Bohanan Surname

Introduction

The surname Bohanan is a relatively rare surname that is most commonly found in the United States. However, it is also found in countries such as England, the Philippines, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, Israel, and Ukraine. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning, distribution, and variations of the Bohanan surname.

Origins

The origin of the Bohanan surname is believed to be Irish. It is thought to be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Buacháin, which means "descendant of Buachán." Buachán itself is a personal name derived from the word "buachaill," which means "boy" or "herdsman" in Irish. The surname is most common in County Cork, Ireland.

Meaning

The meaning of the Bohanan surname is not entirely clear, but it is likely to have been derived from the occupation of a herdsman or a boy. In Ireland, herding was a common occupation, and boys were often employed as assistants to the herdsmen. Therefore, the surname may have originally been used to denote someone who worked with cattle or sheep.

Distribution

United States

The Bohanan surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a total incidence of 2441. It is particularly prevalent in states such as Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky. Many Bohanans in the United States are descended from Irish immigrants who arrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Bohanan surname is much less common, with an incidence of only 26. Most Bohanans in the UK are found in England, particularly in the counties of London, Essex, and Kent. The surname is likely to have been brought to England by Irish immigrants or through military and trade connections.

Other Countries

Outside of the United States and the United Kingdom, the Bohanan surname is found in a few other countries. In the Philippines, there are 12 individuals with the surname Bohanan, while in Canada, Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, Israel, and Ukraine, the surname is much rarer, with only 1-6 individuals bearing the name in each country.

Variations

Like many surnames, the Bohanan surname has undergone various spelling variations over the years. Some common variations of the name include Bohannon, Bohan, Boan, and Bohen. These variations may have arisen due to differences in dialect, pronunciation, or transcription.

Notable Bohanans

Despite its relatively small incidence, the Bohanan surname has produced a few notable individuals throughout history. One such individual is John Bohanan, an American politician who served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. Another notable Bohanan is Keith Bohanan, an American actor known for his work in television and film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bohanan surname is a rare but interesting surname with Irish origins. It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states with large Irish-American populations. The surname likely originated as an occupational or descriptive name, denoting someone who worked with cattle or sheep. Despite its limited distribution, the Bohanan surname has produced a few notable individuals who have made their mark in politics, entertainment, and other fields.

The surname Bohanan within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place when it comes to Bohanan, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname that can be present in all the nations for the world. In the same manner there are countries by which truly the density of men and women with the surname Bohanan is higher than far away.

The map associated with the Bohanan surname

1. United States (2441)
2. England (26)
3. Philippines (12)
4. Canada (6)
5. Australia (2)
6. Belgium (2)
7. Germany (2)
8. France (2)
9. Israel (2)
10. Ukraine (1)