Last Name Bohn

The surname Bohn is of German origin. It derives from various Middle High German words meaning "bean" or "beech". In some cases, it may also have been a metonymic occupational name for someone who dealt in beans, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a beech tree. The surname has several variations such as Bohne, Boehn, Boon, and von Bohn.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bohn

The meaning and origin of the last name Bohn

The surname Bohn originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German 'bōn' or Middle Dutch 'boon', both meaning "bean" or "pulse". It is an occupational name for a grower of beans, or a nickname for someone with rounded features resembling a bean. The surname Bohn has been recorded in various forms such as Bohne, Boen, Boone, and Buhn over the centuries, reflecting changes in spelling due to regional variations and personal interpretation. It is also believed that the name could have evolved from the Old Norse 'bjónr', meaning "generous" or "kind". The surname Bohn is common throughout Germany, Austria, and countries settled by German immigrants like the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bohn

The surname Bohn has a significant presence across Europe, particularly in Germany and its neighboring countries, reflecting its Germanic origins. In Germany, it is most common in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein regions. In addition to Germany, the name is also prevalent in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, the Bohn family name can be found in the United States, Canada, and South America, where it was introduced through immigration from Germany, particularly during the 19th century. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states with a significant German-American population such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bohn

The surname Bohn has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family lineages over time. Some common variations include Bown, Boon, Bohne, and Bahns. These variations may be found in different regions or countries, with slight alterations in spelling often resulting from the influence of local phonetics and orthography. For example, the German form is "Baumann" (meaning 'man from a tree'), but in English-speaking regions, it has been anglicized to Bohn, representing the same family name. Additionally, Bohn may also be found as a surname among German and Dutch immigrants to other countries.

Famous people with the last name Bohn

Notable individuals with the surname Bohn include:

1. Carl Bohn (1863-1924), an American violinist and composer known for his work with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra.

2. John T. Bohn (1870-1951), an American politician who served as the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri from 1923 to 1925.

3. Paul Bohn (born 1961), an American chemist and materials scientist known for his work on polymer nanocomposites. He is currently a professor at Purdue University.

4. Uwe Böhnhardt (1976-2011), one of the members of the National Socialist Underground (NSU), a far-right extremist organization in Germany that carried out a series of racially motivated murders between 2000 and 2007.

5. Wanda Bohn (born 1946), an American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the 1980s, including "The A-Team", "Matlock", and "Ghost Whisperer".

Genealogical research on the last name Bohn

The surname Bohn is of German origin and means 'farmer' or 'peasant'. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'bo(o)ne', meaning 'stem, trunk, or pillar'. The name has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Bohne, Boe, Boehn, and Bohn.

One of the earliest records of the Bohn family is found in Germany in the 13th century. A certain Henricus Bon was mentioned in a document from the diocese of Hildesheim in Lower Saxony in 1250. The name later spread to other parts of Europe, including Denmark and Sweden, due to migration and colonization during the Middle Ages.

In the United States, the Bohn family arrived in significant numbers in the mid-19th century, primarily from Germany, with smaller groups coming from Denmark and Norway. Notable descendants include James Henry Bohn, a prominent 19th-century architect from St. Louis, Missouri; and David A. Bohn, an American mathematician who made contributions to the field of number theory.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bohn"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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