Surname Bohun - Meaning and Origin
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Bohun: What does the surname Bohun mean?
The surname Bohun is of Anglo-Norman origin and dates back to the times of William the Conqueror. Acknowledged as one of the most distinguished names in the region, it was derived from the Old French word 'bon’ which means 'good'. It is believed to have been first used as a surname by someone who was known for their strong moral qualities or good deeds.
The Bohuns were a powerful Norman family in the Middle Ages who came to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. Among its notable members were several Earls of Hereford, Essex, and Northampton. The family's importance in English history further adds significance to the name.
It's important to note that the meaning of a surname can vary, as it often derives from various sources such as geographical locations, occupations, nicknames, and even personal characteristics. Thus, while the root of the name 'Bohun' is generally accepted as 'good,' it might have different or additional connotations tied to specific familial or regional histories.
Order DNA origin analysisBohun: Where does the name Bohun come from?
The surname Bohun is of Norman origin, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It is derived from the place name "Bohun" in the Normandy region of France. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many followers of William were granted lands in England, including the Bohun family, which held significant estates in Sussex, Essex, and Suffolk.
The Bohun family became prominent in English history during the Middle Ages, especially with Humphrey de Bohun, who was a companion of William the Conqueror. Throughout the centuries, the Bohun name became associated with English nobility; one of the notable bearers of the name was Mary de Bohun, queen consort of Henry IV of England.
Today, the Bohun surname is not very common and has spread across different parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and England due to migration and lineage. But still, it is not a common surname in these countries. Genealogical research and archive records could trace members of the Bohun family or their descendants.
Variations of the surname Bohun
The surname Bohun originated from a French-named place in the early 11th century following the Norman Conquest of England. The name has various variants and spellings including Bohon, Bohun, Bowhun, and Boon. Other similar forms include Bouin and Boyn, which are prominent in regions of France. Some families with Bohun lineage have also Anglicized their surname into Boughan, to sound more English. In the United States, the same surname is also spelled as Bohon.
Bohun is the patronymic name meaning "the son of Bohun". Variations of this surname likely developed when an individual moved from one location to another, trailing the name as he moved. The name has also been Scottish-ized into Bohannan or O'Bohannan in Ireland.
The surname Bohun also spread to other parts of the UK, including Wales and Scotland, but there have been very few transformations in these regions. Hence, the spelling has largely remained unchanged as Bohun.
It's rare to find first names derived from Bohun, though there are instances of it appearing (Bohun, Bohon). In different regions, Bohun could also be changed into a surname that sounds similar but bears no relation to its origin, like Bogan.
Famous people with the name Bohun
- Humphrey de Bohun: A prominent member of the English nobility in the 13th century, who served as High Sheriff of Kent.
- Eleanor de Bohun: A medieval English noblewoman, who was the elder sister of Mary de Bohun, the mother of King Henry V of England.
- Humphrey de Bohun (4th Earl of Hereford): An English nobleman active in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
- Mary de Bohun: The first wife of Henry of Bolingbroke (later King Henry IV of England) and the mother of King Henry V.
- Humphrey (7th Earl of Hereford): Played a prominent role in the reigns of Edward II and Edward III of England.
- Henry de Bohun: One of the 25 surety barons of Magna Carta, he was the eldest son of Humphrey de Bohun (3rd Earl of Hereford).
- Margaret de Bohun: The daughter of Humphrey de Bohun (6th Earl of Hereford), she became the Countess of Devon after marrying Hugh Courtenay.
- Elizabeth de Bohun: The first wife of Richard Fitzalan (11th Earl of Arundel), and a granddaughter of Edward I of England.
- William Bohun (1st Earl of Northampton): An English nobleman and military commander during the Hundred Years' War.
- Edward Bohun: The primary suspect in the murder of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, in 1322.