The comune (municipality) of Lumarzo includes a number of frazioni (villages), namely, Boasi, Campi, Cerese, Craviasco, Ferriere, Forca, Lagomarsino, Lainà, Lumarzo, Pannesi, Piancerese, Piane, Recroso, Rossi, Sanguinara, Nostra Signora del Bosco, Scagliola, Scagnelli, Tasso, Tassorello, Tolara, and Vallebuona.

The name derives from the Latin Lucus martius, meaning "Wood of Mars", which has suggested the existence of a temple, with annexed grove, devoted to the god.

During World War II in the area took place several fighting between German occupation troops and partisans.

Natalina "Dolly" Garaventa, mother of Frank Sinatra, was born in the frazione (village) of Rossi of Lumarzo in 1894.

The nearest railroad station is that of Chiavari on the Rome-Genoa line, from where a regular bus service connects to Lumarzo.