Surname Bohndorff - Meaning and Origin
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Bohndorff: What does the surname Bohndorff mean?
The last name Bohndorff is an ancient German surname with roots in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old German and derived from an individual named Bodo, with the "roff" suffix indicating ownership or kin. The Old High German " Bodo" means "messenger" or "envoy," indicating an ancestor who was a messenger.
The Bohndorffs were among the first settlers of America in the 1600s, coming from Germany to the original thirteen colonies in search of religious and economic freedom. For many generations, the Bohndorffs have been prominent in the region and have been involved in their local community.
According to local legend, during the Revolutionary War, some members of the Bohndorff family joined the Patriots in the fight for American independence. The Bohndorffs are also believed to have contributed to the development of industry in their local community, including founding a major flour mill.
Today, the Bohndorffs have become an established and respected family, with members living in many countries and continuing to contribute to the development of their local communities. The Bohndorff name is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the youngest members of the family, who strive to uphold the legacy of their ancestors and to ensure that the Bohndorff name continues to carry with it an honorable and long-standing reputation.
Order DNA origin analysisBohndorff: Where does the name Bohndorff come from?
The last name Bohndorff is primarily found in Germany, Denmark, and the United States. It is believed to be of German origin and derived from "bundle making" or "bundle-bearing", which was an old Germanic occupation. In records dating as far back as the 1600s, the surname Bohndorff has been found in the northeast German states, as well as in different parts of Denmark.
Bohndorff family members migrated to the United States during the mid-1800s, primarily settling in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. In more recent years, Bohndorff families have been found in California, Florida, and North Carolina.
Today, research indicates that the Bohndorff name has become somewhat rare as the descendants of these families have dispersed across the States and beyond. However, Bohndorffs can still be found in some original family strongholds, most notably the states of Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, as well as Germany and Denmark.
Although Bohndorff may be a rare surname, research indicates that the Bohndorff name has a long and colorful history, connected to both Europe and the United States. Those with Bohndorff ancestry can take comfort in knowing that there is a well-established history of this name and that it has endured through centuries of migration and change.
Variations of the surname Bohndorff
The Bohndorff surname is derived from the German language and its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include ‘Bonenhorst’, ‘Bonenhorst’, ‘Bonenhof’, ‘Bonenforst’, ‘Bonenfurt’, ‘Bohnhorst’, ‘Bohnhöft’, and ‘Böhnhöft’. This surname was primarily used in the German region of the Low Countries, and was originally derived from the German words ‘bonen’ meaning ‘beans’, and ‘horst’ meaning ‘wooded hill’, which combined to reference an individual who lived near a hill or hillside which was lush with a particular type of bean crop.
The modern spelling of this German surname as ‘Bohndorff’ or ‘Böhndorff’ is slightly different from the original spelling of Bonenforst, Bonenhorst, or Bonenhof. It is believed that the shift in spelling was due to the migration of this surname-bearing individuals prior to the twentieth century, as many German-speaking individuals relocated to the United States and other parts of Europe.
Though the spelling of this surname may vary slightly, its variants are still quite recognizable as originating from the same source. This is common among German surnames, and families who share this surname can be sure to find many relatives who share the same roots, and have the same familial connections.
Famous people with the name Bohndorff
- Christopher Bohndorff: the Danish actor who had a recurring role in the television show "The Bridge".
- Jeremy Bohndorff: an American basketball player who currently plays for the University of New Mexico Lobos.
- Mike Bohndorff: former NFL punter who played 11 seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals between 1984 and 1995.
- John Bohndorff: CEO and Managing Director of Skypark Investments, a real estate investment firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Veronika Bohndorff: a German opera singer who has performed around the world in both operas and musicals.
- Julie Bohndorff: an American softball player who played for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Jehaun Bohndorff: a British music producer and DJ who is best known for his productions on BBC Radio 1.
- Alexandra Bohndorff: a Canadian fashion model who has appeared in numerous campaigns and runway shows.
- Melissa Bohndorff: an American actress who starred in the short films Mean Girls 2 and Night Moves.
- Ferdinand Bohndorff: a German politician who was active in the city of Munich in the 19th century.