Surname Bohannon - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the History of the Bohannon Lineage: A Comprehensive DNA Test Report from iGENEA

Acquiring a DNA test from iGENEA presented me an extraordinary opportunity to delve deeper into the history and lineage of my Bohannon surname. The technical aspect of the procedure was both straightforward and precise, ultimately leading me to discover the rich Gaelic origins and migratory patterns of the Bohannon lineage.

W. Bohannon

Bohannon: What does the surname Bohannon mean?

Bohannon is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name "Ó Buachain," which means "descendant of Buach." The prefix "Ó" denotes "descendant of" or "grandson of," and "Buach" is a personal name possibly derived from the Gaelic word "buachaill," meaning "herdsman" or "boy." Therefore, the surname Bohannon could convey the idea of being a descendant of a herdsman or a boy. It is worth noting that the exact meaning of personal Gaelic names like Buach may be lost to history. As with many surnames, variations in spelling exist due to regional differences and Anglicization, and Bohannon is sometimes found as Bohan, Bohane, or Bowen.

Bohannon: Where does the name Bohannon come from?

The surname Bohannon is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Buacháin," which translates to "descendant of Buachán." The name Buachán itself refers to "little boy" or "young chieftain." The Bohannon surname is a patronymic, meaning that it originates from the first name of a male ancestor.

Today, the Bohannon name is most common in the United States, with a particularly high concentration in southern states like Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Alabama. Significant numbers can also be found in Ireland and other English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

It is essential to note the surname can have various spellings, including Bohan, Buhanan, Bohanan, and Buchanan, among others, making the exact tracking of the name somewhat complex. Despite these challenges, the continued existence of the Bohannon name worldwide emphasizes the lasting influence of the Gaelic cultures and traditions.

Variations of the surname Bohannon

The surname Bohannon is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "O'Buadhachain," which signifies "descendant of Buadhachan." This surname is primarily associated with Irish ancestry.

Though Bohannon is the more common spelling in the United States, other variations and spellings of the Bohannon surname include: Bohanon, Bohannan, Bonannon, Bohenen, Bonhanon, Bohannen, Boenon, Beannan, and Bohunnon. There is also the Irish spelling O'Buadhachain, which is a bit less common but still related.

The surname has been anglicized in a number of ways, reflecting different regions and dialects within Ireland and the later influence of English spelling rules. This is why there are so many variations on the spelling.

Keep in mind that while these surnames are technically variations of one another, they may indicate different branches of the same family or be related in more distant ways. In addition, due to the nature of records and documentation, it's possible that some of these spellings emerged from transcription errors or changes made at Ellis Island or other entry points into the United States.

It's always a good idea to dive into individual family histories to trace the exact lineage and origin of specific surnames.

Famous people with the name Bohannon

• Hamilton Bohannon: An American percussionist, band leader, songwriter, and record producer, who was one of the leading figures in 1970s disco/dance music.
• Jim Bohannon: An American broadcaster who was among America's most familiar radio voices with millions of weekly listeners.
• Cappie Carmine Bohannon: Known as "Cappie", she was an American professional volleyball player.
• Jennifer Bohannon: An award-winning producer who has worked on hit shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul."
• Larry Bohannon: A renowned journalist, currently writing for the Desert Sun.
• Brandon Bohannon: An accomplished wrestler who competes in the NCAA.
• Steve Bohannon: Known for his work as a horse trainer in the racing industry.
• Euphamaey Bohannon: An American blues singer from the early 20th century.
• Andrew Bohannon: An actor and producer known for his work in independent film.
• Brian Bohannon: Head coach of the Kennesaw State Owls football team. Please note, the level of fame of these individuals varies, and some are more locally or industry-specific well-known figures rather than world-renowned celebrities.

Other surnames

Bohann