Consideration on the origin of the name Bellemare

Old family, originating in Ireland, that research attaches to the Carrey clan. Only one name was used to designate this clan, as it was the habit in the majority of ancient civilizations. British Isles, having undergone the Roman domination during several centuries, were forced to adopt the system of the three names spread in all the empire, that is to say the first name, the gentilice (carried by the group of family) and the cognonem or nickname. Cruel invasions abolished, by the law of the winner, this Roman system to turn over to only one name to the 10nt century. This name took various forms: Curry, Cary, Carew, Karry, Keary, Kerry...

The establishment of the first name began at the noble ones, then extended to the unit from the population towards the 12nt century. In 1066, appear with the peerage-book of France the name Carrey accompanied by the particle "of" followed name Bellemare: Jean Carrey de Bellemare. This particle generally announced the place of origin, of Latin "Bellum Mare" (beautiful sea), characterizing the Irish landscape. Exit of this country, this line was established in France, mainly in the area of Rouen in Normandy. Other noble branches adopted the name Ferry de Bellemare, of Bellemare-Saint-Cyr, and finally the name Bellemare appeared as met today in France.

In Nouvelle-France, the name Bellemare was essential in the registers of the Quebec in 1706, when Jean-baptiste,son of Jean Gellineau 1, added Bellemare to his name. In 1667, Jean Gellineau had married 2 Francoise de Charmenil, originating in the parish St-Maclou of Rouen in Normandy. In this place, the noble ones and priests bore the name of Bellemare. The maternal influence, supplied with the memories of France, would have been dominating in the choice of Jean-baptiste. The clergy and the notaries were not long in deforming the name of Jean-baptiste Gellineau says Bellemare, even at his beginnings like pioneer of Yamachiche. Very early, the descendants of Jean-baptiste adopted the name Bellemare.

Thus, Bellemare of America would not have any family tie with those of France, as well as the Bellamare families present in the area of the coasts amalfitaines of Italy.

Roger and Lucien Bellemare.