Bullen

Bullen is an English surname of early medieval origins, deriving from the Old French word "bouillon," meaning a person who was skilled in boiling or making broth. The surname Bullen is classified as a metonymic occupational name, associated with occupations related to cooking or broth-making.

Origins

The Bullen surname has been traced back to the 11th century in England, specifically in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. One of the earliest known records of the surname is that of Roger Bulein, dated 1182 in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk.

Variants and Derivatives

Over the centuries, the surname Bullen has evolved and branched out into various regional and linguistic variants, such as:

  • Bullock
  • Bullen-Smith
  • Bullan
  • Bullenmann

Notable Individuals

The most prominent bearer of the Bullen surname was Anne Boleyn (c. 1501–1536), the second wife of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Anne Boleyn's lineage can be traced back to Sir Geoffrey Boleyn, a wealthy London merchant in the late 15th century.

Distribution

The surname Bullen is still relatively common in England, particularly in the eastern counties where it originated. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, due to emigration patterns over the centuries.

Heraldry

The Bullen family has a coat of arms that features traditional heraldic symbols, such as bulls and cooking implements, representing the occupational origins of the surname. The crest often includes a boiling pot or ladle as a nod to the culinary connection of the name.

In conclusion, the Bullen surname is a distinctive English surname with historical roots in medieval occupations related to cooking and broth-making. Despite its modest origins, the surname has gained prominence through notable bearers like Anne Boleyn and continues to be a recognizable part of British heritage to this day.

There are approximately 5,815 people named Bullen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,625th most common surname in Britain. Around 89 in a million people in Britain are named Bullen.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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