Surname Bonnen - Meaning and Origin
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Bonnen: What does the surname Bonnen mean?
The last name Bonnen is of French origin that has been passed down for generations. The original name derived from the French word “bonne,” which means “good.” The name has been adopted in many different languages and spellings over the centuries, including “Bonne,” “Bona,” “Bonner,” and “Bonnen.”
In France, the surname Bonnen may have initially referred to a person who was kind and generous, or “good” to their neighbors. Over time, this name likely evolved to serve as a surname for those with the character trait of being kind and generous. With this in mind, the last name Bonnen might be associated with good-natured individuals.
In addition to French, the last name Bonnen has also been adopted by people from other parts of the world. People with the last name Bonnen are found in the North American countries of Canada and the United States, as well as in European countries such as Germany and Italy.
The last name Bonnen has evolved over generations and will continue to do so in the future. Its continued usage and variety of spellings demonstrates the surname’s continued success. Although the name has different spellings, those who carry the name Bonnen likely have the shared trait of being generous and kind.
Order DNA origin analysisBonnen: Where does the name Bonnen come from?
The last name Bonnen is most common today in eastern and northern Germany, the Netherlands, and the Flemish region of Belgium, as well as in modern day Scandinavia. In Germany, there is a greater concentration of Bonnens in Bavaria and western Prussia. In the Netherlands, the last name is mainly found in the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland. In Flanders, Bonnen is most common in provinces such as Zeeland, Utrecht, and Limburg.
The Bonnen family was historically small and often kept to itself, which has kept the name fairly localized to its point of origin; however, it is believed that several members migrated to nearby countries such as England, Denmark, Sweden, and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Thus, Bonnen is also found in England and the United States, although these family lines probably originated in Germany and the Netherlands.
Even as recently as the 20th century, the Bonnen family name was not considered a "common name" in any of these countries. It is still quite rare, but the emergence of popular forums and online genealogy sites have helped other Bonnen family members connect with one another and solidify the connection as a large family.
Variations of the surname Bonnen
The surname Bonnen is from a Norman French origin, the spelling variant is Bonnain. The surname is also associated with the spellings of Bonnell, Bonscreen, and Bonins. Bonnen is derived from the Latin word “bonus” which means “good” and the Old French “bonne” which means attractive or good-looking. The Latin word “bonne” came to be adopted by the French during the Middle Ages and then passed on to the English language.
Bonnen is also known to be derived from the Old French words "bonnin", meaning a basket, and "bonnaire", meaning a basket maker. In England and Ireland the surname was a nickname for someone of good looks, derived from the Middle English word “bon”, meaning pleasing in appearance.
The surname is found across countries with several spelling variants and family names, such as Bonnain in France, Bonnell and Bonins in Scotland, and Bonnine in the United States. Other forms of the name are Bonnenuit, Bonneville, Bonney, Bonnar, Bonner and Bannent in America; Bunnin in Canada; Bonnezeaux in Switzerland; Bonnezeau in France; and Bounn and Annen in Scotland.
In America, the spelling variants Bonne, Bonnet and Bonney are also found. families of the same origin in various countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland and Slovakia; however, their variation in spelling and pronunciation is notable.
In conclusion, the surname Bonnen is associated with a number of spellings and surnames, all originating from its Norman French origin. These variants include Bonnain, Bonnell, Bonscreen, Bonins, and Bonnenuit, Bonneville, Bonney, Bonnar, Bonner and Bannent in America; Bunnin in Canada; Bonnezeaux in Switzerland; Bonnezeau in France; and Bounn and Annen in Scotland.
Famous people with the name Bonnen
- Dennis Bonnen: an American politician who served as the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives from 2019 to 2020.
- Peter Bonnen: a former two-time mayor of Kodiak, Alaska.
- Ken Bonnen: an American hockey player who played in the National Hockey League from 1967 to 1976.
- Ann Bonnen: an American film and television actress who had numerous roles in shows such as "Law & Order," "CSI: Miami" and "2 Broke Girls."
- Stan Bonnen: an American film producer who is best known for his work on the films "Running Scared" and "Poison Ivy."
- Fritz Bonnen: a German politician who served as the Minister of Justice for the Free State of Brunswick and Free State of Lippe from 1945 to 1946.
- Mark Bonnen: an American actor who had roles in films such as "The Other Side of Heaven," "Tron: Legacy" and "The Purge: Election Year."
- Jack Bonnen: an American entrepreneur who founded the business review website Angie's List.
- Norman Bonnen: an American scientist who served as the head of the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory from 1960 to 1970.
- Mickey Bonnen: an American writer, director and producer who is best known for his work on the television series "Home Improvement" and "The Simpsons."