Surname Buller - Meaning and Origin
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Buller: What does the surname Buller mean?
Buller is a surname of Old English origin. It is derived from the word 'bulluc', meaning 'bull' and 'ora', meaning 'hill' or it may have been an occupational surname for a person who kept or bred bulls. The surname Buller first appeared in Somerset, a county in South West England, during the Middle Ages. It is important to note that the meaning of any surname can vary significantly depending on its historical and geographical origins. Therefore, in different cultures or countries, the same surname could have different connotations. Today, people with the surname Buller live in various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Notable people with this surname include British Army officer Walter Buller and New Zealand ornithologist Sir Walter Lawry Buller. Despite its origins and literal meaning, in modern times, a surname does not necessarily provide information about an individual’s characteristics, profession, or status.
Order DNA origin analysisBuller: Where does the name Buller come from?
The surname Buller has Anglo-Saxon origins and it is a product of when families in Great Britain began to adopt hereditary surnames during the 10th to 12th centuries. The name is derived from an occupational role, specifically for a “bull-herder”. There are alternate theories about its origin, suggesting that it could derive from the Old English “Bula”, a nickname or personal name, or “Bulverhyrst”, meaning "hill of the bull".
Today, the Buller surname shows up in many English-speaking countries, with a significant prevalence in England, the United States, and Australia. In England, the name is heavily concentrated in the south-west regions, particularly Devon and Cornwall. In the United States, it is common in the Midwest and Southeast, particularly Kansas. In Australia, the surname is spread all over the country. Despite this geographic dispersal, the Buller surname is relatively rare on a global scale.
Variations of the surname Buller
Buller is a surname originating from England and can be traced back to the Old English name "Bulhere," which can be identified as "bull army."
To see varying spellings of the surname "Buller" sourced from different historical periods and geographical regions, we can find Bullar, Bullard, Bulleher, Bullere, and Bullar. These variations seem to emerge due to shifts in language, regional accents, record errors, and the evolution of the spelling over time.
The surname underwent further changes when families moved to other countries, modified to adapt to the local language or customs. For example, the French version of Buller is "Beuller," while in Germany, it could be "Bühler."
Many branches of the Buller family also integrated the name with locational terms to signal their property or origin, resulting in composite surnames like Bullard-Downs.
However, it is important to note that while Buller and the mentioned variations are related, other similar-sounding names (for example, Butler) may not necessarily share the same origins. Each surname carries its unique history and derivation, often dependent on its initial carrier's occupation, location, or paternal line.
Famous people with the name Buller
- Charles Buller: He was a prominent British Liberal politician of the 19th-century, known for his humorous wit and parliamentary reform efforts.
- Louisa Buller: She was an English actress from the 20th century, famously known for her roles in "Princess Caraboo" and "Little Devil".
- Walter Buller: Sir Walter Lawry Buller was a New Zealand lawyer and naturalist, most known for his work 'A History of the Birds of New Zealand'.
- Verney Lovett Buller: He was a British soldier, politician, and administrator, serving as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in the late 19th century.
- Ty Buller: He is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada who played in the National Hockey League during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Steve Buller: He is a renowned film producer, known for movies such as "Talkin' Dirty After Dark" and "Dopefiend".
- Glyn Buller: He is a British sailor who competed in the Summer Olympics in 1972.
- Andrew Buller: He is an Australian Rules Football player who has been a part of the Sydney Swans' team.