Surname Bottimer - Meaning and Origin

Bottimer: What does the surname Bottimer mean?

Bottimer is an English surname deriving from the Old English word “bot mor”, which was used to refer to a dweller at the boundary. It was most likely given to someone living in or near a border. The surname likely originated in the mid-1100s, and the earliest known bearer of the name was recorded to be a William Botemor mentioned in the Norfolk Pipe Rolls of 1196.

The spelling of the surname has since changed over the centuries, from Botemor, Botmoor, and Botmore, to Botimer, Bottmore, and eventually Bottimer. It can also be a variant spelling of the name Bottimore.

Today, its most common use is in parts of Britain, particularly in Scotland, England, and Wales. The United States also has some individuals with the surname, having migrated from Britain during the 1600s.

The name Bottimer is always associated with strong, hardworking individuals who were not afraid of the unknown. This was likely reflective of the times, as those who lived near the boundary had to be able to defend themselves, and to find creative solutions to different problems. People with this surname are often viewed as independent, resilient, and brave.

Bottimer: Where does the name Bottimer come from?

The surname Bottimer is most prevalent in the United Kingdom today — specifically, in England and Scotland. It is especially common in the southern half of England, particularly in rural areas such as Cornwall, Devon, and Sussex. It is also found with some frequency in London and the northern regions of the UK, but to a lesser degree. Outside of the United Kingdom, Bottimer is found in smaller numbers in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Given the ancestral origins of this name, likely being of English and/or Scottish descent, it is no surprise that Bottimer is so common in Britain today. The earliest records of the Bottimer family name date as far back as the 13th century in Oxfordshire, where it is likely that the original Bottimer family originated. This surname is most often linked with agricultural work, including farmers and labourers.

Overall, the surname Bottimer is seen as an old, reputable name that was likely born in the countryside and is now often found in more urban areas. Although the frequency of the surname varies depending on region, it is considered a quite common last name due to it being well-known and well-used for many centuries in Britain.

Variations of the surname Bottimer

The surname Bottimer is likely of Germanic origin. It is thought to refer to a dweller in a 'bottum', which is a valley in German. The spelling variants of the name Bottimer include Buttamer, Bothemer, Bothemer, Boothemer, Buthemer, and Botheimer. Variants of the surname are also found in the Netherlands and in Denmark, and include Bodemer and Bodemer.

In the Netherlands, the surname is also written as Bodemer and is thought to come from the same origin as the German variant. Variants of the surname in the United Kingdom include Bootamer, Botheimer, Bootheimer, Bottemar, and Botamiar.

In the United States, variants of Bottimer, such as Botheimer, Bootamer, Bootamer, Bootheimer, and Bootimer are found, as well as surnames that include the additional letters '-man', such as Botman, Botmen, and Bootman.

The base form of the name 'Bottimer' is still used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, although the spelling variants are still used in some parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada. The earliest recorded spelling of Bottimer, in England, dates back to 1593. It should be noted that any of the above-mentioned variants can still appear with their own country-specific variants, such as the Dutch Botman, or the American Bootman.

Famous people with the name Bottimer

• Tony Bottimer: Former Jamaica cricketer and the current coach of the Jamaica National Team.
• Mel Bottimer: South African Rugby Union player, who represented the Springboks in four Test matches between 1951 and 1954.
• La'Porsha Bottimer: American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known for her 2016 single “Let Me Explain” and her 2018 appearance on the Fox singing competition show “The Four.”
• Mike Bottimer: British track and field athlete, Olympian, and European Cross Country champion.
• John Bottimer: British swimmer and backstroke specialist who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
• Mark Bottimer: American composer and Emmy Award winner.
• Eric Bottimer: British Paralympic track and field athlete and gold medalist in the T53 class at the 2012 London Paralympics.
• William Bottimer: American professor of History at Dartmouth College and specialist in American history and American foreign relations.
• Paul Bottimer: American football player who played linebacker for the University of Florida from 1998 to 2001.
• Marcus Bottimer: British illustrator who has published several children’s books.

Other surnames

Bottimorer