Last Name Bendor

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bendor

The meaning and origin of the last name Bendor

The surname Bendor is primarily of Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew word "B'nei-Doron," which translates to "sons of generations" or "descendants of generations." It's believed that this name was given as a nickname to someone who lived during multiple generations or whose descendants spanned several generations. The name is also found in England, possibly due to immigration from Jewish communities in Eastern Europe or the Middle East. Over time, variations such as Bender, Bandor, and Bendore have emerged, reflecting the linguistic and cultural adaptations of families who bear this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bendor

The surname Bendor is predominantly found in Israel and the United Kingdom, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Israel, it is most prevalent among the Jewish population, particularly in cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. The name has historical roots dating back to the medieval period in the Hebron region of Israel, where a town named Beit-Hanoun or Bendor once stood. In the UK, the Bendor surname is less common but has been recorded in counties such as Essex, Suffolk, and London, suggesting potential immigration from Israel or other regions with large Jewish populations. Additionally, there are smaller numbers of people with the Bendor surname in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States, likely due to migration from Israel or the UK over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bendor

The surname Bendor has several variations and spelling alterations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include:

1. Bendore
2. Bendour
3. Benador
4. Benendore
5. Bentor
6. Beondore
7. Beonadore
8. Byndor
9. Byndour
10. Vindor
11. VinDour
12. Vindore
13. VinDoore

These variations may be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and England. It is important to note that while these variants share similar roots with the original surname Bendor, they may have distinct origins or meanings depending on their historical context.

Famous people with the last name Bendor

Notable individuals with the surname Bendor include:

1. Michael Bendor (born 1986), an American computer programmer and free software advocate, best known for his work on Sylpheed, a free email client, and as a developer for the Tor Project.
2. Jared Bendis-Bendor (born 1973), an American mathematician specializing in number theory and algebraic geometry. He is currently a professor at Williams College.
3. Paul Bendor-Samuel (1925-2016), a British anthropologist known for his work on the Kpelle people of Liberia, particularly focusing on their traditional religion.
4. Michael Bendner (born 1988), a German former professional footballer who played as a defender. He spent most of his career in the German lower leagues.
5. Rachel Bendit-Bendor (born 1972), an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. She is best known for her work on the documentary "I Am Not Rappaport" and the feature film "The Big Shot."

Genealogical research on the last name Bendor

The surname Bendor is of English origin and is believed to have derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests it could originate from the Old French "beau-dun," meaning "fine hill." Another theory proposes a connection to the Anglo-Norman word "bendore," meaning "standard bearer." The name may also have come from places named Bendor in France, such as Bénodet or Bédoin. One of the earliest records of the name appears in the 13th century in England with Roger Bendore. Notable figures bearing this surname include Rabbi Hayim ben Moses Bendor, a medieval Jewish philosopher and author; Sir Robert Bendor-Thomas, a British Conservative politician; and Sarah Bendor-Short, an English mathematician and academic. The name has various spellings including Bendore, Bendour, and Benador.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bendor"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025