Surname Bohnlein - Meaning and Origin

Bohnlein: What does the surname Bohnlein mean?

The last name 'Bohnlein' is a common German surname. It is derived from the Middle German words 'böhn', meaning 'bean', and 'lein', meaning 'small', thus reflecting the traditional character of the profession or trade typically associated with the bearer of this surname. It is believed that Bohnlein is an occupational surname, used to denote a small-time bean merchant or grower.

The first recorded mention of any bearer of the Bohnlein surname was in 1225, when Nicholas Borhlein was mentioned as a witness in the Bamberg church district. Over the next centuries, the Bohnlein surname would become much more widespread, especially in the predominately Catholic Bavarian region of Germany, as this area would see a significant influx of people with this last name due to religious persecution and land seizures.

In the United States, the Bohnlein name entered following the waves of immigration from Germany in the 19th century. It is found today throughout the country, but particularly in Pennsylvania and New York, which were among the first states to receive German settlers.

Today, the Bohnlein name is known for its strong family connections and loyalty. The Bohnleins are an enduring presence on the German-American cultural landscape, and their lasting legacy endures through the many descendants of the earliest Bohnlein immigrants.

Bohnlein: Where does the name Bohnlein come from?

The last name Bohnlein is most commonly found in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria in the south. According to records, it is estimated that around 6,000 people around the world have the last name Bohnlein.

In Germany, the last name is more common in areas around Munich, although many people with the surname Bohnlein can also be found in Berlin, Hamburg, and other major cities. People with the surname Bohnlein now mainly reside in the states of Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia, although a few are scattered in other regions.

Outside of Germany, people with the surname Bohnlein can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and in some parts of Europe. In the United States, the Bohnlein family is mainly concentrated in the Midwest, including Wisconsin, and the states of Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Many other people with the last name Bohnlein can also be found in other parts of the U.S. and Canada, including California, Florida, and Toronto.

The people with the last name Bohnlein come from a long line of immigrants who left Germany in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They came primarily for economic reasons and to start fresh in a new land. To this day, the name Bohnlein is still a proud reminder of these immigrants and their determination to start a new life abroad.

Variations of the surname Bohnlein

The surname Bohnlein (also spelled Bohnline and Bohnelein) is likely of German origin. It likely has its origin in the Middle High German word “bogin,” meaning “small bow.” It was a nickname for one who was skilled with a bow and arrow or who went about with a bow slung over their shoulder.

The variant spellings of Bohnlein include Bohnline, Bohnelein, and Bohnelyn. Other surnames of similar origin include Bowline, Bohling, Bohnlin, Böhlke, and Boehnlein. In some cases, the spelling might have evolved to Böhnlein due to the influence of the nearby dialects, such as Silesian and Upper German.

In the United States, the first record of the surname Bohnlein was dated to 1751 by researchers. This was in the form of a Peter Bohnlein, who arrived in Philadelphia by way of Rotterdam on the ship “Hope.” The surname was eventually found in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado. In the records of the Colorado State Government, the surname was documented in the 1900s.

In Europe, the name was recorded in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, and Poland. In Poland, the spelling or pronunciation of the name might have been altered due to local influences, so the surname may be found as Bohnłey.

In France, the surname is believed to have been Böhnlein or Böhnlein, but it is now an obsolete spelling. Another variant of this surname is Boehnlein, which is specifically found in Alsace-Lorraine.

In Russia and Ukraine, the variant spelling was often found as Bogolyubov or Buholyubov.

In conclusion, the surname Bohnlein has a highly varied spelling and form, which depends on the region it is found in. The variants of this surname in the United States mainly include Bohnline, Bohnelein, and Bohnelyn. In Europe, the variants include Bohnłey, Böhnlein, Boehnlein, Bogolyubov, and Buholyubov.

Famous people with the name Bohnlein

• Jonathan Bohnlein: Lead singer for the alternative rock band Bread of Stone.
• Rachel Bohnlein: American film and television actress.
• John Bohnlein: American actor most known for his role as Dr. Steve Travis in the television drama series Emergency.
• Jiri Bohnlein: Czech violinist, founder of the Bohnlein Trio.
• Silverio Bohnlein: Paraguayan footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for San Lorenzo de Paraguay.
• Herb Bohnlein: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Oakland Athletics in 1975.
• Martin Bohnlein: Dutch architect, sculptor, ceramist, and art collector.
• Thorsten Bohnlein: German physicist and leading researcher in the field of statistical physics.
• Arthur Bohnlein: German luger who competed in the early to mid-1900s.
• Tom Bohnlein: American executive and entrepreneur working in media and entertainment.

Other surnames

Böhnle