Surname Bodden - Meaning and Origin
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Bodden: What does the surname Bodden mean?
The last name Bodden is a patronymic surname derived from the Old English given name Boden, meaning "one who lives by a shallow body of water". A shallow body of water is a body of water that is less than six feet deep.
The root of the given name is the Old English word "boda", which means to announce, proclaim, or declare. It essentially derived from the religious context of the time period, as a person with the name would "declare" religious truths. Later, it became more secularly related to the meaning of a messenger or announcer.
The last name Bodden is most commonly found in the British Isles, where it originated. It is a rare surname found primarily in England with few records of the last name being found in other areas outside the British Isles.
The origin of the name implies a connection with a shallow body of water, as well as a connection to religious messengers of truth. Its uncommonness in different language and its prevalence in the British Isles suggest a common ancestry for those who bear the last name. It is an interesting bit of history to be remembered and passed down for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisBodden: Where does the name Bodden come from?
The last name Bodden is common today in parts of the Caribbean, most notably in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. It is also common among the Miskito people of Nicaragua and Honduras.
The origin of the name is uncertain, with some theories suggesting a connection to Thomas Bodden, a Scottish merchant who immigrated to Jamaica in the 1650s. It is believed that he began a large family in the region, leading to the surname becoming common in the local population.
The Bodden family remains prominent in Jamaica today, with some members active in politics and business. The descendents of Thomas Bodden are among the largest landowners in Jamaica today, and the family is renowned for producing significant contributions to Jamaican culture.
In the Cayman Islands, the Bodden name is prominent in local politics. Former Royal Cayman Islands Police Commissioner Stuart Bodden served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 2013 to 2021.
In addition to their presence in the Caribbean, the Bodden family has travelled to other parts of the world, including other areas of the Americas, Europe, and even Australia and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Bodden
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Bodden include Bauden, Baunden, Bawden, Bawdene, Bawdon, Bawdry, Bodan, Boddin, Boddon, Boden, Bodeyne, Bodi, Bodin, Bodine, Boding, and Bodon.
The Bodden surname is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom. In England, it was a Norman name that was derived from an Old English word that meant 'valley.' It is also believed to have been derived from an old German word that meant 'valley.'
In Scotland, the Bodden surname is believed to have been derived from an old Celtic word meaning 'hill.' It may also have been derived from the Gaelic word 'bodh' which means a shelter or dwelling.
In France, the Bauden surname is believed to have derived from a given name that was changed to Bauden with the addition of the French suffix '-en.'
In Ireland, the Bawden surname is believed to have been derived from an old Gaelic term meaning 'a brown-haired man.'
The Bodden surname is believed to be the anglicized version of various other names, including Boden, Bodin, Bodi, and Bodine, which were Anglicized versions of given names.
In Germany, the Boden surname is believed to be derived from an old German word meaning 'valley.' It may also have been derived from an old biblical Hebrew name, Boaz, which means 'strength.'
No matter how it originated, the Bodden surname has been established in history across various parts of the world and appears in hundreds of variations.
Famous people with the name Bodden
- Shannon Bodden: a professional basketball player who played in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
- George Bodden: a former Governor of the Cayman Islands
- Bethany Bodden: a professional dancer who is a member of the Competitive All Star Dance Team.
- Alex Bodden: a professional volleyball player who is a member of the Canadian National Volleyball Team.
- Quinton Bodden: a freestyle longboarder and downhill skater.
- Todd Bodden: an American football coach and NFL player.
- Adrian Bodden: a former NBA player and member of the Boston Celtics.
- Natalie Bodden: Miss Ireland 2017.
- Kenneth Bodden: a former professional boxer and the uncle of NFL player Clinton Portis.
- William Bodden: a botanist and plant researcher.