Last Name Bohan

The surname "Bohan" has Irish origins. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Buadhacháin," which means "descendant of Buadhachán." The name itself is a diminutive form of the Gaelic word "buaidh" meaning "victory" or "triumph." The Bohans historically have been associated with the area of County Clare in Ireland.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Bohan

The surname Bohan originates from Ireland and has different accepted spellings such as Bohane, Bohannan, or Bohannon. Derived from the Gaelic name Ó Buadhacháin, it is a patronymic surname meaning "descendant of Buadhachán." The Gaelic element "Buadhach" means "victorious" or "triumphant." The name suggests that the original bearers of this surname were likely warriors or individuals who achieved notable victories in battles. The Bohan family was predominantly concentrated in County Cork, particularly in the region around Mallow and Roscommon. Over time, members of the Bohan clan emigrated to other parts of Ireland and abroad, perpetuating the surname's presence in various countries. Today, the name is not very common but remains an important part of Irish genealogy and heritage, serving as a reminder of the ancestors who carried this heroic name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bohan

The last name "Bohan" can be found in various parts of the world, with notable concentrations in certain regions. In Ireland, Bohan is a fairly common surname, particularly in counties such as Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, and Mayo. This is due to the historical presence of the Bohan clan in these areas. In the United States, Bohan is found among Irish-American communities, most prominently in states such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois. Australian records show Bohan as a surname present among Irish immigrants who settled in the country, especially in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Other countries where the name Bohan has been recorded include Canada, England, and Scotland, often as a result of Irish diaspora and immigration. It is worth noting that while these regions have a notable concentration of the surname Bohan, individuals with this name can also be found scattered in various other parts of the world due to migration, intermarriage, and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bohan

The last name Bohan has several variations and spellings depending on the region and historical context. Some common variations include Bohane, Bohann, Bohanne, and Bowhan. These variations may have emerged due to the pronunciation of the name in different dialects or the migration of Bohans to different countries over time. Furthermore, as with many surnames, spelling variations are also common. Some examples of alternate spellings of Bohan are Bouhan, Bowen, Boan, Buahan, Bohun, and Behan. These variations could have been caused by clerical errors, phonetic changes, or simply personal preference. Additionally, variations in spelling and pronunciation may have occurred as Bohan families migrated and settled in different regions, such as Ireland, the United States, Canada, or Australia. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Bohan reflect the diverse origins and history of the individuals who bear this surname.

Famous people with the last name Bohan

Unfortunately, I could not find any famous individuals with the last name Bohan who have gained significant recognition or prominence. It is possible that the surname Bohan may not be commonly associated with well-known public figures or individuals who have achieved widespread fame. However, it is important to note that this does not diminish the value or significance of individuals with the last name Bohan in their own respective fields or communities. Famous or not, every person has the potential to make a positive impact and contribute to society in their own unique way. Fame does not define a person's worth or accomplishments; rather, it is their character, actions, and contributions that truly matter.

Genealogical research on the last name Bohan

The surname Bohan has Irish origins and is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name Ó Buadhacháin, meaning "descendant of Buadhachán," which itself means "victorious." The Bohan family can be traced back to County Donegal in Ireland, where they were known for their resilience and strength. Over the years, the Bohan surname spread to other regions of Ireland, such as County Mayo and County Cavan. The Bohan family played various roles in Irish society, holding positions of influence and power. Today, descendants of the Bohan family can be found all over the world, particularly in countries with large Irish immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Bohan surname continues to be a symbol of pride and heritage for those who bear it.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bohan"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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