Bonham Surname

The History of the Bonham Surname

The surname Bonham is of English origin and is derived from the Old French name "Bonhomme," which translates to "good man" in English. This suggests that the original bearers of the Bonham surname were known for their virtuous and honorable qualities. The name is believed to have been brought to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066, when French influence was widespread in the country.

Early Origins of the Bonham Surname

The earliest recorded instance of the Bonham surname dates back to the 13th century in England. The name was first documented in the Domesday Book, a survey of England and Wales completed in 1086, which listed the various landowners and tenants in the country. The Bonham family is believed to have been landowners in the counties of Devonshire and Somerset, where the surname was particularly common.

Over the centuries, the Bonham surname spread to other parts of England and eventually to other English-speaking countries around the world. The surname can now be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and various other countries with English-speaking populations.

Notable Bearers of the Bonham Surname

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Bonham surname. One such individual is Sir George Bonham, a British diplomat and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Hong Kong in the 19th century. Another famous bearer of the surname is Martyn Bonham, an English cricketer who played for the Essex county cricket club in the 20th century.

In addition to these individuals, there are many other Bonhams who have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, literature, science, and the arts. The surname has a rich and diverse history, with members of the Bonham family playing important roles in society throughout the centuries.

Distribution of the Bonham Surname

The Bonham surname is most commonly found in the United States, where it has a relatively high incidence rate of 8,971 individuals bearing the name. In the United Kingdom, the surname is particularly prevalent in England, with 1,284 individuals carrying the Bonham surname.

Regional Variations of the Bonham Surname

While the Bonham surname is most common in English-speaking countries, it can also be found in other parts of the world. In Canada, there are 495 individuals with the Bonham surname, while in Australia and New Zealand, there are 485 and 148 individuals, respectively, with the name.

Outside of the English-speaking world, the Bonham surname is less common but still present in several countries. In Germany, there are 15 individuals with the Bonham surname, while in Denmark, there are 12 individuals bearing the name. The surname can also be found in countries such as France, Italy, Brazil, and Russia, among others.

Popularity of the Bonham Surname

Despite being a relatively rare surname, the Bonham name has gained some popularity in recent years due to its distinctive sound and historical significance. The surname is often perceived as noble and dignified, reflecting the virtuous qualities associated with the original meaning of "good man."

Many individuals with the Bonham surname take pride in their family history and heritage, often tracing their ancestry back to the early bearers of the name in medieval England. As a result, the Bonham surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the past and a sense of belonging to a larger family lineage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bonham surname has a long and storied history that dates back to medieval England. The name is derived from the Old French term "Bonhomme," meaning "good man," and is associated with virtuous qualities and honorable behavior. The Bonham surname is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, with a significant presence in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Bonham surname and made important contributions in various fields. The surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the past and reflecting a sense of pride in family heritage. Overall, the Bonham surname remains a symbol of dignity and respect, representing the values of integrity and honor that have been associated with the name for centuries.

The surname Bonham in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place when it comes to Bonham, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname that may be present in most of the nations associated with the world. Just as you will find countries by which definitely the density of individuals utilizing the surname Bonham is more than far away.

The map associated with the Bonham surname

View Bonham surname map

The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Bonham on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves regarding the map, on a concrete nation, we could start to see the concrete amount of people with the surname Bonham, to acquire in this way the complete information of all of the Bonham as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to understand not only where the surname Bonham comes from, but also in excatly what way the people who are originally area of the family that bears the surname Bonham have relocated and relocated. In the same manner, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and grown up, which explains why if Bonham is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations associated with the globe it's possible this one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Bonham worldwide

Bonham Surname

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