Surname: Bowring

Origin and Meaning

Bowring is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is believed to derive from the Old English personal name "Burgheard" or "Burgred", which means "fortress-bold". Over time, this name evolved into Bowring, and individuals carrying this surname can trace their ancestry to medieval England.

Historical Significance

The Bowring surname has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name has been predominantly found in the counties of Devon and Cornwall in southwest England. Members of the Bowring family have been noted for their involvement in various aspects of English society, including agriculture, trade, and public service.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir John Bowring (1792–1872): A British diplomat, economist, and linguist who served as the fourth Governor of Hong Kong. Sir John Bowring played a significant role in the expansion of British influence in Asia during the 19th century.

  • Edgar Alfred Bowring (1826–1911): A British author and translator known for his translations of Icelandic sagas and the works of the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

  • Clara Lucas Balfour Bowring (1849–1937): An English painter known for her portraits and still-life paintings. Clara Lucas Balfour Bowring exhibited her works at the Royal Academy and other prestigious art venues.

Modern-Day Presence

Today, individuals with the surname Bowring can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to its historical roots in England. Bowring remains a distinctive and recognisable surname within British society.

There are approximately 1,783 people named Bowring in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,632nd most common surname in Britain. Around 27 in a million people in Britain are named Bowring.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Alison
  • Dawn
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Pamela
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra
  • Sarah

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.