Surname Bulter - Meaning and Origin
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Bulter: What does the surname Bulter mean?
The surname Bulter is of Anglo-Saxon origin, originating from a location in Lincolnshire, England, and first recorded in 1185 as Belteuestrode. The name is composed of the Old English words "bealt," meaning 'brave', 'bold', or 'valiant', and "strode," meaning 'dweller by the stream'.
The name could historically have referred to a brave or valiant stream dweller, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who moved herds of cattle across rivers. As well, in its earliest times, the word 'bilityer' was often used to describe a brave soldier, and the person who carried a shield was known as a 'bulterer', which could also be one possible origin.
The most common variant of the spelling of the surname today is Bulter, with older versions sometimes being Butler, Boone or Boones. As well, a shortened version of the name, Bolter, is also occasionally seen.
The Bulter surname and its variants have been widely distributed throughout Britain and can be found in liberty and census records from the Middle Ages onward. Variations of the name are also established in the United States and Canada, often suggesting immigration of the Bulters from Britain in the early 17th century.
Today, Bulter is a common name around the world and often indicates individuals of a steadfast and courageous nature. Those with the surname typically take pride in their honorable heritage and a thousand-year-old tradition of resilience and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisBulter: Where does the name Bulter come from?
The last name Bulter is most commonly found in England and Ireland, particularly in the south of the country. The main concentrations are in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Somerset, Devon, Kent, Surrey, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Essex and Suffolk. In Scotland, the surname is most common in the far north and west.
Outside the United Kingdom, Bulter is mainly found in the United States, particularly around the East Coast, though there are also large numbers in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The most popular countries outside of the UK for people with the last name Bulter are Canada, Australia, the United States and Ireland.
It is also found in a number of other countries, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Chile and India. In many of these countries, it is a relatively uncommon surname, but it can be found in certain areas.
There is evidence that suggests the last name Bulter may have originated from France or Germany, though it is unclear which is the more likely region of origin. It is important to note that the spelling of the last name has changed over time, making it difficult to trace the exact origin of the name outside of the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Bulter
The surname Bulter is thought to have originated from the Norman-French personal name Boteler. Variants, spellings, and other names of the same origin include: Boteler, Botiller, Botiller, Bouteler, Boutiller, Boutillier, Butler, and Botelene. Later variants on the spelling that have become popular in the United States include Butter, Boutwell, and Butwell.
The Boteler/Butler name is thought to have originated from the Middle English word ‘butel', meaning ‘bottle'. It is thought that the name was ‘Bottles’ at some point, and then through custom morphed to its contemporary spelling of Butler. In medieval times, responsibility for a noble household and its provisions was often the lot of a butler. This could explain the origin of the surname.
The earliest use of the Butler surname in Britain can be traced back to 1185. It is believed that the first mention of the name was in reference to an individual named Walter Boteler. It is assumed Walter was in service of some noble house in order to receive the title.
In Scotland the clan name McGregor is sometimes shortened to Butler and their tartan is known as the “Clan Bulter/McGregor” which may be of help to anyone researching their Butler ancestry.
Today, the name is still largely confined to Britain, Ireland, and America, and it is most common in the southwest of England. It is also said to be the sixth most prevalent surname in Ireland which is where many of the British and American Butler surname holders are thought to have originated.
Famous people with the name Bulter
- Gerard Butler: Scottish actor, producer, and singer
- Lindsay Butler: Australian country singer
- Stephen Butler: American property investor and entrepreneur
- Omar Butler: American comedy writer and film producer
- Ayoub Butler: British vlogger and influencer
- Ray Butler: American politician and public servant
- Thelma Butler: British jazz singer
- Niall Butler: Irish actor
- Joe Butler: American guitarist
- Jack Butler: Australian cricketer
- Vic Butler: English cricketer
- Cuba Gooding Jr.'s character, Ben, in the 1995 drama film, "Freedom to Love" was renamed Ben Butler by the writers