Surname Bonholt - Meaning and Origin

Bonholt: What does the surname Bonholt mean?

The last name Bonholt is a Germanic and Danish surname, derived from the words 'bon' and 'holt', meaning 'happy woodlands'. This likely suggests that the Bonholt family has origins in a place or a profession traditionally associated with woodlands, such as forestry, hunting, or logging.

Alternate spellings of the Bonholt surname can include Bonholdt, Bonhold, Bonholz, or even Bunholdt. It is still relatively uncommon and is most often found in Germany, Denmark, and other parts of Scandinavia.

In the Middle Ages, when surnames were first adopted, the Bonholt name could have been one borne by someone wealthy enough to own woodlands or forests. It is very likely that some families with this last name were indeed involved with the care and management of the woods. Alternatively, the family could have simply hailed from a village that was surrounded by woodlands, and the surname was adopted to signify that geography.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact meaning of the Bonholt surname, but it certainly has roots in forests and woodlands—perhaps a place of happy escape where family and friends gathered, or a place where the Bonholt family made their living. Regardless, this last name has undoubtedly been passed down through generations and remains a special part of the family history.

Bonholt: Where does the name Bonholt come from?

The Bonholt surname is most common today in Luxembourg, among Swiss, French, Belgians, and Germans, with an estimated total population of around 10,900 people. The Bonholt surname is derived from the old German given name "Bonhold," which derives from the Semitic “abu-ul” (father of oil.)

The Bonholt surname is most prominent in parts of France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, with French being the most common language associated with it. The Bonholt family was originally found in the French provinces of Touraine and Anjou, though it can also be found in areas around the Rhine Valley near the border of Switzerland and Germany.

In Luxembourg, the Bonholt surname is particularly prominent, with the forested region of Wallonia being a notable area where the surname is found. It is believed that the Bonholt family was among the first to settle in the region, likely due to its lush meadowlands and lush forests in the province of Luxembourg.

The Bonholt surname is also quite common in the United States today. It is estimated that there are around 3,400 Americans of Bonholt ancestry, mostly living in Pennsylvania and in the northeastern part of the country.

In England, the Bonholt surname is said to have originated in the North West of England and now has spread throughout the country.

No matter where the Bonholt surname is found, it is undoubtedly a name that has remained relevant throughout centuries. The first record of the Bonholt surname dates back to the 12th century, and it continues to remain an important part of family histories today.

Variations of the surname Bonholt

Bonholt is a surname of Germanic origin. The earliest records of the name have been found in the Victorian Era in England and the United States. The earliest record of the Bonholt surname is from the English parish of Buxhall in Suffolk, where one William Bogehold was listed in the Hundred Rolls of 1273 AD.

The primary variants of the Bonholt surname are Bogehold, Baggio, Bogeholdt, Bogge, Bonell, Bonnell, Bonehill, Bonnoll, Bangio, Bohno, Bonhold, Bonholt, Banhole, Bonholtz, Bohnoltz, Bonal, Boomel, Banholl, and Banhohm.

In the United States, Bonholt was often spelled phonetically as "Banholl," "Bonhal," "Bohno," and "Boonel" in the 19th century, while in Europe, Bonholt became "Bogehold" and "Baggio". The variant "Bohnoltz" is more common in Germany, while "Bonell" is found more in Scotland.

The most common surnames which evolved from the Bonholt surname are: Bohnolett, Bohnolte, Bonhole, Bonholz, Bonholzer, Bonholl, Boneholl, Boneholz, Bonhölle, Bonhölz, Bonell, Bonelles, Banholl, Banholz, Banholzer, Banhölle, Banhölz, Bangio, Bangioz, Bogehold, Bogeholdt, Boggio, and Boggioz.

The surnames derived from the Bonholt surname are all a reflection of the family’s past as German immigrants and the journey of their name as it traveled to different parts of the world. While some surnames have maintained their original spelling, others have been adapted to reflect language and culture changes in different countries and regions. All these surnames remain connected by their shared origin in the Bonholt family.

Famous people with the name Bonholt

• Dr. Robert Bonholt: Dr. Bonholt is a well-known academic who served as a professor of electrical engineering at the University of California, Davis for 25 years. He has written several books on the subject and is a recognized leader in the field.
• Lucas Bonholt: Lucas is a professional soccer player from Denmark who has made a name for himself representing clubs like Juventus, AS Roma, and Barcelona throughout his career.
• Karen Bonholt: Karen is an American author known for her children’s books and young adult novels. Her book series Silverfingers have sold millions of copies and helped her become a household name.
• James Bonholt: James is an American television actor who has starred in such major television shows as Law & Order, The Blacklist, and House of Cards.
• Ruth Bonholt: Ruth is an Australian filmmaker and screenwriter whose works have won major awards like the AACTA Award, the New York International Film Festival Award, and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award.
• Max Bonholt: Max is a German cyclist who competed in the Tour de France and various other cycling events throughout Europe in the 1990s.
• Martin Bonholt: Martin is a professional golfer from Norway who has won numerous tournaments throughout his career, including the Volvo World Championship.
• Carl Bonholt: Carl is a Norwegian politician who served as minister and deputy minister in a number of governments between 1995 and 2005.
• Claudia Bonholt: Claudia is an American visual artist best known for her abstract paintings and the mixed media pieces she has created over the years.
• George Bonholt: George is an American businessman who is the Chairman and CEO of Bonholt Enterprises, a leading automotive supply chain and logistics company.

Other surnames

BonhofBonhoffBönhoffBonholdBönhold