Surname Bolster - Meaning and Origin
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Bolster: What does the surname Bolster mean?
The last name Bolster is of English origin, and it is derived from an Old Norse word meaning “dweller near a wooden structure.” It was likely used as a surname by someone who lived near a sheltering structure such as a bridge, bridgehead, or wall. This particular surname is found mainly in the West Midlands region of England.
The actual usage of the surname has changed over the years, with some people adopting Bolster as a given name or forename. This is likely due to the sturdy and reliable connotations associated with the surname. Additionally, some families have been known to use Bolster as a nickname in place of a formal name.
Aside from it being a surname, Bolster has seen its use in other areas. It has been used as a first name, a nickname, a modern spelling of the Old Norse family name Bolsta, a type of cushion, a noun meaning support, and most commonly in the name of an ancient family of writers and scholars from England.
The Bolster family has a long and proud history, and it continues to be an influential part of European society today. With its versatility and strength, Bolster is nothing short of an influential and honorable English legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisBolster: Where does the name Bolster come from?
The last name Bolster is a relatively common surname found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the surname is most common in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The highest number of people with the surname Bolster live in Massachusetts, followed by New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and California.
The most likely origin of the Bolster surname is from the Middle English word "bolstre," which means bolster or cushion. It is likely that someone who made bolsters was given this nickname, and this surname then became a hereditary surname as generations passed.
The Bolster surname is also found in Scotland, which could suggest a possible origin in Scotland as well. In Scotland, the surname is most common in Aberdeenshire, where it appears in deed records dating back to the 15th Century.
Today, many Bolsters can trace their ancestor’s original homelands back to these historical strongholds. The surname is also frequently found in other countries due to immigration. For example, in Canada it is especially common in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. As a result, there are numerous Bolsters living all over the world today, with descendants of the original Bolsters found all over the world.
Variations of the surname Bolster
The surname Bolster is a common English surname with Norwegian, German, and Swedish origin. It is derived from the Old English word ‘bolestre’, which means ‘to cover’ or ‘padded support’.
Variant spellings of the surname Bolster include Bolster, Bollster, Boulster, Boullster, Boelster, and Bulster.
Surnames of similar origin include Bolstrum, Boelstrom, Bolstrun, Boelstroem, and Baustrum.
In Norway, variants of the surname Bolster can be found in the form of Bølstad, Bølstuen, Bølstod and Bølstrum.
In Germany, variants include Bolstadt, Bollstadt, and Boylstedt.
In Sweden, variants of the surname Bolster are Boleström, and Bölström.
In England, Bolster can often be found in the form of Boltser, Boultser, and Boultster.
In Ireland, variants of Bolster include Bolsteridge and Boultster.
The English surname Bolster is shared with numerous other surnames, making it difficult to trace back family lines. Although the variants may vary by country, the surname remains the same and can still be traced back to its origin of ‘pad-support’.
Famous people with the name Bolster
- Christina Bolster: executive producer, documentary filmmaker
- William P. Bolster: educational technology entrepreneur
- Jack Bolster: former professional basketball player
- Brian Bolster: actor
- Alan Bolster: Canadian ice hockey player
- Melvin Bolster: former professional ice hockey player
- Keith Bolster: former professional baseball player
- Barry Bolster: cinematographer
- Julie Bolster: television writer and screenwriter
- Bill Bolster: professional skateboarder