Surname de Bohun - Meaning and Origin
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de Bohun: What does the surname de Bohun mean?
The last name "de Bohun" is of Norman-French origin, belonging to a noble family lineage that traced its roots back to the 11th century in England. The family name was derived from a place, Bohon, in Manche, Normandy in France. In the Norman tradition of naming, the prefix "de" signifies "from" or "of," indicating the geographic origin of the family. Therefore, the literal meaning of "de Bohun" would be “from Bohon." The de Bohun family played a significant role in English history, with members serving as earls and high-ranking officials. However, the family line became extinct in the 15th century. The symbol of the de Bohun family is a white swan, a motif which is recurrent in many medieval European coats of arms. Despite its extinction, the de Bohun name continues to be studied in English history, primarily due to the family's social prominence during the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisde Bohun: Where does the name de Bohun come from?
The last name De Bohun originates from Norman aristocracy, tracing back to the times of William the Conqueror and the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is named after Bohun, a place in the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France. The De Bohuns were a powerful family in medieval England and were given many lands and titles, including the Earls of Hereford, Essex and Northampton.
Despite its prominence in historical records, the De Bohun surname is quite rare today. Current records do not pinpoint one specific area where the name is common, likely due to varied spellings, descendants from female lines, and the passing of time. It can still be found among some families in England, but with likely links to other parts of the world due to historic and modern migration patterns. The legacy of the De Bohun family, however, remains in various place names around the UK such as Bohun's Bret in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, and Bohunt Manor in Liphook, Hampshire.
Variations of the surname de Bohun
The surname de Bohun hails from an Old English origin. It is derived from the place name Bohon, in La Manche, Normandy. Prior to the Norman Conquest of Britain in 1066, this surname existed in England as an Anglo-Saxon family.
Due to various historical influences over the centuries, the surname de Bohun can be found in a few variations and alternate spellings. Some of these include Bohun, Bohon, de Bohon, Bowhun, Boown, Boon, Boone, and possibly Bown. These versions of the surname all denote lineage from the same historical roots and likely share a common ancestor from the Norman or Anglo-Saxon period of British history.
It's important to note that the evolution of surnames was a gradual process influenced largely by local dialect, literacy levels, and cultural integration. Therefore, these variations in spelling and presentation evolved as methods of phonetic transcribing and interpretation of the original name. The spread and diversification of the surname are caused by the dispersal and migration of families bearing the name throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, and later, North America and other continents.
Famous people with the name de Bohun
- Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford: He was an English nobleman known for his opposition to King Edward I over the Confirmatio Cartarum.
- Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford: A prominent English nobleman during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III, who participated in both the Scottish Wars and the Hundred Years War.
- Humphrey de Bohun, 3rd Earl of Hereford: He fought in the Battle of Falkirk and alongside Edward I during his campaigns in Scotland.
- Mary de Bohun: She was married to Henry IV of England and is the mother of Henry V, making her a Queen Consort and a Queen Mother, though she died before her husband ascended the throne.
- Elizabeth de Bohun: Married to Richard FitzAlan, 11th Earl of Arundel, and known for being a descendant of Edward I of England.
- Eleanor de Bohun: Duchess of Gloucester, a prominent figure during the reign of Richard II. She got into a power struggle with her sister, Mary, for guardianship of their nephew.
- Humphrey de Bohun, 2nd Earl of Hereford: He fought during the conquest of Wales and the Battle of Boroughbridge.