Surname Bowlin - Meaning and Origin

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Z. Bowlin

Bowlin: What does the surname Bowlin mean?

The last name Bowlin is an English and Irish surname. It is derived from several origins such as the French word "bolain," meaning a bag of wool, and the Old Norse word "boel,"meaning bull. It is also believed that the name could have been a patronymic form of the name Bolin or Bollin, and have descended from someone by the name of Bolla. In Ireland, the Bowlin family is thought to have descended from French Protestants who were granted acres of land in Ulster in 1641.

In England, Bowlin is found most often in Derbyshire and Cheshire, the latter of which is believed to be the original home for the family. In Ireland, the Bowlins were mostly found in counties Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Cork.

The modern spelling of the name Bowlin is due to changes in the spelling of the surname over the years. For example, the spelling of the family name, Bolin, was often recorded as Bollin or Bolland in past eras. However, at present, the name is most often seen spelled as Bowlin.

The Bowlin family today holds many professions, such as mayors, priests, teachers and businessmen. However, the family is also very proud of its roots and many members can trace their ancestry back to the original Bowlin family who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in the late 1800's.

Bowlin: Where does the name Bowlin come from?

The last name Bowlin is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in areas of the Southern and Midwestern states. Historically, the name is believed to have been derived from the German-based surname Bühling, which was Anglicized to "Bowlin" upon migration to the United States. Bowlin name holders are primarily concentrated in regions where early migration patterns brought together families of English, Irish, Dutch, and German heritage.

In the present day, the highest concentration of the Bowlin surname is found in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. This is followed by other states such as Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, and Arkansas. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Kentucky was a primary area of settlement for families with the Bowlin name, and its strong presence there persists today.

Outside of the US, the presence of the Bowlin name is much more dispersed. Nations in which the surname may be found include Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Mexico, and Germany. However, the concentration of the Bowlin name is far lower in these areas than in the United States.

Overall, the Bowlin surname still remains a common one, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern states of the US. Despite centuries of migration and cultural exchange, the Bowlin name remains an important part of these areas’ shared heritage.

Variations of the surname Bowlin

The surname Bowlin is an English, German, and Irish surname which traces its origins to a variety of sources and is found in many forms. Common variants of this surname include Bollin, Bolling, Bollens, Bollon, Bowling, Bowlin, Bohling, Bohlin, and Bollen.

In England, this name is believed to have originated as a combination of two English names, Bogo or Beagnoth (meaning bow-warrior), and Dunwald (meaning bold friend). In Germany, Bollen can be traced to the old Germanic word bulbodium, which is believed to refer to a boathouse.

The Irish variant of this surname is usually found as Bohan or Bohane, deriving from the ancient Irish personal name Baoighean, which is believed to mean "small ray of light". It is worth noting that the surname Bolin, with a single "l" is not related to Bowlin and is a derivative of the ancient Germanic name Bolin, meaning mountain.

In conclusion, the surname Bowlin is found in a variety of different forms and can trace its roots back to English, German, and Irish origins, making it one of the most diverse surnames in the world.

Famous people with the name Bowlin

• Dave Bowlin: A professional jazz violinist who has performed all over the world with a variety of groups and as a soloist.
• Todd Bowlin: A former NCAA Division I college baseball player who was a member of the University of Notre Dame, Fresno State University, and Louisiana State University teams.
• Christopher Bowlin: An actor in several films and television shows including, Criminal Minds, The Last Ship, Bones, and ER.
• Ed Bowlin: Professional bowler and Coach from the 1960s to the 1980s, and PBA ally for over 40 years.
• Brantley Bowlin: Discussion host and podcast radio host of Southern Sunday on Sirius XM Radio.
• Morgan Bowlin: A former Miss Oklahoma USA and a motivational speaker and coach.
• Nick Bowlin: Country musician and songwriter who released the single, Rockin’ Country Band, in 2018.
• Mary Bowlin: Professional watercolorist and teacher, whose work is featured in the National Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, and other society’s collections.
• Tyler Bowlin: Former Major League Baseball player who was drafted by the Colorado Rockies with the 27th overall pick in 2019.
• Jeremy Bowlin: A professional photographer, blogger, and travel writer who has traveled all around the world.

Other surnames

Bowling