Last Name Bulger

The last name Bulger has origins in Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Irish surname "Ó Bolgair," which means "descendant of Bolgair." This surname is derived from the Gaelic word "bolg," meaning "bag." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who carried or made bags. The Bulger surname is most commonly found in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bulger

The meaning and origin of the last name Bulger

The surname Bulger is of English and Irish origin. In England, it is derived from the Old English personal name "Bul(o)gar," meaning "dweller by the Bulgarian," which suggests that an ancestor may have come from the Balkans or had some connection to the Balkan region. Alternatively, the name may have been a nickname given to someone who had physical characteristics resembling those attributed to people from Bulgaria. In Ireland, the surname Bulger is commonly found in County Waterford and is of Gaelic origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Mac an Bhulgair," which translates to "son of the bag carrier." The bag or "bolg" referred to was typically a beggar's bag or a clergyman's wallet. It is likely that the original name holder was either a servant or a carrier of such bags, and the name became associated with their occupation. Over time, variations of the name Bulger have emerged, including Bulge, Bolscher, and Boulger.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bulger

The last name "Bulger" has a limited geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in English-speaking countries. The name is most prevalent in the United States and Ireland, where it originated. In the United States, the concentration of the Bulger surname is highest in states with large Irish-American populations, particularly Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois. This is likely due to historical immigration patterns, as many Irish individuals with the name Bulger settled in these areas during mass migrations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, significant numbers of individuals with the last name Bulger can be found in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, likely due to links to Irish immigration and shared colonial history. Though the distribution of the last name Bulger is not extensive globally, it exhibits a strong connection to regions with a historical Irish influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bulger

The last name Bulger is a relatively uncommon surname with limited variations and spellings. However, there are a few potential variations and alternate spellings that exist. One common variation is the spelling "Bolger," which occasionally occurs, possibly due to regional dialects or errors in official records. Another potential variation is "Boulger," occasionally seen specifically in Ireland, where the name has Irish origins. While these variations can occur, they are relatively infrequent compared to the standard spelling "Bulger." It is worth noting that surnames are subject to changes and adaptations over time, so there might be additional spelling variations that have arisen but are not widely acknowledged. Ultimately, the majority of individuals with this surname are likely to be using the standard spelling "Bulger."

Famous people with the last name Bulger

James J. Bulger Jr., commonly known as Whitey Bulger, was a notorious American crime boss and FBI informant. Born in 1929, Bulger rose to prominence as the leader of the Winter Hill Gang in Boston during the 1970s and 1980s. His criminal activities included racketeering, extortion, and murder, which garnered him a fearsome reputation in the criminal underworld. Bulger's criminal empire, however, was eventually exposed, leading to his arrest in 2011 after spending 16 years on the run. He was convicted of 11 murders, among other crimes, and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison. His life and criminal exploits have been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and even a feature film. It is important to note that there are other individuals with the last name Bulger who are not connected to the infamous crime boss. However, their prominence or fame may not be as widely recognized.

Genealogical research on the last name Bulger

The last name Bulger has its origins in Ireland, specifically in the eastern province of Leinster. The name is an anglicization of the Gaelic name Mac an Bhulgair, which translates to "son of the bulging one." The Bulger family can trace their roots back to the ancient O'Byrne clan, who were prominent during the medieval period. The O'Byrnes were known for their resistance against English rule, and this historical context likely played a role in the patronymic name Bulger's evolution. Over time, the Bulgers spread throughout Ireland, with notable concentrations in Counties Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow. Immigration to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries also contributed to the dispersion of the surname, particularly in cities like Boston, where a significant Irish population settled. Today, individuals with the last name Bulger can be found in various parts of the world, reflecting the family's diaspora and the influence of Irish immigration.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bulger"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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