Surname Boulanger - Meaning and Origin
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read moreBoulanger: What does the surname Boulanger mean?
The last name Boulanger is derived from the French word “boulanger”, meaning a baker. The name is most likely to be an occupational name, indicating a person who makes bread and other baked goods. The origins of the name date back to the 13th century when it is first recorded in Paris. The name is most common in Northern France and is now spread throughout the world, especially in English-speaking countries.
In modern times, the name Boulanger has become associated with a certain level of prestige. It is often associated with wealth due to the success of famous bakers of the last century, such as Auguste Boulanger who was declared “maitre boulanger de France” (master baker of France). The name is also subject to some prestigious honorary titles, such as “Grand Boulanger de France”.
The name Boulanger has expanded its meaning over time to signify a number of other professions unrelated to baking. For example, some linguists and artists have adopted the name. In addition, one of France's most famous generals was Charles Boulanger, who was nicknamed “the Lion of the North.”
Interesting to note is that the surname Boulanger is also connected to the surname “Boulogne” which actually means “little bakery”. This is likely due to the fact that some of the first documented members of this surname came from the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Overall, the last name Boulanger is likely to have originated from a person’s profession as a baker. However, over the years, the meaning of the name has expanded to signify success, prestige, and various other professions. The name will continue to be a proud part of French culture for many generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisBoulanger: Where does the name Boulanger come from?
The last name Boulanger is considered of French origin and is most commonly found in France and its former colonies today. It is one of the more popular last names within those regions, ranking at position 530 for the most common name in France in 2018.
This French word means "baker", and was historically found in communities of bakers and professional families associated with baking. This is consistent with findings from 2018, where it was one of the most common last names among French bakers.
Outside of France, the name is concentrated in areas with a large French-speaking population or French-influenced culture. Areas of France, France's former colonies such as Quebec in Canada, and countries of the Francophonie in Africa and the Middle East all have a large presence of the name Boulanger.
The Americas also have pockets of Boulangers, mostly due to French immigration in past centuries. Countries such as United States, Argentina and Uruguay have a small but distinct population of the Boulanger surname.
The most common spelling of the name today is Boulanger, though some other variations may be seen such as Bolanger, Boulanjour and Boullanjeur.
Variations of the surname Boulanger
The Boulanger surname is a common French surname with many variations, spellings and variants. “Boulanger” is a French occupational surname meaning “baker,” derived from the Medieval French “boulengere.” One of the earliest known forms of this surname is “Boulay,” derived from the French adjective “boul(l)ay” meaning “(of) flame.”
Variations and spellings of the Boulanger surname include Boulangé, Boullanger, Boulaing, Boulainge, Boulay, Bulaing, Bualing and Bualinge.
Variations of the surname Boulanger based on the adoption and adaptation of other languages include Bulman, Boulangero, Boulangier, Bowland, Buland, Bulandzhi, Bullinger, Bulings, Baloña, Balangó, Balanghó, Bolaños, Bowlinger, Boulenge, Bowler, Bolando, Bauler, Bularo, Bolang, Ballanger, Boelens and Buller.
Aside from French, the surname also has origins in English, German, Italian and Spanish, for example, “Bowland” in English, “Bullinger” and “Bolinger” in German, “Bolani” in Italian and “Bolaños” in Spanish.
In the United States, more recent spellings of the surname have adapted to localized dialects, giving rise to versions such as Balin, Ballan, Bolan, Boulon, Bulan, Bowlin, Bolen, Bolin, Ballin and Ballon.
Famous people with the name Boulanger
- Nadia Boulanger: Nadia Boulanger (September 16, 1887: October 22, 1979) was a French composer, conductor, and teacher. She taught or coached some of the foremost composers of the 20th century, including George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Astor Piazzolla.
- George Boulanger: George Boulanger (7 April 1837: 29 April 1891) was a French general and politician who led several governments during the Third Republic, primarily during the traumatic years of the Paris Commune.
- Guillaume François Antoine, Marquis de Boulanger: Guillaume François Antoine, Marquis de Boulanger (February 1761: 16 April 1818) was a French general and politician of the Napoleonic era who held a number of important ministerial positions in the French government.
- Auguste-Charles Boulanger de La Bruyère: Auguste-Charles Boulanger de La Bruyère (May 13, 1808: March 23, 1871) was a French naturalist, botanist, and zoologist. He was the author of numerous scientific works on flora and fauna, a professor in the Sciences at the University of Montpellier.
- Charles Boulanger: Charles Boulanger (1858: 1928) was a French law professor and academic at the University of Paris, where he wrote about social law, criminal law, and the law of commerce.