Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Bord

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Bord?

The surname Bord (or Borde) is of Old French origin and was originally a geographical name for someone from the region of Bordeaux, a port city in southwestern France. During the Middle Ages, many people took their names from the places where they lived or worked, thus explaining the common occurrence of topographic surnames like Bord/Borde. This name was later brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest of 1066 and eventually spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bord

The meaning and origin of the last name Bord

The surname Bord originates from France, specifically the regions of Aquitaine and Gascony. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "bord" which means 'border' or 'edge'. Initially, it was likely used to identify someone who lived near a border or edge, such as a river, or a person whose occupation involved borders, like a boundary marker or surveyor. Over time, as families migrated and settled in other regions, the name spread across Europe and eventually reached other continents through colonialism and migration waves. The surname Bord has several variations including Borde, Bourd, and De Bord.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bord

The surname Bord is predominantly found in France and Spain, with the highest concentration in those countries. In France, it is most common in the southwestern region of Aquitaine, particularly in the departments of Gironde, Landes, and Dordogne. The name also appears frequently in other French regions such as Burgundy and Franche-Comté. In Spain, it is commonly found in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Bord can be found in other countries, including Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and the United States, where it may be a result of French or Spanish immigration. The name Bord is generally believed to have originated as a topographic or occupational name for someone who lived near a boundary or border, or possibly as a nickname for someone who was quick-witted or sharp in business dealings, reflecting the strategic positioning of borders in feudal societies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bord

The surname Bord has several variations and spellings. These include Borde, Board, Borr, Border, Bourd, Bordeaux, and Bourdouex. Each of these variations may have origins in different regions, reflecting the diversity of families sharing this name. For instance, the English form is Board or Bord, while Borde or Bordeaux are typically found in French-speaking countries. The Scottish and Irish forms might be Borr or Border, respectively. The French Bourd is a rare variant, while Bourdouex is a more archaic spelling of Bordeaux. These variations demonstrate the historical migration patterns of families bearing this name, as well as the linguistic changes that have occurred over time.

Famous people with the last name Bord

Notable individuals with the surname Bord include:

1. Georges Bordier (1899-1986), a French chemist known for his work on the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1957.

2. Pierre Bordage (born 1943), a Canadian science fiction writer, best known for his works in the Cyberpunk genre.

3. Michael Bordo (born 1950), an American economist, currently serving as the Rutgers University-Newark Distinguished Professor of Economics at Rutgers University. He is a prominent monetary economist and economic historian.

4. Jean Bordes (1928-2013), a French prehistorian, archaeologist, and paleoanthropologist who contributed significantly to the understanding of human evolution in Europe during the Paleolithic era.

5. Michel Bordessoule (born 1965), a French former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He represented France at the international level and won the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain in 1994.

These individuals, from various fields such as science, literature, economics, archaeology, and sports, have made significant contributions to their respective domains, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments of those bearing the surname Bord.

Genealogical research on the last name Bord

The surname Bord originates from France and is derived from the Old French term "bord" meaning 'edge', 'shore' or 'boundary'. It was typically an occupational name for someone who worked at a boundary, as a surveyor, or a topographical name for someone living near such a feature. The earliest recorded instances of Bord can be traced back to the 13th century in France, with one Guillaume Bord appearing in records from Normandy around 1240.

Over time, families bearing the surname Bord migrated across Europe, primarily to England, Ireland, Scotland, and later, to the British colonies in North America. In England, the name was often recorded as Borde, while in Ireland it became Bourke or Burke. Notable bearers of the surname include Henry Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex (died 1483), who was a prominent English courtier and military leader under Richard III, and the Burke family, who were one of the most powerful and influential Anglo-Irish families during the Middle Ages. Today, the Bord/Bourke/Burke name can be found across numerous countries, reflecting its historic roots and migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Boragina

Last name • surnames > boragina

The last name "Boragina" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the name of the town of Boragine, which is located in the province of Rome in ...

#2 Boraik

Last name • surnames > boraik

The last name "Boraik" is of Egyptian origin.

#3 Borak

Last name • surnames > borak

The last name "Borak" is of Polish origin. It is a surname derived from the Polish word "bor", meaning "pine forest". In Polish culture, the name Borak is often associated with a p...

#4 Borakovic

Last name • surnames > borakovic

The last name Borakovic is of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and possibly Serbia. It is derived from the personal name Borak, which is a diminutive of the name Boris. The...

#5 Boramaa

Last name • surnames > boramaa

The last name "boramaa" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "boramaa," which means "sink" in Finnish. This last name likely originated as a toponymic surname, referri...

#6 Boraschi

Last name • surnames > boraschi

The last name "Boraschi" likely has Italian origins. It is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the name of an ancestor or a father figure. In this case, "Boraschi"...

#7 Borate

Last name • surnames > borate

The last name "Borate" is of Eastern European origin, specifically from Hungary. It is derived from the Hungarian word "bor," meaning wine, and likely originally referred to someon...

#8 Borazio

Last name • surnames > borazio

The last name "Borazio" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Boratius," which is a Latinized form of the Germanic name "Borath" or "Boratto." The name likely...

#9 Borba

Last name • surnames > borba

The surname Borba is of Portuguese origin. It comes from a medieval occupation name for someone who was a blacksmith or armorer, derived from the Old Portuguese word "borbo" meanin...

#10 Borbo

Last name • surnames > borbo

The last name "Borbo" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Latin word "boreas" meaning "north wind". The name may have originated as a nickname for someone with a cold o...

#11 Borbora

Last name • surnames > borbora

The surname "Borbora" originates from the Assamese community in India. It is believed to be derived from the Borbari village in Assam.

#12 Borcard

Last name • surnames > borcard

The last name "Borcard" is of Swiss origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "burc," meaning "castle" or "fortress," which was used as a surna...

#13 Borchetta

Last name • surnames > borchetta

The last name "Borchetta" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "borghetto," which means "small village" or "hamlet." In Italy, surnames often originated from a...

#14 Borci

Last name • surnames > borci

The surname "borci" is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "bor" meaning wine. This surname may have originally been used to denote someone involved in the w...

#15 Bordacahar

Last name • surnames > bordacahar

The surname "Bordacahar" appears to have its origins in the Basque region, a territory located in the northern part of Spain and southern France. It's important to note that I cann...