Last Name Bole

The surname "Bole" is of Old French origin. It originally derived from the Old French word "boul", meaning "bolt, stake" or "pillory". The name was initially given to someone who worked as a builder of wooden frameworks for buildings or fortifications, particularly bolts and pillories. In Middle English, the name evolved into various forms such as Boley, Boileau, Boel, Bolle, and Bolleux, depending on regional variations. The surname "Bole" is also found in England, Scotland, and France, indicating a migration of bearers from one of these countries to another during the Middle Ages or Early Modern period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bole

The meaning and origin of the last name Bole

The surname Bole is of Old English origins, derived from the Olde English word "bol" which means 'bowl', 'basin', or 'pot'. This name may have been given to someone who was shaped like a bowl, indicating physical characteristics, or it could have been occupational, denoting a maker or user of bowls. The name could also be locational, derived from places named with the Old English word "bol" such as Bole in Norfolk, England. Over time, various spellings and regional dialects have led to the emergence of several variants, including Boal, Boule, and Bolle, among others. Throughout history, people with the surname Bole can be found across Europe, particularly in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, indicating a long and varied heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bole

The last name Bole has its origins primarily in Europe, notably in Romania and England. In Romania, it is most commonly found in the Transylvania region and is often associated with historical figures such as Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great), who ruled Moldavia in the 15th century and was a member of the House of Băldănescu-Bolești. In England, the surname has been traced back to Norman times and can be found in counties like Northumberland and Durham, where it is thought to have been introduced by Norman conquerors following the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name also appears sporadically across other European countries, including Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. Additionally, due to historical migrations and diasporas, descendants of the Bole family can now be found in various parts of the world, including North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bole

The surname Bole has several variations and spellings, including Boley, Bolle, Boileau, Bouleau, Bohul, Boll, Bollo, Boel, Boell, Boele, Boelle, Boehl, Boehle, Bowles, Boyles, Byles, Byllesby, and Bylisby. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time, regional dialects, or family branch migrations. Each of these spellings represents a potential unique lineage within the broader Bole family tree. However, without further context, it is impossible to definitively establish connections between these different surname versions.

Famous people with the last name Bole

The Bole family is historically significant, particularly in the context of Tudor England. One of its most notable members is Elizabeth Bole (1425-1462), the mother of King Henry VI. Elizabeth was married to John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, and their son, John de la Pole, was briefly pretender to the English throne during the Wars of the Roses. The most famous member of the Bole family, however, is Anne Boleyn (1501-1536), the second wife of King Henry VIII. Anne, who was beheaded on charges of adultery and treason, was the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Her execution marked a turning point in English history, leading to the succession of her daughter, Elizabeth, as queen.

Genealogical research on the last name Bole

The surname Bole originates from England and is particularly associated with two prominent medieval families: the de Boles and the Yorkist House of Plantagenet. The de Boles, also spelled as Bolus or Bulloce, were a Norman-French family who held lands in Cumberland and Westmorland during the 12th century. They were descended from Robert de Buluci, who accompanied William the Conqueror to England in 1066.

The House of Plantagenet, specifically Richard III, was one of the most well-known Bole descendants. His mother was Cecily Neville, a member of another influential family, and his wife Anne Neville was also a Plantagenet. It is from Richard III that the myth of the 'Boleyn' connection arises; one of his mistresses was Elizabeth Boleyn (or Bolen), mother to both Anne Boleyn and George Boleyn, who served as queen consorts to King Henry VIII. Despite this connection, there is no conclusive evidence linking the de Boles and the Plantagenets directly, suggesting a possible unrelated branch of the name in this case.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bole"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 13 June 2025

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