Lemay

LeMay is a surname of French origin. In North America the spelling LeMay is common, with variants including Lemay and Le May. The name is associated with both historical figures and contemporary institutions in the United States.

The most widely known bearer is Curtis Emerson LeMay (1906–1990), a general in the United States Air Force who played a pivotal role in the development of strategic air power. During World War II he commanded bomber forces in the Pacific and directed the incendiary bombing campaign against Japan. In the postwar era he led the Strategic Air Command and later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, where he influenced U.S. military aviation strategy during the Cold War era.

In civilian life, the LeMay name is connected to automotive heritage through Harold LeMay, a businessman who assembled a large private car collection that became the basis for LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. The museum showcases a broad range of vehicles and reflects the private interests of the LeMay collection.

The surname is also encountered in various place names and institutions, typically named after individuals bearing the LeMay surname. As with many French-origin surnames, LeMay has spread beyond its origins and appears in diverse contexts throughout the United States.