The surname Bola is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from a variety of sources.
1. Occupational name: It may have been an occupational name for a maker of bolas (balls), used as a weapon or in bullfighting. In this context, "bola" comes from the Latin "bulla," meaning ball or globe.
2. Topographical name: It may also be a topographical name for someone who lived by a round hill or mound, derived from the Latin "bulus" or Old Portuguese "bola," both meaning bull or round object.
3. Diminutive name: In some cases, Bola could be a diminutive form of names ending in -baldo (meaning bright or famous), such as Rodrigo or Gonzalo, with the suffix "-bala" used to create a more affectionate or endearing name for a child.
As with many surnames, it is important to note that the exact origin and meaning can vary based on individual family histories and regional dialects.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Bola
The meaning and origin of the last name Bola
The surname Bola is primarily of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from various sources. One possible origin is from the Occitan word "bola," which means ball or sphere. This could have been used as an occupational name for a maker of balls or any object shaped like a ball. Another source suggests that it might originate from the Basque word "bolo" meaning ox, hence serving as a nickname or metonymic occupational name for someone who owned or worked with cattle. The surname Bola is also present in Africa, particularly among Yoruba people in Nigeria and Ghana, where it may have different meanings and origins specific to those cultures.
Geographical distribution of the last name Bola
The surname Bola is predominantly distributed across several West African countries, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, due to their shared cultural and historical ties. In Nigeria, it is most common in the Yoruba-speaking regions in the southwestern part of the country, such as Oyo, Osun, Lagos, and Ogun states. In Ghana, it can be found among the Akan people, particularly in the Ashanti and Central Regions. The name also has a presence in other African countries like Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone, suggesting possible migrations or colonization influences from Nigeria and Ghana. Additionally, small populations bearing the surname Bola can be found in other parts of the world, particularly the United States, due to migration from Africa during the late 20th century.
Variants and spellings of the last name Bola
The surname Bola has various spelling and pronunciation variants due to transcription errors and regional differences. Some common versions include Bolas, Bolle, Bolla, Boala, and Bowla. These variations can be found across different regions and countries, including Portugal, Nigeria, Spain, Italy, and the Philippines, where the name originated from. In Portuguese, "Bola" means ball, while in Igbo (one of the languages spoken in Nigeria), it is a personal name that translates to "man." The spelling can also change due to family preferences or the influence of languages other than the original one.
Famous people with the last name Bola
Raphael Bola is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Ghana national team and French club Lille. He was born in Togo but moved to France at an early age where he began his football career. Bola Zungar, on the other hand, is a Nigerian politician who served as Minister of State for Defence from 2011 to 2013. Born in Kano, Nigeria, he has held various political positions and was a member of the People's Democratic Party. In music, Femi Bola, also known as T-Bolz, is a Nigerian rapper and singer who rose to fame with his hit single "Gbese." He was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and his music combines elements of Afrobeat, hip hop, and reggae. Lastly, Samuel Bola, a Kenyan-born mathematician, is known for his work in algebraic geometry and representation theory. He has held academic positions at various universities including the University of Michigan and Stanford University.
Genealogical research on the last name Bola
The surname Bola is of Spanish origin, derived from the diminutive form of the given name Bolado, which means "peppered" or "spotted." It is most commonly found in Spain and Portugal. In Portugal, it has been recorded since at least the 13th century, often spelled as Balão, Balao, or Balló. The surname then spread to other regions due to historical events such as the Portuguese Age of Discoveries (15th to 18th centuries), colonization, and migration. In English-speaking countries, it is most frequently encountered among descendants of Spanish and Portuguese immigrants, particularly in South America, the United States, and Canada. Notable individuals with the surname Bola include Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nigerian writer Helon Habila.
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