The name Lemar is a modern variant of the French name Lemaire, which is derived from the Old French word "le mair" meaning "the mayor" or "the chief magistrate." The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France, where it was initially used as a surname for individuals who held the position of mayor or a similar administrative role.

In its earliest recorded use, the name Lemar appeared in various medieval French documents and records, often referring to local officials or prominent figures in various towns and villages across France. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Lemar de Boulogne, who served as the mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer in the 13th century.

While the name Lemar was primarily used as a surname in its early history, over time it began to be adopted as a given name as well. This transition likely occurred as a result of the name's association with positions of authority and leadership within local communities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals to bear Lemar as a first name was Lemar Duval, a French merchant and trader who lived in the 16th century. Duval was known for his successful business ventures and his involvement in the establishment of trade routes between France and other European countries.

Another notable figure with the name Lemar was Lemar Descartes, a French philosopher and mathematician who lived from 1596 to 1650. Descartes is considered one of the most important thinkers of the 17th century and is best known for his philosophical work "Meditations on First Philosophy," which explored the nature of reality and human existence.

In the 18th century, Lemar Duplantier was a French military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. He fought alongside the American colonists against the British forces and was known for his bravery and strategic leadership on the battlefield.

Moving into the 19th century, Lemar Guizot was a French historian and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of France from 1840 to 1848. He was a prominent figure in the July Revolution of 1830 and played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of France during that period.

Finally, in the 20th century, Lemar Durand was a French artist and sculptor known for his abstract and modernist works. He was a member of the Cubist movement and his pieces were exhibited in various galleries and museums across Europe and the United States.