Surname Bolles - Meaning and Origin
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Bolles: What does the surname Bolles mean?
The surname Bolles is of English origin, deriving from the Medieval English word "bolle", which means "bowl" or "vessel". It is believed to be an occupational surname for someone who made or sold bowls and similar vessels. The term was also used metaphorically — similar to how we use "potter" or "smith" — to refer to a person who creates or transforms something. The name first appeared in Lincolnshire, England where the Bolles family held a family seat since ancient times. However, it should be noted that the meaning and origin of surnames can have multiple interpretations and can often only be theorized due to changes and adaptations over time and geography.
Order DNA origin analysisBolles: Where does the name Bolles come from?
The surname Bolles is of English origin. It initially appeared during the Middle Ages in Lincolnshire, a county in Eastern England. The earliest record of the Bolles name dates back to the 13th century. The name was often given to individuals who lived close to a bowl-like geographical depression or a rounded hill, as 'Bolles' is derived from the Old English 'bolla' which means 'bowl'. Over time, various spelling variants of the name emerged, such as Boles, Bolls, Bolle, and others. Some families with this surname migrated to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the surname Bolles is most common in the United States, particularly prevalent in the state of Utah. It is also found in lower numbers in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Thus, the distribution of people carrying the Bolles surname can be described as global, but with higher concentrations in English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Bolles
The surname Bolles has its roots in medieval England and has undergone several variants and evolutions over the centuries. Some of the known variations of the surname include Bolls, Boll, Boles, Boals, Bolle, Bollese, Bool, and Boell.
In some cases, these spellings may not necessarily reflect a linear evolution, but rather parallel developments in different regions or dialects. The same surname can also achieve different spellings over time due to inconsistencies in transcription and translation.
In some instances, prefixes or suffixes may be added to the surname Bolles. For instance, the surname De Bolles is of Norman origin and was found in Lincolnshire. The De Bolle family were descended from the lords of Bolle, near Bolbec in Normandy. Similarly, Bolles-Smith is a double-barreled surname variant that emerged in more recent times.
Duplication of the original surname Bolles also sometimes happens, thereby leading to variations such as Bolles-Bolles.
Surnames of a similar origin include Bowles, Bowels, and Bolas.
Please note that surname origins and variants can vary, with many factors contributing to their development and regional differences. Therefore, it's always essential to conduct thorough individual research to ascertain accurate genealogical information.
Famous people with the name Bolles
- Don Bolles: An investigative journalist for the Arizona Republic who was killed by a car bomb in a gruesome murder case that shocked the nation in 1976.
- Don Bolles: An American punk rock musician, best known as the drummer for the Germs.
- John S. Bolles: An influential 19th-century American ship designer.
- Reginald Marsh Bolles: An American zoologist.
- Caroline Bolles: Later known as Caroline Severance, she was an American abolitionist, suffragist, and pioneer in the kindergarten movement.
- Nick Bollettieri: Famous tennis coach, while not technically a 'Bolles', his last name is quite close. His work has included coaching Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, and Serena Williams.
- Job Bicknell Ellis: An American mycologist recognized for his work on fungal systematics, though his middle name contains 'Bolles'.