it with the meaning of "the one who keeps pace".
The name Lemont has a rich history among the Igbo people. It is believed to have been used for centuries as a male given name in Igboland. In many African cultures, names are often chosen based on their meanings and how they reflect the child's personality or circumstances at birth. Therefore, it is plausible that parents may have chosen this name if they desired for their child to be strong-willed, determined, or quick.
Lemont was also popularized outside of Africa during the era of slavery when many Africans were brought to America as slaves. Some enslaved people retained their traditional names and passed them down through generations. As a result, Lemont can still be found among African American families today.
While Lemont may not be as commonly used as some other African names like Jamal or Akua, it remains a unique and significant name with deep historical roots in African culture. Its meaning encourages determination and pace-keeping, which could serve as an inspiring reminder for those who bear this distinctive name.
The name Lemont has a unique history of usage in the United States over the past century. Between 1918 and 2017, there were a total of 682 babies named Lemont born in the US.
The popularity of the name Lemont varied significantly throughout this time period. In some years, such as 1930, 1953, and 1961, more than ten babies were named Lemont. Conversely, there were several decades where no babies named Lemont were recorded in the US.
The peak usage of the name Lemont occurred between 1968 and 1974, with a high of 33 births in 1974. This period also saw some of the most consistent usage of the name, with at least ten babies named Lemont each year from 1968 to 1972.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Lemont declined significantly. Between 1980 and 2017, there were only two years (1990 and 2006) where more than five babies named Lemont were born in the US. In fact, from 2003 to 2017, there was an average of fewer than three babies named Lemont each year.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Lemont continues to be used today, with five babies given this unique name in 2016 and 2017. It will be interesting to see if this usage remains steady or changes in the coming years.