Last Name Bodin

The surname Bodin is of Old French origin, derived from a personal name "Baudouin" which was composed of the Germanic elements "bald" meaning bold and "wine" meaning friend or kin. It was introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. The name has various spellings including Boden, Bodin, Bodington, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bodin

The meaning and origin of the last name Bodin

The surname Bodin is of French origin, stemming primarily from Normandy and Brittany regions in present-day France. The name is derived from the Old Norse "búðr," meaning "dwelling" or "house," indicating that the original bearers of this surname were likely associated with a particular dwelling or estate. Over time, as families migrated and settled in new areas, variations in spelling and pronunciation occurred. The name Bodin is also found in Scotland due to the influence of French-speaking Normans during the Middle Ages. In modern times, individuals bearing the surname Bodin can be found worldwide, with a significant number still residing in France and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bodin

The surname Bodin is predominantly found in Scandinavia, specifically in Sweden and Norway, where it originated from the medieval period. A significant number of individuals with this last name reside in these countries today. The distribution in Sweden exhibits a concentration in the central and western regions, particularly around Västergötland, Örebro, and Södermanland provinces. In Norway, Bodin is most prevalent in Møre og Romsdal, Nordland, and Troms. Additionally, smaller populations of people with this surname can be found in Finland, Denmark, France, and the United States, primarily among Scandinavian immigrants or their descendants. The geographical dispersion reflects historical migratory patterns and settlements of the Bodin family throughout Europe and North America over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bodin

The surname Bodin has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Bodden, Boddin, Boddyn, Bodhin, and Baudin. It is originally of Old Norse origin, derived from the name "Boddi," which means "dweller by the boat." This name was common among Scandinavian settlers in Iceland, Faroe Islands, and Greenland. Over time, due to migration and cultural assimilation, variations and spellings of Bodin have emerged in various countries. However, it is important to note that these variations may not necessarily be related by descent or origin but can result from phonetic changes, misinterpretations during record-keeping, or individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Bodin

Notable individuals with the surname Bodin include Jean Bodin (1530-1596), a French jurist and political philosopher who is considered one of the founders of modern political science, best known for his work "Six Livres de la République." Another well-known figure is Marshall Clagett Boden (born 1929), an American mathematician and historian of mathematics. He has made significant contributions to the field of dynamical systems, particularly in the study of chaos theory. Additionally, Daniel Bodin (born 1974), a Swedish political scientist, is known for his research on terrorism and counterterrorism policies, having authored several influential books on the subject. Lastly, Hanna Wirman Bodin (1862-1953) was a Finnish artist and sculptor who is celebrated for her contribution to Finland's national art movement.

Genealogical research on the last name Bodin

The surname Bodin is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Bodvir or Bodvarr, which means "famous in battle." This name was brought to France during the Viking invasions and later migrated with Normans to England after the conquest of 1066. In the Middle Ages, Bodin was primarily found in Normandy, but due to political and religious upheavals, many families left France for other parts of Europe. The name is believed to have migrated to Scotland in the late medieval period and later to England during the reigns of William the Conqueror and his successors. In the 12th century, records show Bodin as a settlement in Yorkshire, England, suggesting that some of the families may have settled there. The Bodin family is also found in Ireland, particularly in County Wexford, where they are recorded since the 1600s. Today, the Bodin surname can be found throughout Western Europe and its diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bodin"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends