Last Name Bodere

The surname "Bodere" is of French origin. It comes from a place name in various regions of France, such as Baudré (Vendée) and Baudres (Haute-Garonne). These names are derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name "Baudericus", which was composed of the elements "baudus" meaning "bold" or "daring," and "-ricus" a diminutive suffix. In France, surnames were often adopted from the local place where an individual lived or held lands. Therefore, the surname Bodere is most likely a habitation name for someone who was from one of these places named Baudré or Baudres.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bodere

The meaning and origin of the last name Bodere

The surname Bodere is believed to have origins in the British Isles, particularly England, though its exact etymology is not definitively known due to the lack of historical records related specifically to this name. However, it's possible that Bodere could be a topographic surname derived from a place named with Old English elements "bōd" meaning "prince, nobleman" and "ær," which meant "enclosed land." As with many surnames, the transition from a place-name to a personal name occurred during the Middle Ages when people started to be identified by their occupations or the places they lived. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to factors such as transliteration errors and individual preference. Today, Bodere is found among the English-speaking population worldwide, with concentrations in England and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bodere

The surname Bodere has a predominantly French origin, and its geographical distribution primarily reflects the historical migration patterns of French speakers. It is most concentrated in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and Franche-Comté. Outside of France, a significant number of individuals with the last name Bodere can be found in Canada, especially in Quebec, reflecting the large French Canadian population. Smaller numbers of people bearing the surname Bodere are also located in the United States, predominantly in states with a high concentration of French-speaking immigrants or descendants, such as Louisiana and Maine. Additionally, there are some families with the name Bodere residing in Belgium, Switzerland, and other European countries with historical ties to France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bodere

The surname Bodere has several variations and spellings. These include Bauder, Bauderer, Bauderre, Baodor, Baoder, Bayder, Baydur, and possibly others due to phonetic changes or regional differences in spelling. It is important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on factors such as the country of origin, the specific region within a country, and the time period from which the name was recorded. As with many surnames, variations may arise over time due to factors such as handwriting style, dialect, and recording errors. It is always recommended to consult historical records or reliable genealogical sources for accurate information regarding the spelling of one's surname.

Famous people with the last name Bodere

The Bodere surname is relatively uncommon yet boasts a few notable figures. In the world of entertainment, there is Mark Bodé, an American comic book artist and painter, known for his psychedelic style and contributions to underground comix in the 1960s and 1970s. In sports, Robert Bode was a professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1978 and 1991. Notably, he won the Stanley Cup three times during his career. In the realm of academia, Michael Bodie is an American literary critic and professor, known for his works on queer theory and African-American literature. Lastly, in music, there is Jon Boden, a British folk musician and founder of the band Bellowhead. He is renowned for his versatile vocal range and instrumental skills. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, reflect the diverse talents and accomplishments associated with the Bodere surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Bodere

The surname Bodere is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locations in France such as Baudéres, a commune in the Tarn department, or Boudry, a village in the Neuchâtel canton of Switzerland. Historically, it was often spelled with different variations including Baudaire, Baudere, Bodair, and Bodar, reflecting its evolution over time due to regional dialects and scribal interpretation. The earliest known record of the name appears in Normandy during the 12th century with the marriage of Gervais Bodair to Almise de St. Sauveur in 1170. Some notable bearers of the surname include Etienne Bodere, a French knight who fought in the Hundred Years War, and Jean-Baptiste Bodin de Boisdeffre, a French military engineer during the Age of Enlightenment. Today, the Bodere family name is found primarily in France, Switzerland, and among French Canadian descendants in North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bodere"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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