Surname Bullmer - Meaning and Origin

Bullmer: What does the surname Bullmer mean?

The last name Bullmer is derived from a German and English occupational name ‘Bullmayer’ or ‘Bullmeyers’. This name refers to someone who was part of a guild of cattle drovers and traders, known as the 'Bullmayers'. This guild taxed all livestock they moved according to how far the cattle were driven and which country they were transported to. Members of the guild had to pay an annual fee and abide by the guild's rules.

The word Bullmayer itself is derived from the Old High German "bulla", meaning "ox", and "mair", which comes from the Latin word "maior". Therefore, the name Bullmayer literally translates as "ox master", which reflects the guild's responsibilities.

The Bullmer surname likely emerged after the practice of the Bullmayers guild died out, and those who had been associated with the guild adopted Bullmer as a surname. In some cases, the surname was even passed down through multiple generations.

Today, Bullmer is a common surname throughout Europe and a few parts of North and South America. It is quite prevalent in the United States, representing one of the most popular surnames among Americans of German, Dutch, and English ancestry.

Bullmer: Where does the name Bullmer come from?

The surname Bullmer is most commonly found in Germany and is of German origin. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the state of Hesse, which is the most populous state in the country, and in the surrounding states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It is also common in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Switzerland, countries that were either part of the Holy Roman Empire or had strong historical ties to it.

Further afield, immigrants from the German-speaking parts of Europe have settled in various parts of the world, which has led to the surname Bullmer being found across continents. It can regularly be found in the United States, especially in Michigan and other Midwestern states. There are also notable populations of Bullmer ancestors in Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and various other countries.

Interestingly, the Bullmer name can also be found in some countries that did not receive direct immigration from German-speaking Europe, such as South Africa and India. In the latter, Bullmer is a fairly common name among some of the Jewish communities of the Calcutta area who trace their roots back to the European Jewish diaspora.

All in all, it is clear that the surname Bullmer is a testament to the migratory patterns of people from German-speaking Europe, and today it can be found across the world.

Variations of the surname Bullmer

The Bullmer surname is believed to have been derived from a combination of two elements, the Germanic word "bulo", meaning "to swell", and the suffix "-mar", meaning "famous" or "celebrated". This indicates that the original bearer of the name was someone who was renowned or celebrated for a physical attribute, such as a bulky frame.

Variations of the Bullmer surname can include Bulmer, Bullmar, Bullsmer, Bullmore, Bullmor, Bullmar, and Blumer. A few alternative spellings of the surname include Bullmorr, Bullmarr, Boelmer, and Boelmar.

In terms of different surnames of the same origin as Bullmer, Bullard, Bolin, Bowler, Bulmer, Boal, Boales, Bolle, Bolles, Boales, Boarman, and Bolam are all thought to share their roots with Bullmer.

In terms of spelling variants, some of the derivatives of Bullmer include Buller, Bullard, Bullar, Bullor, Bolmer, Boelmer, Bulman, Bullmark, Bullmarck, Boelmark, Boelmarck, Bullmerk, Boelmarke, Boeler, Boellmer, and Boelmarke.

Other, less common, spelling variants of Bullmer include Bullem, Bullim, Bullum, Bullarke, Bullock, Bollock, Bullard, Bolman, Bullmon, Bullmain, Boelman, Boelmian, Boelman, Bulmeer, Bollemeer, Bullmeer, Fellmer, Boelmeer, and Boelmeir.

Overall, Bullmer is an interesting and unique surname that has evolved throughout the centuries and can manifest in many different spellings and derivative surnames.

Famous people with the name Bullmer

• Karl Bullmer, German actor and voice artist.
• Christian Bullmer, former ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League.
• John Bullmer, former professional American football player who played with the Chicago Bears from 1950 to 1953.
• Kay Bullmer, American stage actress and 1914 winner of Little Miss America.
• Paul Bullmer, German baritone opera singer and voice teacher.
• Lieven Bullmer, Dutch designer and painter.
• Anthony Bullmer, British sculptor and animalier.
• Llywelyn Bullmer, Welsh actor known for his roles in films such as 18 Again! and Death on the Nile.
• Ludwig Bullmer, Austrian painter known for his post-impressionist landscapes.
• CLE Bullmer, founder of Bullmer Group, a technology provider for the fashion industry.

Other surnames

Bullmann