Surname Bolling - Meaning and Origin

The Bolling Surname: An Extensive Ancestral Exploration via iGENEA DNA Test

Recently, I explored my lineage by taking an iGENEA DNA test and the results were astonishing. The undeniable link to the Scandinavian country of Norway, the British Isles, and the reach to Western and Central Europe uncovered intriguing narratives surrounding my surname, Bolling. From possible Viking connections to migration across Europe, the DNA results painted a vivid picture of my ancestral heritage.

Y. Bolling

Bolling: What does the surname Bolling mean?

The last name Bolling has been traced to multiple origins. Historically, it originated from ancient Germany. It is derived from the Old German word “Bollo,” which means “surname of a family living in a fortified hill” or “a settlement on a rise.”

In Germany, the name Bolling was known to be used as a nickname for someone who lived in or near the fortified hill. This could be due to the ancient tradition of building fortifications at the top of hills in German-speaking areas.

The name Bolling can also be found in English speaking countries. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word “Boellan” or the Old French “Boullant”, both of which mean “to bellow”. This could be a reference to a family who lived and worked around a cattle farm, where the sound of cattle could be heard.

More recently, the surname Bolling is increasingly found in the United States. It is often associated with African American heritage, although it is not exclusively a Black surname. The surname Bolling was found to be frequently used in North Carolina in 1880, particularly in the eastern section of the state.

In conclusion, the surname Bolling carries a fascinating history of origin, with multiple possible interpretations. Whether it is derived from a German nickname or originally a name of a family who lived and worked with cattle, it is interesting to consider the rich and diverse history associated with the name.

Bolling: Where does the name Bolling come from?

The last name Bolling is most common in the United States today, especially in the Southeast region of the country. This is likely due to the area's large population of African Americans, as the surname entered the United States as a slave name. Records indicate that the Bolling family surname dates back to the 1600s in England, with the family originating in the village of Bolling in the county of Yorkshire.

The 2000 United States Census reported the highest concentration of people with the last name Bolling in Virginia, with a population of nearly 10,000. An analysis of records also shows that the second highest concentration of people with the last name Bolling is in Georgia, with nearly 8,000 people. North Carolina, Florida, and Maryland follow in that order with populations of 6,000, 5,000 and 2,500 respectively. The total population nationwide with the last name Bolling according to the 2000 United States Census was over 42,000 people.

The states with the highest concentration of people with the last name Bolling all have large African American populations, which is likely due to the surname being brought to the United States as a slave name. Despite the origins of the name, the family has managed to thrive and spread across the country to have an impact in all areas of society. Today, the Bolling family name can be found in the ranks of politics, entertainment, and business.

Variations of the surname Bolling

The origin of the surname Bolling is English and can be traced to the 12th century to the Bolling family of Yorkshire, England. The original spelling of the surname is Bolling, however, over time the spelling has evolved and the surname has taken on many variants.

Variants of Bolling include Bollin, Bollings, Bolin, Bollen, Bowlin, Bowline, Bulling and Bullings. Spelling variants include Bollan, Bollene, Bolling, Bolyn, Bolyne and Bowlyn.

Surnames of the same origin as the Bolling surname include Bollinger, Bollinier, Bollington, Boling, Bollen, Bollenbeck, Bowlin, Bullinger, Bullington, and Bowline.

The Bolling surname is also common in North America. Variants including Bowling, Bowlings, Bullinger, Bulling, Bullings and Bullington are found in the United States and Canada. The spelling has been altered, as it is in many other countries, to accommodate local accents.

The surname Bolling is also common in Australia, where several variants such as Boelen, Boellin, Bolljahn, Boller, Bollian, Bollman and Bolman are passed on to distant relatives.

With its deep roots, the Bolling surname continues to be carried by family members around the world. It is a testament to the longevity and legacy of this enduring name.

Famous people with the name Bolling

• Eric Bolling: American television personality and former commodities trader
• Kelvin Bolling: American politician
• Richard W. Bolling: American politician
• Phil Bolling: American first baseman in Major League Baseball
• Eloah Bolling: American gospel music vocalist
• James Bolling: American artist and photographer
• Butterbeans & Susie (Albertina “Susie” Bolling and Joe “Beans” Richardson): American vaudeville duo
• Percy Eugene Bolling: American evangelist
• Maggie Bolling Preston: American heiress
• George W. Bolling: American military general
• Thomas Bolling II: American military lieutenant
• Beverlyedit Bolling (Bevy Smith): American television host
• Caroline Virginia “Ginger” Bolling: American sculptor
• Sammy Bolling: American athlete
• Roger Bolling: American lawyer

Other surnames

BollingerBöllinger