Last Name Bohannon

The surname Bohannon is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Buadhacháin, which means "descendant of Buadhachán." The Gaelic name Buadhachán is a diminutive of Buadhach, meaning "victorious" or "triumphant." The surname Bohannon is primarily found in Ireland and its English forms have various spellings, including Bohan, Boden, and Bowhan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bohannon

The meaning and origin of the last name Bohannon

The surname Bohannon is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Buadhacháin," which translates to "descendant of Buadhachán." The name Buadhachán itself is a diminutive form of "buadhach," meaning "victorious" or "triumphant" in Gaelic. As a surname, Bohannon was originally found in County Clare and County Cork in Ireland, where powerful clans thrived. The clan members were possibly known for their prowess in battle or their notable achievements. Over time, some descendants of the clan migrated to other parts of the world, particularly the United States, due to factors like famine and economic opportunities. As they settled in new regions, the name underwent various anglicizations, with Bohannon being one of the more common forms. Today, Bohannon is a relatively uncommon surname, but it still carries the rich heritage and history of the Irish clans from which it originated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bohannon

The last name Bohannon is primarily found in the United States, with a significant population concentrated in the southern states. It is believed to have originated from the Gaelic surname "Ó Buadhacháin," meaning "descendant of Buadhachán." In the US, the highest concentration of the Bohannon surname can be found in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. These states were historically influenced by Irish, Scottish, and English immigrants, who may have brought the name with them. In addition, cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Kansas City also have notable populations of Bohannons. Over time, some Bohannons may have migrated to other parts of the country, leading to a scattered distribution of the surname. Although less common, there may also be individuals with the Bohannon last name in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada and Australia, due to migration and colonization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bohannon

The last name Bohannon has several variations and spellings due to the complexities and evolution of surname spellings over time. Some common variations include Bohannon, Bohannan, Boenham, Bohanen, Boneham, Bonham, and even Bowman. These variants emerged due to different factors such as regional dialects, linguistic conventions, and individual preferences when it came to literacy levels and the ability to spell or record names accurately. For instance, Bohannan and Bohanen could have occurred when scribes or record-keepers phonetically spelled the name based on how it was pronounced by different individuals or regional accents. Similarly, Bonham and Bowman could be a result of individuals consciously altering their surnames to better fit their identity or to differentiate themselves from others with similar names. Ultimately, the variations and spellings of the last name Bohannon reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of language and personal identities throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Bohannon

There are several prominent individuals who share the last name Bohannon. Hamilton Bohannon, an influential musician and producer, is known for his contributions to the funk and disco genres during the 1970s. His popular singles, such as "Let's Start the Dance" and "Disco Stomp," played a significant role in shaping the dance music landscape. Additionally, Carroll W. Bohannon Jr., a renowned architect, made significant contributions to the field of design. His works can be seen in various cities, including Atlanta and Dallas, where his architectural firm Bohannon Stanford excelled in creating iconic structures. Furthermore, Dr. Clarence N. Bohannon, a trailblazing psychologist and scholar, made notable contributions to the field of mental health through his research on child development and therapy. His work has significantly influenced the understanding and treatment of psychological disorders in children. Overall, the Bohannon surname encompasses individuals who have left a lasting impact in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Bohannon

The surname Bohannon is believed to have originated from Ireland, specifically from the Gaelic name "Ó Buadhacháin." The prefix "Ó" indicates "descendant of," while "Buadhacháin" likely derives from the Irish word "buadhach," meaning "victorious" or "triumphant." The earliest recorded instances of the Bohannon surname date back to County Clare in western Ireland during the mid-16th century. Over the years, members of the Bohannon family migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, where the name saw transliteration and Anglicization. In the U.S., Bohannon families can be traced back to the early 18th century, primarily settling in states like Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Many Bohannons played significant roles in the American Civil War and subsequent conflicts. The specific genealogical research on the Bohannon family would require a more detailed examination of birth, marriage, and death records, census data, immigration records, and other relevant historical documents to reconstruct their family tree and track the family's lineage through the generations.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bohannon"
• 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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