Surname Bourne - Meaning and Origin
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N. Bourne
read moreBourne: What does the surname Bourne mean?
The surname Bourne has English and Scottish origins and is a locational surname derived from several places named Bourne or Bourn in England. The name means "one who lived by a stream or a spring." In Old English, the term "Burna" or "Bourne", referred to a small stream or fountain. Thus, the surname Bourne was typically given to individuals who resided near these small bodies of water. In some instances, people who moved from a place called Bourne would adopt the place name as their surname to signify their place of origin. The surname Bourne began to appear in written records as early as the 13th century. There are other variations of the name such as Bourner, Burn, Burns, and Bourne. Throughout history, several Bournes have made significant contributions to society in various fields such as science, literature and politics. It is prominent in pop culture as well, for example, the renowned fictional character Jason Bourne in a series of spy thriller novels by Robert Ludlum.
Order DNA origin analysisBourne: Where does the name Bourne come from?
The last name "Bourne" originates from England. It is derived from the Old English term "burna" or "brunna", meaning "stream" or "spring." The name was often given to someone who lived near such water sources. Over time, the pronunciation changed, but the meaning remained, implying a person from a place with "streams."
There are a number of places named "Bourne" in the United Kingdom, including Lincolnshire, Kent, Hampshire, and Cambridgeshire. Some people may have adopted the last name "Bourne" to denote their geographical origins. However, it's also possible that people elsewhere carried this name, reflecting the trade or occupation of a family member, such as a miller or a fisherman (someone working with water).
Today, the surname "Bourne" is still reasonably common in Britain; it features in the top 2,000 surnames in the country. The name has also spread overseas due to migration. In the United States, it's still relatively common, thanks mainly to British migration in the 17th and 18th centuries. Therefore, while its concentration may be highest in England, the "Bourne" surname is still in use worldwide.
Variations of the surname Bourne
The surname Bourne is of Old English origin and signifies one's residence near a stream or a spring. Leaning towards its Old English roots, its various spellings and variations include Burns, Born, Bourn, Burn, Borne, Bourner, and Bourns.
In French, it's translated as De Bourne. The presence of 'de' before the surname generally indicates a geographical location, emphasizing on the 'stream' or 'spring' meaning.
Other variants of Bourne can be seen in different countries due to language adaptations and regional dialects. Bournon, Bohrn, Buron, and Bjorn (Scandinavian version) are other such examples.
However, it may be crucial to note that each variant and spelling, while they might trace back to the same etymological origin, over time they may have developed their unique lineage and history. Therefore, they may not necessarily denote exactly the same family lineage.
Famous people with the name Bourne
1) Matt Damon: Though not his real surname, Damon is widely recognized as Jason Bourne from the "Bourne" film series based on Robert Ludlum's novels. 2) Robert Bourne: A notable British businessman and philanthropist. He's a former chairman of the Royal Opera House. 3) Amanda Bourne: An accomplished artist recognized for her contemporary landscapes paintings. She is also the wife of Robert Bourne. 4) Francis Bourne: A historical figure, he was a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of Westminster. 5) Benjamin Bourne: He was an early American politician and judicial official from Massachusetts. He served in the United States House of Representatives, and later was a justice of the United States District Court for the Rhode Island District. 6) Sylvia Bourne: An Australian tennis player who competed in numerous Grand Slam events in the 1950s. 7) Jason Bourne: A fictional character and the protagonist in a series of novels and subsequent film adaptations, starting with The Bourne Identity. He is a former CIA assassin suffering from dissociative amnesia. 8) Edwin Gaylord Bourne: A historian specialized in Latin American history and also the Yale University professor. Please note that not all persons with the Bourne surname are necessarily famous, and many are known for their local contributions or within their professional spheres.