Surname Bonnett - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bonnett: What does the surname Bonnett mean?
The last name Bonnett has French origins, originally denoting a type of soft, brimless cap or hat typically worn by women, which is often tied under the chin. The name “Bonnett" is derived from the French word "bonnet," which translates to "hat" in English. It is thought to have been a metonymic occupational surname for a maker or seller of such hats. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for someone who regularly wore a distinctive bonnet. Over time, this surname spread across various regions, including England, Scotland, and the United States. Variations of the name include Bonnet, Bonet, Bonnette, and Bonneteau. It should be noted that meanings can vary based on cultural contexts, and etymology may not necessarily present the true historical significance of the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisBonnett: Where does the name Bonnett come from?
The surname Bonnett has French origins, derived from a diminutive form of 'bon', connoting "good". It was possibly used as a nickname for a good person, or maybe an occupational name for a hat maker, as 'bonnet' also refers to a type of hat in both French and English. The surname was taken to England and Scotland in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Today, the Bonnett surname is found in many countries, but it's most frequent in the United States, England, and Australia. It is prevalent in the states of Iowa and South Dakota in the United States, while in England, its greatest concentration is in Derbyshire. Nevertheless, although occurring in various countries, it is not considered a common surname.
Variations of the surname Bonnett
The surname Bonnett is of French origin and it is a variant of the French word "bonnet", which is an occupational name for a maker or seller of hats.
The surname has several recorded spelling variations. Some of these include Bonnet, Bonett, Bonne, Bonney, Bonnit, Bonnitt, Bonotte, Bonnotte, and Bonet. Moreover, it can be hyphenized or combined with other surnames, such as Bonnet-Blanc. There are also known variants in other languages. For instance, the Spanish equivalent of Bonnett could be "Gorrito" or "Sombrero" and the Italian equivalent could be "Cappello".
Surnames starting with "von" or "van", common in the Dutch, Belgian and German-speaking countries, are not related to Bonnett. They signify "from" and are often followed by the name of a town or a geographical feature.
In terms of related surnames, it might be interesting to explore surnames linked to hat-making, millinery, or cloth trade in general, given the occupational roots of the surname "Bonnett".
As always, variants and uses largely depend on geographical location, cultural context, language, and phonetics, and can have different forms in different countries.
Famous people with the name Bonnett
- Neil Bonnett: An accomplished American NASCAR driver who had 18 victories in his 18-year career. He was also a television commentator for CBS and TNT until his death in 1994.
- Pete Bonnett: An English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Kent from 1927 to 1947.
- Hugh A. Bonnett: Former Vice President at Procter & Gamble, responsible for the company’s Asian operations.
- Marguerite Bonnett: A significant Australian lawyer and philanthropist who founded schools for disadvantaged children.
- Gregg Bonnett: An American musician and actor. He was known for his works in films like "Battlestar Galactica".
- Merrilie Bonnett: A British author best known for her poetry and other literary works.
- David E. Bonnett: Noted for his leadership in numerous companies, including being the CEO of Liberty Global.
- Debbie Bonnett: She's an American television writer, notably known for the series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".
- Susan Bonnett Bourgeois: A well-known American author known for her young reader’s books.
- Edwina Bonnett: Former Mayor of the Borough of Eastbourne in England and a public figure in the UK's Green party.