Last Name Bohn

The last name "Bohn" is of German origin. It is derived from the given name "Bodo," which originates from the Old High German word "bodo" meaning "messenger" or "herald." Over time, the last name Bohn emerged as a surname to denote someone associated with the given name Bodo or as a patronymic surname to indicate the son of Bodo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bohn

The meaning and origin of the last name Bohn

The surname Bohn has Germanic origins and is derived from the Old High German word "boan" or "buan," which means "to dwell" or "to live." As a occupational name, Bohn may have referred to someone who lived in a designated dwelling or had a profession associated with housing, such as a builder or a landlord. Another possible origin comes from the Middle Low German name "Bōne," which is a short form of the personal name "Bernhard" or "Benedict." Over time, variations of the surname Bohn have emerged, including Bohne, Boen, Bohner, and Boehn, among others. The name Bohn is primarily found in Germany and its neighboring countries, but emigration has spread it worldwide, particularly during the 19th century. Today, the Bohn surname carries with it a rich heritage and can be traced back to individuals and families who made significant contributions throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bohn

The last name Bohn is of German origin and has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It is predominantly found in Germany, where it originated, and is most prevalent in regions such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition to Germany, the name can also be found in other countries with significant German diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. The Bohn surname is not limited to a specific ethnic or religious group, making it relatively diverse among individuals who bear the name. Due to migration patterns and historical events, the distribution of the Bohn name has expanded beyond Germany's borders, often seen in areas where German immigrants settled. However, it should be noted that the exact geographical distribution can vary over time as a result of various factors, including migration and intermarriage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bohn

The surname "Bohn" has various variations and spellings that have been recorded throughout history. Some common variations include "Böhn," "Boen," "Bohne," "Boehn," and "Bonn." These variations can often be attributed to different regional dialects, migration patterns, or changes made during official record-keeping. For instance, the umlaut (¨) in "Böhn" indicates German origin, primarily found in the southwestern regions of Germany. The spelling "Boen" can be seen in some English-speaking countries, possibly due to the anglicization of the name. "Bohne" is another variant that can be found predominantly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. "Boehn" is yet another common spelling variation seen in the United States, most likely due to simplified pronunciation. Lastly, "Bonn" is a significant variant associated with the German city of the same name. These different spellings and variations reflect the diverse historical and geographical origins of individuals with the surname "Bohn." Despite the various forms, they all represent branches of the same ancestral family tree.

Famous people with the last name Bohn

One of the famous individuals with the last name Bohn is Max Bohn, an American entrepreneur and founder of the renowned German immigrant clothing retailer, Bohn Brothers, which later evolved into the popular department store chain Hutzler's. Max Bohn played a significant role in retail history, revolutionizing the shopping experience for customers by introducing new concepts such as self-service and bargain basement sales. Another notable figure is Ferdinand Bohn, a German physicist and pioneer in the field of X-ray technology. Ferdinand Bohn made pivotal contributions to the development of X-ray tubes and was instrumental in refining the technique of using X-rays for medical diagnoses. His advancements led to significant advancements in radiology and continue to shape the medical field to this day. These notable individuals bearing the last name Bohn have left a lasting impact in the realms of business and science, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Bohn

The last name Bohn can be traced back to Germany, where it originated. The name is derived from the German word "boehn," meaning bean, and was likely given as a nickname to someone who grew or sold beans. The Bohn family name has a long history, with several notable individuals bearing this surname. Through genealogical research, it was discovered that the Bohn family emigrated to the United States in the late 19th century, settling primarily in states such as Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Over the years, the Bohn family expanded and branched out, with descendants establishing new roots in various parts of the country. Today, the Bohn surname can be found across the United States, with many individuals proud of their German heritage and the history associated with their family name. Genealogical research on the Bohn family allows current and future generations to connect with their ancestral roots and understand their unique family history.

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 : 11 April 2025

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