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Last Name Buholzer

What is the origin of the last name Buholzer?

The last name Buholzer is of Swiss origin. It is derived from the German word "buhle," which means "neighbor" or "friend." The suffix "-er" is common in German surnames and often indicates a place of origin or occupation. Therefore, Buholzer likely originated as a surname for someone who lived near or was friends with someone in a particular location.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Buholzer

The meaning and origin of the last name Buholzer

The surname Buholzer is of Swiss-German origin and is an occupational name for someone who made wooden blocks for pulleys or sheaves. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "buol," meaning block or log, and the suffix "-er," denoting someone who works with or makes a particular object. The name may have been originally used to describe a skilled craftsman or tradesman who specialized in creating and shaping wooden blocks for various industrial purposes. Over time, the surname Buholzer would have been passed down through generations within families involved in the woodworking or carpentry trades, eventually becoming a hereditary surname. Today, individuals with the surname Buholzer may still be found predominantly in Switzerland or areas with historical Swiss-German influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buholzer

The last name Buholzer is most commonly found in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Schwyz. The Buholzer family name has deep roots in this region, with many individuals bearing this surname tracing their ancestry back to the small village of Unteriberg. While the surname is relatively rare outside of Switzerland, there are also pockets of Buholzer descendants in neighboring countries such as Germany and Austria. Additionally, due to migration patterns over the years, there are scattered individuals with the last name Buholzer living in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Buholzer is relatively concentrated in Switzerland, but there are also smaller communities of individuals with this surname in other European countries and around the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buholzer

The last name Buholzer can be spelled in a few different variations, including Buhholzer, Boholzer, and Buhulzer. These alternative spellings may be the result of errors in record-keeping, differences in pronunciation, or regional dialects. Other possible variations of the surname Buholzer could include Beholzer, Buulzer, and Buholtzer. These variations may appear in official documents, genealogical records, and family histories, causing confusion or discrepancies in tracing ancestry. Despite the different spellings, all of these variations likely stem from the same original surname, originating from Swiss German or Austrian roots. Whether spelled as Buholzer, Boholzer, or one of the other potential variations, the name likely carries the same meaning and history for individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Buholzer

There are no famous people with the last name Buholzer that are widely known in the public domain. The surname Buholzer is not a common or well-known last name, and there are no notable individuals in the fields of entertainment, politics, sports, or any other prominent industry that bear this surname. It is possible that there may be individuals with the last name Buholzer who have made contributions to their respective fields, but they may not have achieved widespread recognition or fame. As such, the Buholzer family name does not have any notable figures associated with it in popular culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Buholzer

The surname Buholzer is of Swiss origin, specifically from the central Swiss region of Obwalden. The name is derived from the Germanic personal name Buo or Buh, meaning "bent" or "flexible," and the suffix -ler, a common occupational suffix indicating someone who works in a particular trade or profession. Therefore, Buholzer likely originally referred to someone who worked with bent or flexible materials, such as a reed maker or weaver. The earliest recorded instances of the surname Buholzer date back to the early 16th century in the canton of Obwalden, indicating a long-standing presence in the region. Over the centuries, descendants of the Buholzer family spread throughout Switzerland and possibly beyond, carrying on the family name and continuing the legacy of their ancestors. Today, individuals with the surname Buholzer can be found in various parts of the world, with a strong concentration still in Switzerland.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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