Surname Bolls - Meaning and Origin
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Bolls: What does the surname Bolls mean?
The last name Bolls is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English "bolla", which translates to "bowl" or "pot." This surname was likely used as an occupational name for someone who made or sold bowls and pots. In some cases, it could potentially be topographic, referring to someone who lived by a bowl-shaped depression or hollow in the landscape. Over centuries, the last name Bolls would have undergone various spellings and forms due to phonetic variations, migration, and regional dialects. As with many surnames, tracing the exact origin and historical significance of Bolls can be complex, as it's influenced by numerous social, cultural, and geographical factors over centuries. Like many surnames, understanding the meaning adds intriguing insight into a family’s historical livelihood or location.
Order DNA origin analysisBolls: Where does the name Bolls come from?
The surname Bolls is believed to have originated from Northern England and Scotland. It could possibly be linked to the Old English word 'bolla', signifying a 'bowl' or 'vessel'. Some genealogical sources suggest that it might have been an occupational name given to a maker or dealer of bowls. Another theory is that it could be a variant of the surnames Boll or Bowl.
Like many other surnames, Bolls might have different origins in different countries. In Germany, for example, it could be derived from the Middle High German 'bolle', meaning 'round', which was a nickname for a stout person.
Today, the presence of individuals with the Bolls surname is registered across various parts of the world due to emigration over the centuries. However, in terms of the surname's prevalence, it is most common in the United States, particularly in the southern states. This could be attributed to early emigration from England and Scotland during the colonial period. Apart from the U.S., the surname can also be found, though less frequently, in Canada, Germany, and the UK.
Variations of the surname Bolls
The surname Bolls has various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin that reflect the diversity and multi-cultural background of those bearing this name. These include Bool, Boles, Bole, Bowl, Bowls, Bauhl, Bohles, Boules among others. The variations in spelling are often due to phonetic translations and spelling errors over time and generations.
Surnames of the same origin often imply that they share a common ancestry or geographical location. Thus, related or similar surnames to Bolls could include Bull, Bowell, Bolle, Bolle, Bolles, and Bolus.
It's crucial to note that Bolls and its variant forms could have multiple distinct origins, such as English, German, and Dutch. For instance, in English, the name could derive from the Old English personal name Bolla or the geographical name from places called Bowles. In German, it might come from the personal name Boll, an occupational name for a grower or seller of beans.
Therefore, researching family histories and tracing genealogical records would provide a more accurate and extensive list of surname variations and relations.
Famous people with the name Bolls
There don't appear to be many famous individuals with the last name 'Bolls'. One person of note is Uwe Bolls, a German restaurateur and former filmmaker. His career in film was marked by controversy, as he is known for directing numerous adaptations of video games, many of which have been critically panned. Despite this, he has a cult following. Bolls later ventured into the restaurant business in Vancouver, Canada. There might also be others with this surname prominent in their respective fields but not in the mainstream or public eye.