Surname Bough - Meaning and Origin
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Bough: What does the surname Bough mean?
The last name 'Bough' is of English origin and is topographic in nature. It is derived from the Middle English word 'bogh' which means bough i.e., a branch of a tree. The surname was often given to individuals who lived near a significant or noticeable tree or forest. Therefore, the Bough surname probably belonged to someone who lived near a prominent tree or in a wooded area. Like many surnames that originated from old English or Middle English words, the pronunciation and the spelling has changed over time due to regional dialects and gradual shifts in language. The surname is relatively rare and has several variants including Bow, Boughen, Bowes, and others. Over the centuries, members of the Bough family have migrated and settled in various parts of the world, spreading the surname beyond its original geographic locale.
Order DNA origin analysisBough: Where does the name Bough come from?
The surname Bough is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "boga," meaning "bow" and was originally given to a person who made bows, a vital instrument in hunting and warfare during ancient times. Therefore, it can be categorized as an occupational surname. Over time, the phonetic spelling evolved, lending to variations such as Bough, Bow, Bowe, and others.
Today, the surname Bough is not highly common anywhere in the world. It can be found in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and some parts of Europe, indicative of the English diaspora. It's worth noting that surname distributions have become comparatively dispersed due to the mobility of the world’s population. Precise counts are difficult to obtain, but available records imply a relatively minor prevalence of the Bough surname in most parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Bough
The surname Bough has several possible variations and related surnames due to differences in regional dialects, spelling, and pronunciation, as well as migration and translation over the centuries. This English surname most likely originated from the Northern Middle English word 'bogh', which means a bow. It may refer to someone who made bows, which were crucial weapons in the Middle Ages, or perhaps someone with a bowed or bent physique.
Some variant spellings of Bough include Boughen, Boughe, Boughes, Bow, Bows, Bowe, and Bowie. These variations usually reflect phonetic attempts to spell the name. Some people spelled their names differently each time they were recorded.
Surnames that might be of the same origin due to a similar etymology or shared root word include Bowman, Bowmaker, and Archer. The Bowyer surname is closely related, as it is an alternate term for a bowmaker.
Additionally, Boucher may also be linked, as it is an old French word for 'bow maker'. Similarly, the German surname Bogen, meaning 'bow', could have modified into Bough in English speaking regions.
Please note, due to the organic nature of language evolution and personal choice, it's challenging to list all possible surname variants and connections. These are some of the most likely related names.
Famous people with the name Bough
- Frank Bough: He was an English television presenter who was best known for being the host of BBC's "Grandstand". 2.Felicia Bough: Also known as Felicia Bough Sy, she is a notable Miss Earth Guam 2014.
- Sammy Bough: He was a footballer from Scotland who played as a goalkeeper.
- Chris Bough: He is an acclaimed Film/TV Producer known for his work on "Braking For Whales" and "Cam-Girl".
- Andrew Bough: He is known for his work on the hit TV Show Desperate Housewives.
- Victoria Bough: She is an acclaimed wildlife artistor known for her precise and beautifully detailed paintings depicting various wildlife species.
- Jordan Bough: He is known for his work on popular TV Shows like The Shield and Las Vegas. These are the seven most noteworthy people with the last name Bough; the rest are not as well-known or have not made significant contributions in their respective fields to warrant a mention.