Surname Bulkeley - Meaning and Origin
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Bulkeley: What does the surname Bulkeley mean?
Bulkeley is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname originated from England, with its historical homeland in Cheshire county. The name Bulkeley is a habitational name derived from the Old English term "Bullock Lea" which means "meadow of bulls". It is likely that Bulkeley was used to signify a person who lived or worked in a place where they tended, bred, or traded bulls. Over time, this placename became a surname and was passed down through generations. It is often associated with the historic Bulkeley family, including numerous knights, politicians, and other notable figures. Its variations include Bulkley and Buckley. It is worth noting that the actual meaning and origin can vary based on the specific lineage and geographic location of different families bearing this surname.
Order DNA origin analysisBulkeley: Where does the name Bulkeley come from?
The surname Bulkeley is of English origin, specifically from the Cheshire region in England. It is derived from the place named Bulkely, which itself originates from the Old English words "bucca" (meaning a he-goat) and "leah" (meaning a forest clearing or glade). Thus, Bulkeley could be interpreted as 'clearing with a he-goat' in Old English.
The Bulkeley family was a prominent one, with members holding various titles and estates in Cheshire since the 12th century. They still own the historic Bulkeley Hall and other properties in the area. Over the years, members of the Bulkeley family migrated to various parts of the world, particularly the United States, where the name is fairly common today.
The surname Bulkeley is spread across the United States but appears mainly in the New England region, specifically in Connecticut. One notable person with this surname includes Peter Bulkeley, a Puritan minister who was one of the founders of Concord, Massachusetts in the 17th century.
Variations of the surname Bulkeley
The surname Bulkeley has a few possible variants and spellings due to the historical and phonetic transformation of names over time. These include Bulkley, Bulkely, Bulkelley, Boulkeley, and Boulkley. These versions are primarily a consequence of different phonetic interpretations and transcriptions by individuals recording the name in census, immigration, and other historical records.
The roots of the name can also lead to different but related surnames. For example, the surname traces its etymology back to the Old English words "bula," meaning bull, and "leah," meaning clearing or meadow. Therefore, surnames like Bull, Bulle, Bullock, or Buckley might also be of the same origin, as they too involve the Old English term for bull and are associated with places or landscapes often described in early English surnames. Similarly, other place-based surnames like Lea, Leah, or Lee could be linked, due to their association with the Old English "leah."
Remember, surname variations can be influenced by many factors such as geographical origin, dialect, or even the personal preference of an ancestor, and therefore can be quite diverse and unique.
Famous people with the name Bulkeley
- Peter Bulkeley: An English clergyman who emigrated to the United States and became one of the co-founders of Concord, Massachusetts in the 17th century.
- John Bulkeley: A Welsh nobleman and privateer from the same family, Bulkeley was a military officer who served in multiple wars under England’s King Charles II.
- Robert Bulkeley: A prominent Welsh politician who served in Parliament multiple times during the 17th century.
- Thomas Bulkeley, 7th Viscount Bulkeley: A British politician and landowner known for his prominent influence in North Wales during the late 18th century.
- Richard Bulkeley, 4th Viscount Bulkeley: A British peer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament and as the Vice-Admiral of North Wales.
- Harriet Bulkeley: A renowned professor of environmental science at Durham University, who specializes in climate policy and urban sustainability.
- Morgan Bulkeley: An American businessman and politician, who served as the 54th governor of Connecticut, a United States Senator, and was also the first president of the baseball's National League.
- William H. Bulkeley: A politician who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut from 1861 to 1862. He was the son of Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley, founder of Aetna Insurance Company.
- Laura Maria Sheldon Bulkeley: An early twentieth century philanthropist known for her work with the Red Cross.