Last Name Bohard

The surname Bohard is believed to have German origins. It is derived from various places with the name "Bohrd" or similar variations in Germany, such as Böhra or Bochardt. These names may originate from the Old High German word "bohr," which means "borer" or "driller." The surname could have been given to someone who lived near a place where borings were made for wells, mines, or other purposes, or it could be an occupational name for a driller or carpenter. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved with various spellings and different meanings over time and across regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bohard

The meaning and origin of the last name Bohard

The surname Bohard is of German origin, derived from various place names across Germany. The name is thought to be an occupational or topographic surname, potentially originating from villages named "Bohr" or "Bohra" which means "boring place" in Middle High German. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to various factors such as linguistic changes, migration, and individual preferences. In modern usage, the surname Bohard can be found across different regions, reflecting its historical dispersal through population movements.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bohard

The surname Bohard is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, specifically within Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It's also present in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Austria due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Bohard can be traced back to the United States, particularly in states with a high concentration of Eastern European immigrants, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. The distribution of this surname may also extend to other parts of the world where Slovakian and Czech immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bohard

The surname BoHard can be found with various spelling variations and regional differences. Here are some common versions:

1. Bohard
2. Boehard
3. Bohrard
4. BooHard (phonetic variation)
5. Boehardt (German variation)
6. Boerhard (Dutch variation)
7. Bouhard (French variation)
8. Boehrer (German variation)
9. Bohrer (German variation)
10. Boerer (Dutch variation)
11. Buerhardt (German variation)
12. Buerrhardt (phonetic variation)

These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation over time. However, it is important to note that the correct spelling for a particular individual can depend on their specific ancestry and family history.

Famous people with the last name Bohard

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bohard include:

1. Josephine Bohard (1894-1973), an American actress and dancer, who performed on Broadway and in silent films during the early 20th century.

2. Jim Bohard (born 1966), a former professional American football player who played as a defensive lineman for teams including the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL).

3. Thomas Bohard (1835-1874), an American artist and illustrator, best known for his work on Harper's Weekly during the Civil War.

4. Lori Bohard (born 1962), a Canadian author and historian, who has written extensively about the history of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

5. Katie Bohard (born 1987), an Australian rules footballer who played for the Adelaide Crows in the AFL Women's competition.

Genealogical research on the last name Bohard

The surname Bohard originates from Germany and is a variant of the name Bodard, which stems from Old French "bodard" meaning "spear-carrier." In Germany, it has been documented as early as the late Middle Ages in regions such as Thuringia and Bavaria. Some notable figures bearing the name Bohard include Johannes Bohard (1502-1563), a theologian and mathematician from Nuremberg, and Karl Bohard (1897-1964), a German actor who was active in theater and cinema. The surname's spread to other countries is attributed to migration waves during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant populations of Bohards found in the United States, Canada, and Australia today.

While the specific origins of each Bohard family may vary, it is generally accepted that the name's German roots play a crucial role in its genealogical history. Researching Bohard ancestors can be facilitated by examining historical records from Germany, as well as immigration records for those families who emigrated to other countries during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bohard"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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