Surname Boorman/Borman - Meaning and Origin
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Boorman/Borman: What does the surname Boorman/Borman mean?
The last name Boorman/Borman is of Anglo-Saxon origin and dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes that lived in Britain during the mid-5th and 6th centuries. The surname Boorman/Borman was initially used to refer specifically to someone who was a cultivator or tiller of the soil. In other words, they were farmers.
The name Boorman/Borman is derived from the Old English words 'burmann' and 'burhmann', with the prefix 'burh' meaning a place of refuge. This would suggest that the first Boorman/Bormans in Britain were likely people who inhabited or were given control of an area of land. This area may have provided a place of safety for the local population, such as a fort or castle.
Over the centuries, the name Boorman/Borman has also come to mean a person who either was a brave fighter or has a strong emotional bond with the land. It is thought this is because of the family's connection to the soil and strong link to their land. In modern times, the surname Boorman/Borman is quite rare and those that still hold the name tend to be proud of its history and the stories associated with the family name.
Order DNA origin analysisBoorman/Borman: Where does the name Boorman/Borman come from?
The surname Boorman/Borman is believed to be of Germanic origin and likely derived from the Old Germanic terms “būr” meaning "citizen” and “man” meaning “man”. Originally, it would have been a status name for a citizen or inhabitant of a settlement, town, or village. Today, this surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly England and Wales. It is also seen in some cases in the United States, primarily in Appalachia and other regions with strong cultural ties to Britain. In addition, the Boorman/Borman surname is seen in many other European countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland; as well as in Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
Within these countries, the Boorman/Borman surname is most common in areas where there are high levels of immigration and intermingling of cultures and peoples. For example, over one third of Boorman/Bormans living in the United States are of Hispanic origin due to migration from Latin America. Similarly, people with this surname are found in various other countries in some cases due to migration from Britain.
Overall, the Boorman/Borman surname is still quite common today and can be found in a wide variety of locations across the globe. However, it is most heavily concentrated in recently-migrated and multi-cultural parts of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Boorman/Borman
The surnames Boorman and Borman are variants of the same origin, stemming from the pre-7th century Old English words 'beorn' and 'bere', which mean 'warrior' and 'bare'. This surname was then brought to England by the Normans who invaded in 1066 and was originally used to refer to a brave and skilled warrior or bear-warden, one who safeguarded the enclosures of wild bears. It is thought that the surnames Boorman and Borman may have first originated in the region now known as Northumberland.
Variants of the Boorman/ Borman surnames can include: Bearman, Bearmann, Boarman, Boreman, Boremann, Bormann, Byerman, and Byermon. In some cases, it may be spelt as Beerman or Burrman and variants of the latter may include Bairman and Barriman.
In Scotland, some Boorman and Borman families may have adopted the spelling Boram, and it is possible that the Welsh spelling Boreham may also have been used by some families as an alternative. Some Germans may have adapted the spelling Borchermann.
It is also possible to come across less-common spellings such as Boarmane, Boarmanne, Boremane, Bearmon, Byremen, and Bereman. Some families might even have adopted the spelling Barman and in some cases it may have become Storesman or Storeman.
It is possible to find the Boorman/ Borman surnames throughout Europe. In Germany it may be found as Borchermann, Bormann, and Bormeyer, while in the Netherlands as de Boerman, and as Bwoodman in France. In Sweden, it may be found as Borhen and variations of this.
Altogether, there are many variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin as Boorman/Borman, which offer a wide range of options for those looking to trace their heritage.
Famous people with the name Boorman/Borman
- John Boorman: Award-winning English film director, screenwriter and producer. He is best known for directing the 1981 classic, Excalibur, and for his 1972 British drama film, Deliverance.
- Lee Ann Borman: American actress, best known for playing the role of Mary Jo Kane on the ABC sitcom 2 Guys and a Girl.
- Rachel Boorman: British film producer and writer. She is best known for producing the 2004 psychological thriller film, The Jacket, and for co-writing the 2007 science-fiction drama, The Farm.
- Robert Borman: American actor and martial artist. He is best known for his roles in the martial arts films, Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 2, and The Last Dragon.
- Peter Borman: British theatre producer who won an Olivier Award for his work in 2003's The Simon Gray Season.
- Dick Borman: Retired American retail executive. He was the chief executive officer and president of Macy's from 1992 to 2001.
- Rob Bormann: American musician and session guitar player. He has toured and recorded with multiple artists, including Zac Brown Band, Matchbox Twenty, and Clay Walker.
- Arthur Boorman: Retired Paralympic middle distance runner. He is best known for inspiring millions with his remarkable transformation after 14 years of paralysis.
- Sharon Borman: Australian barrister and judge. She is the currently the judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
- Kinga Borman: Hungarian physiotherapist and TV presenter. She's the co-host of the popular TV show, Természet Riadó.