Last Name Bord

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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bord"
• 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 : 10 June 2025