Surname Butvid - Meaning and Origin

Butvid: What does the surname Butvid mean?

The last name Butvid is of Swedish origin and is derived from the words "but" and "vid", which mean "chalice" and "wide", respectively. It is believed to have been originally used to denote someone who made chalices, or perhaps a pickler whose pickles were made in wide-mouthed containers.

The earliest documented use of the name Butvid is in the form of a 16th century record of a man from Västergötland named "Johan Butvit". It appeared in other records in the 17th and 18th centuries, typically in the form of two words - "Butvid" meaning chalice maker, and "Butvin" meaning wide-mouthed.

Today, the name Butvid is still found throughout Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. It is also used as a surname in other parts of Europe, primarily among families of Swedish descent.

The meaning behind the name Butvid is one that technologically-minded individuals may appreciate. Those who invented and crafted chalices - and later pickles - from wide-mouthed containers, were creative and industrious innovators. And today, it is still a reminder of the inventiveness of our ancestors thousands of years ago.

Butvid: Where does the name Butvid come from?

Butvid is a Scandinavian family name, and today it is most common in Sweden and Norway. Records suggest that the name has origins in the provinces of Östergötland and Värmland in Sweden, where present-day demographic data reflects the highest concentrations of people bearing the surname.

As a patronymic name, the surname likely arose from the male ancestor Butvi, Jon or Jan, which were popular given names in the region at the time. As migration patterns took members of the Butvid family elsewhere, the surname was introduced in areas of Europe such as Estonia and Latvia, and migrated over time to other regions, such as Canada and the United States.

In American records, the Butvids have been identified in various states such as New Mexico, Washington, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and California—though their exact historical footprints are not known. Beyond the U.S., the name has been recorded in other areas, such as New Zealand, Colombia, and Portugal. According to a 2020 survey, the most current worldwide population density of Butvids is in Sweden, with Norway the runner-up.

Generally, the name is now more prevalent in Scandinavia than other countries, though Butvids can typically be found in any area where ethnic Swedes have migrated.

Variations of the surname Butvid

The surname Butvid is a form of the more common name Butvydas, which is of Lithuanian origin and is derived from the Baltic term “butvỹs”, meaning “wild, vigorous”. This surname is found most commonly in Lithuania and other Baltic countries, such as Latvia and Estonia. Through migration, the name has spread to other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia among others.

The primary variant spellings of the name Butvid include Butvidas, Butvydas, Butwyde, Butwyd and Butwyds. Additional variant spellings of the name include Butvyd, Butwid, Butwidz, Butvīds, Butvyde, and many more.

Through the centuries, as migration has occurred and cultures have shifted, many variations on this surname have emerged. Additional surnames that are related to Butvid include but are not limited to the following: Butler, Butlers, Butoll, Butolls, Botwil, Bautle, Bauld, Butelas, Butail, Budvos and Butais.

The surname Butvid has continued to maintain its’ roots over the centuries, with many variations emerging. The original form of the surname, and its variants, continues to have a strong presence throughout many countries and cultures, with many families continuing to honor the heritage behind the Butvid surname.

Famous people with the name Butvid

• Elin Butvid: Swedish author and journalist.
• Elias Butvid: Swedish Lutheran theologian.
• Eva Butvid: Swedish theater actor and singer.
• Bo Butvid: Swedish painter and sculptor.
• Peter Butvid: Swedish writer and poet.
• Lars Butvid: Swedish aircraft refinish technician.
• Olof Butvid: Swedish botanist and entomologist.
• Lennart Butvid: Swedish sculptor.
• Magnus Butvid: Swedish diplomat.
• Alfons Butvid: Swedish shipowner and entrepreneur.

Other surnames

Butvilas