Surname Bourmaster - Meaning and Origin
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Bourmaster: What does the surname Bourmaster mean?
The last name Bourmaster is believed to be of French origin, derived from the French word "bourmestre," which in turn has Germanic roots. It is an occupational surname meaning "mayor" or "master of a borough." It likely dates back the medieval times in France when people resided in fortified communities or towns, and those in charge were known as “Bourmaster.”
Over time, the Bourmaster name expanded to become a more general surname. Those carrying the name then began to represent other professions, such as farmers, shopkeepers, artisans and other tradespeople.
Today, the surname Bourmaster is relatively uncommon, appearing in the records in only six of the United States of America. It is still mainly found in France, where it originated from.
In France, people with the Bourmaster surname are proud of their heritage and trace their lineage back to its original form. They often gather to commemorate their roots, with stories and memories being shared among family members.
Ultimately, the last name Bourmaster symbolizes a long history and a depth of meaning. It is an occupational surname that is infused with pride and respect, and recognition of past generations who fought to ensure the future of their families.
Order DNA origin analysisBourmaster: Where does the name Bourmaster come from?
The last name Bourmaster is originally a French last name, and was most likely adopted by immigrants who made their home in North America and other English-speaking countries. Today, this surname is most commonly found throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals carrying the Bourmaster name is currently found in the state of Pennsylvania, with smaller populations scattered throughout New York, Ohio, and Missouri. Other US states where the last name is present in a more limited capacity include Massachusetts, Virginia, Illinois, Washington, and California.
In Canada, the highest concentration of individuals carrying the Bourmaster name can be found in the province of Ontario. Smaller pockets of individuals with this surname have settled in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.
In Australia, the Bourmaster name is primarily present in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Smaller populations of individuals with this surname can be found throughout South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Individuals with this last name are scattered throughout other parts of the world as well, though in much lower concentrations. In many Latin American countries, for example, individuals bearing the Bourmaster name can be found, usually as descendants of families who originally settled in North America or Australia. Similarly, small populations of individuals with this surname can be found in countries within the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Variations of the surname Bourmaster
The surname Bourmaster is of French origin. It is believed to have been derived from the Old French term "bourgmestre" which translates to mean "burgh/town mayor". The variants, spellings and surnames of Bourmaster include bormaster, burgmaster, bourge-master, boormaster, bourgeistor, burgeois, burmister, burmaster, and burmeister.
The surname Bourmaster can also be found in other forms of its inception. Some of these variants are Bormaster, Burmeister, Burgmister, Burgmeister, Burmeter, and Burmisster, amongst others. All of these variants may be of the same origin, but their spelling might differ depending on the country and region the surname is found.
Some of the early recordings of the surname Bourmaster include Theobaldus Burgmaister, mentioned in Latin charters in 1245, Johannes Burgmeister in the year 1350, and Nycholaius Burgmeister of Zurich in Switzerland. The surname is also found in some English records such as Joseph Burgesmaster, who was christened in Hertfordshire, England in 1567 and Abraham Bormaster who was christened in 1625 and lived in Worcestershire.
The surname Bourmaster is still common in various countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and United States of America. Today, the surname Bourmaster may be spelt differently in different countries but it is all believed to have the same origin.
Famous people with the name Bourmaster
- Beatrice Bourmaster: an English actress from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Alma Bourmaster: an American artist best known for her work on Mickey Mouse comic book covers during the 1950s.
- Paul Bourmaster: a British architectural historian who wrote several books about churches and cathedrals.
- Albert Bourmaster: a French engineer who pioneered the use of concrete in construction in the 1800s.
- George Bourmaster: a Canadian racing driver who won the Formula Atlantic Series in 1988.
- Marie Bourmaster: a French fashion designer based in Paris with clients all over the world.
- Richard Bourmaster: an American politician who served as mayor of Newton, Massachusetts from 1975–1981.
- Horace Bourmaster: an English poet, novelist, and short story writer in the 1930s.
- Keith Bourmaster: an Australian former soccer player as well as a coach and administrator who was involved in the Australian Soccer Federation from 1990-2000.
- Susan Bourmaster: an American journalist, author, and television news producer.