Surname Bodamer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bodamer: What does the surname Bodamer mean?
The last name Bodamer is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “bote,” which means “messenger” or “scribe.” This is corroborated by the spelling variations of the phrase: Bodemann, Bödamm, Botamer, Bötemer, Böttcher, and Böttinger.
The name Bodamer originated in Germany, and its early bearers were usually employed as servants or scribes in the royal courts or for powerful noblemen. These individuals were responsible for carrying messages and documents, as well as writing documents for the court. As a result, it is believed that their surname reflects their occupation.
In 14th century Germany, the Bodamer family had a strong presence in the German colonies, as several of the early German immigrants were named Bodamer. Over the centuries, the last name spread to many European countries, including France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Those bearing the last name Bodamer are usually well-educated and belong to a well-established family with a rich history. They can trace their roots all the way back to the Middle Ages, when they were employed as scribes in the royal courts. The Bodamer family has been associated with various dignified roles, such as the secretary or historian, and therefore have a rather prestigious standing.
Order DNA origin analysisBodamer: Where does the name Bodamer come from?
The last name Bodamer is commonly found today in some parts of the United States, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. It is most prevalent in the United States, where it is estimated that there are around 8,000 people with the Bodamer surname.
In Germany, the name Bodamer can traced to the central and southwestern regions of the country, such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, and Thüringen. It is still quite common today, where it can be found in many small towns and villages throughout these regions.
Austria has a few hundred Bodamers located mostly around the capital city of Vienna, but there are also some in neighboring Styria and parts of Lower Austria.
The Czech Republic, which has seen an influx of German immigrants over the centuries, is home to around 250 people with the surname Bodamer. Most live in the area surrounding the capital city of Prague.
In the United States, the name Bodamer is most commonly found in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Michigan. While it is still popular in certain areas, many Americans who originally bore the name may have had it changed or Anglicized over the years.
No matter which country you are from, if you are a Bodamer, it is likely that you share a common ancestor or two. The history and migration of the Bodamer surname is fascinating and, if you are curious, can be explored with some research.
Variations of the surname Bodamer
The Bodamer surname is believed to have originated in Germany and is thought to be derived from the German name Bademar. It is usually spelled Bodamer, but other common variants and spellings of the same name include Bademar, Bademer, Badermer, Batemar, and Battermar.
Early records show that the Bodamer family originated in what is now called Bavaria, South Germany, and the original spelling of the family name was Bademar. The name was found mainly in South and Lower Germany at this time, and in more rural areas like Hungary and Poland. However, over the years the spelling of the name has changed to a variety of spellings and variants, spreading all over Europe as German immigrants have moved.
In more modern times, the Bodamer name has seen variations in the way it is spelled and pronounced from region to region. In some cases, it is now often spelled Bodemer, Bodmer and Bödamer, as well as Bodimer, Bödmer, Battermar, Batemar and Bademer. These spelling variations have been informally adopted over time as people have used the names to differentiate themselves from others with the same name or "pay homage" to regional or ever-shifting pronunciation.
While the original Bodamer line is Germanic, this name is found in many European countries, especially in the United States due to the influx of German immigration over the centuries. As such, there are many Bodamer's worldwide today.
Famous people with the name Bodamer
- Marc Bodamer: Former NASCAR driver and Fox broadcaster.
- Shawn Bodamer: Major League Baseball player and coach.
- Matt Bodamer: Executive Director of the Specialty Food Association.
- Sarah Bodamer: International contemporary artist.
- John Bodamer: American Air Force Officer and Vietnam veteran.
- Paul Bodamer: Principal of Information Technology at Johnson & Johnson.
- Jeff Bodamer: Missouri-based journalist, editor and author.
- Rev. Dr. Mark Bodamer: Retired senior pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Mary Ellen Bodamer: Professor Emerita of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Dayton.
- Ernest L. Bodamer: An accomplished soldier who served during the Vietnam War.