Bonnema Surname

Introduction

The surname Bonnema is a unique and fascinating surname that has a rich history and is found in various parts of the world. This surname has different incidences in different countries, with the highest incidence in the United States and the Netherlands. In this article, we will explore the origins, meanings, and distribution of the Bonnema surname in different countries.

Origins of the Bonnema Surname

The surname Bonnema is of Dutch origin and is derived from the given name 'Bonne,' which is a variant of the name 'Bernhard.' The suffix '-ma' is a common Dutch surname suffix, indicating 'son of.' Therefore, Bonnema means 'son of Bonne' or 'son of Bernhard.' The surname likely originated as a patronymic surname, where it was used to identify the sons of a man named Bonne or Bernhard.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Bonnema surname is relatively common, with 1158 incidences reported. The surname is most prevalent in the Friesland province, which is in the northern part of the country. Friesland has a significant Frisian population, and the Bonnema surname is likely of Frisian origin. It is believed that the surname may have originated in this region and then spread to other parts of the Netherlands.

United States

In the United States, the Bonnema surname is particularly prevalent, with 1224 incidences reported. The surname is most commonly found in the Midwest and West Coast regions of the country. Many Dutch immigrants settled in these areas during the 19th and 20th centuries, bringing their surnames with them. The Bonnema surname is a testament to the Dutch heritage of these early settlers.

South Africa

In South Africa, the Bonnema surname is less common, with 243 incidences reported. The surname is found primarily among the Afrikaner population, who are descendants of Dutch settlers in the country. The Bonnema surname likely arrived in South Africa during the Dutch colonial period and has been passed down through the generations.

Canada

In Canada, the Bonnema surname is relatively rare, with only 64 incidences reported. The surname is found in various parts of the country, with concentrations in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Dutch immigrants who settled in Canada in the 20th century likely introduced the Bonnema surname to the country.

Germany

In Germany, the Bonnema surname is found, but it is not as common as in other countries. There are only 15 reported incidences of the surname in Germany. The surname may have originated in the Netherlands and then migrated to Germany over time. The variation in the incidences of the Bonnema surname in different countries reflects the migration patterns of Dutch settlers over the centuries.

Other Countries

The Bonnema surname is also found in a handful of other countries, including Denmark, Spain, France, England, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Singapore. While the incidence of the surname is relatively low in these countries, it demonstrates the global reach of the Dutch diaspora and the prevalence of Dutch surnames worldwide.

Meaning of the Bonnema Surname

The Bonnema surname has a simple yet significant meaning, indicating 'son of Bonne' or 'son of Bernhard.' The surname carries a sense of lineage and ancestry, reflecting the paternal heritage of individuals who bear the name. Surnames like Bonnema serve as a link to the past, connecting individuals to their ancestors and preserving their family history.

Distribution of the Bonnema Surname

The distribution of the Bonnema surname varies significantly across different countries, with the highest incidences in the United States and the Netherlands. The surname is most prevalent in regions with significant Dutch populations, such as Friesland in the Netherlands and the Midwest in the United States. The Dutch diaspora has spread the Bonnema surname far and wide, making it a recognizable and respected surname in many parts of the world.

Conclusion

The Bonnema surname is a testament to the rich history and heritage of the Dutch people. With its origins in the Netherlands and a significant presence in countries like the United States and South Africa, the Bonnema surname has a global reach and a meaningful connection to the past. As Dutch immigrants spread across the world, they carried their surnames with them, preserving their identity and legacy for future generations to cherish.

The surname Bonnema into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same occurs in the case of Bonnema, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in all the countries of the globe. Just as there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Bonnema is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Bonnema surname

1. United States (1224)
2. Netherlands (1158)
3. South Africa (243)
4. Canada (64)
5. Germany (15)
6. Denmark (8)
7. Spain (8)
8. France (2)
9. England (2)
10. Australia (1)
11. Belgium (1)
12. Bulgaria (1)
13. Brazil (1)
14. Switzerland (1)
15. Czech Republic (1)
16. Singapore (1)