Surname Bülow - Meaning and Origin

TITLE: Discovering Family Heritage: A Deep-Dive into the Bülow lineage with iGENEA DNA test

My exploration into the realms of family heritage with iGENEA's DNA test has been a stirring journey. Unveiling the history of the Bülow surname, the test results transformed a family name into a symbol of identity, unity, and ancestral pride. The process brought not just eye-opening revelations, but also an emotional sense of closure and discovery.

O. Bülow

Bülow: What does the surname Bülow mean?

The last name Bülow is of Germanic origin and is a variation of the surname Buehl or Buhl. It is derived from the Middle High German term ‘buhel’, meaning ‘hill’. Initially, it was used as a topographical identifier, referring to someone who lived in a house located on a hill, but eventually it was adopted as a hereditary surname. Individuals with this last name can trace their heritage to various regions of Germany.

The surname can be found throughout Germany and surrounding countries. It is also present in North and South America. There are several notable people with the Bülow name, including Prussian statesman Prince Otto von Bülow and Dutch historian Christian Cornelius Bülowius.

In the modern-day, the Bülow surname signifies strength and resilience. Families bearing this name have endured complex and turbulent eras throughout German and European history. Interestingly, the last name is also synonymous with music. Composer Johann Heinrich Bülow was a student of Franz Schubert’s and an important figure in the Classical era.

Overall, the Bülow surname is an inheritance of great historical and cultural significance. To this day, it is a reminder of the impact that one’s ancestry can have on future generations and the potential of those who honor their heritage.

Bülow: Where does the name Bülow come from?

Bülow is a surname which is most commonly found in Germany and northern Europe, especially in areas with a significant Danish population. In Germany, it is predominantly found in the states of Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the eastern region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is also a fairly common name in the Netherlands, particularly in places such as the northwest and eastern regions of the country.

Outside of Europe, Bülow is not as common a name; however, there are still some families who have retained the name, even in far-flung regions. Examples can be found in Australia, where a few dozen families with the last name live in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. There are also a handful of Bülows living in the United States, primarily on the West Coast, as well as some in Canada.

In terms of other countries, it is not particularly common; however, due to increased globalisation, and more people travelling and relocating overseas, it may become more prevalent in the future.

Variations of the surname Bülow

The surname Bülow is German in origin and has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

The most common variant spelling is Bulow, with the Umlaut ü replaced with u. This spelling is common in the United States, England, and other English speaking countries.

The Polish equivalent of Bülow is Bielow, while the Czech version is Bulov. The Spanish version is Bilow, with the umlaut ü replaced with i. The Portuguese and French version is Bulot, with the umlaut ü replaced with o and ou, respectively.

Other variants of the surname include Buelow, Bühlau, Büllau, and Büllow, all with the umlaut ü replaced with an h or l.

Surnames of the same origin as Bülow include Bolow, Beaulieu, Bealieu, Biboa, Bihlau, Bilau, and Buelow.

Bülow is also the root of many compound surnames such as Bülow-Hülsemann, Bülow-von Oheimb, Bülow-von Ebner, Bülow-von Trotha, Bülow-Lippert, and Bülow-Krenzer.

The variations of the surname Bülow offer a glimpse into the complex history of Germany and Eastern Europe, where families often changed their surnames to suit changing political or social landscapes.

Famous people with the name Bülow

• Claus von Bülow: Chief of imperial chancellery of the German Empire from 1858 to 1871
• Bernhard von Bülow: Foreign and imperial minister of the German Empire from 1900 to 1909
• Hans-Gert von Bülow: German lieutenant general in the Wehrmacht during World War II
• Hermann von Bülow: German politician who was Interior Minister during World War II
• Heinrich von Bülow: German general of the infantry who served in World War I and World War II
• Victor von Bülow: German neurologist and author
• Ludwig Freiherr von Bülow: Prussian aristocrat and military officer
• Gert von Bülow: German aviator and recipient of the Iron Cross
• Dirk von Bülow: Thrower in East German track and field during the 1984 Olympics
• Marion von Bülow: Wife of Claus von Bülow, accused of attempted murder

Other surnames

Bülowius