Surname Bortram - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bortram: What does the surname Bortram mean?
The last name Bortram is of Germanic origin, likely derived from the phrase "berht-rahm," which translates to bright/famous frame/rim. This last name first appeared during the medieval period, when people began adopting surnames to show off their wealth and family connections.
The Bortram surname likely refers to someone who worked as a frame or furniture maker, or perhaps was associated with the production or trading of such goods. This surname can be found in records dating back to the 15th century in Germany, and is also commonly found in England, Netherlands, and Austria.
Today, Bortram is a widely-used surname and can be found in several countries. Those who have the name may be descended from craftspeople, furniture makers, or even from individuals who provided luxurious goods like jewelry or art.
The name Bortam has other meanings, and in history it has referred to someone who was influential and well-known, or to someone who was considered brilliant. While the original meaning of the name may have been centered around craftsmanship, the term has come to mean success and achievement in many contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisBortram: Where does the name Bortram come from?
The last name BORTRAM can be found today in countries around the world. The most common location is in Germany, where records have been found in the regions of Bavaria, Brandenburg, and Saxony. It is also found in Austria, where records have been traced to the provinces of Carinthia and Styria. In Switzerland, BORTRAM is most commonly located in the region of Bern.
In the United States, BORTRAM can be found in regions of the country that experienced a significant influx of German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Many individuals bearing the name can be located in states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York. It is on a lower frequency in other regions that did not draw as many German settlers during this period, such as the Southwest or the Deep South.
Canada also experiences a significant population of BORTRAMs, primarily in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The name occurs in a few other provinces, but in more isolated areas and with less frequency.
Overall, the surname of BORTRAM is relatively rare but can be located in different countries, although it is most common in the German-speaking countries of Europe.
Variations of the surname Bortram
The surname Bortram is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the personal name Bertram, which is composed of two elements. The first part of the name is berht, which means "bright, famous," and the second part is hramn, which means "raven."
Variants and spelling variations of the surname Bortram include Bertram, Bartram, Birtam, Birtram, Burtam, and Bertrem. The Scottish variants of Bortram include Borateyne, Boratine, Boretayne, Boreteyne, and Boretin.
Surnames of the same origin as Bortram include Baird, Bard, Berh, Berht, Berte, Birt, Birtle, Burt, and Berteyn.
Bortrams may have originally been found in the regions of Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire in England. It is believed that the germinal ancestor of the Bortram family originated in Picardy in France. Those of the surname had migrated to England during the time of the Norman Conquest. At that time, they were given lands in Devon and Yorkshire.
The modern spelling of the surname is most commonly found in the United States, where the surname is of mostly German American ancestry. Records of the surname can be found in the city of New York in 1851. Later records of Bortrams in the United States can be found in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In Canada, Bortrams can be found in the Ontario area, particularly the city of Toronto.
The family motto of the Bortram family of North America is "Ad astra per ardua," meaning "through difficulties to the stars."
Famous people with the name Bortram
- Dr. Julia Bortram, Canadian child psychiatrist renowned for her books on parenting and mental health care.
- Julian Bortram, American singer-songwriter and actor, known for his appearances on TV shows such as The Voice and Dancing with the Stars.
- Alan Bortram, British physicist and educator who wrote the book Elementary Particle Physics: An Introduction.
- Dr. Judy Bortram, American otolaryngologist and professor of communication sciences and disorders.
- Laura Bortram, British heptathlete who competed in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Bruce Bortram, American chef known for his frequent appearances as a judge on the reality cooking show, Chopped.
- Michelle Bortram, Canadian singer and songwriter who is best known for her single "Missing You".
- Jeffrey Bortram, American contemporary artist known for his brightly colored, abstract oil paintings.
- Dr. Michael Bortram, American mathematician and University professor, known for his work in algebraic geometry.
- Audrey Bortram, British landscape photographer whose work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world.