Surname Bullard - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA Test: An Emotional Journey Through the Bullard Lineage

Using iGENEA to unravel the mysteries of personal heritage was an emotional journey. Encountering new aspects of familial history was initially daunting but resulted in a deeper sense of connection and belonging. The surname Bullard, paralleling this process, transformed from being a mere lineage identifier to a proud testament of resilience and history.

J. Bullard

Bullard: What does the surname Bullard mean?

The surname Bullard is of Old French origin. It is derived from the medieval nickname 'the bull-herd', used for someone who kept or minded bulls. It is made up of the words ‘boul’, meaning bull, and the suffix ‘-ard’, which often denotes someone who does something frequently or is characterized by a certain quality. The surname primarily originates from France and England. Some variants of the surname Bullard include Buller, Boulard, Bouillard, and Bulliard. Like many last names that started as nicknames or occupations, it eventually became hereditary and was passed down through generations. Over time, the Bullard family spread throughout Europe and later to the Americas.

Bullard: Where does the name Bullard come from?

The last name Bullard is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name 'Bulhard', composed of the elements 'bul(l)' meaning bull, and 'heard' meaning hardy, brave, strong. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for a person who was thought to possess the characteristics attributed to a bull, such as strength or stubbornness.

Today, this surname is common in English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, and England. According to recent census data, the Bullard surname is particularly prevalent in the southern United States, especially in North Carolina and Texas. It is also relatively common in counties throughout England. Despite this, it remains fairly unique compared to other surnames - Bullard is considered the 2,169th most widespread surname in the world.

Variations of the surname Bullard

The surname Bullard has seen numerous variations in its spelling over the centuries due to changes in phonetics, regional accents, and even personal interpretations. Alternative spellings of Bullard can include Buller, Bollard, Bolard, Boulard, Bowler, Boullard, Bulland, and Bulliard.

The surname Bullard is derived from the old English words "Bula" (meaning bull) and "weard" (meaning guard), and originally referred to someone who looked after bulls. This could mean that other surnames with meanings related to bulls, such as Buller (meaning "bull herder") or Bollard (from "boileau," meaning cattle dealer), might also be linked to Bullard in terms of their origin.

Given the surname's English origin, related surnames may include those that bear similarity in terms of pronunciation or share the same roots. The surnames Ballard and Pollard, which share the "-ard" ending and have similar origins, could possibly be considered related as well.

However, it's essential to remember that surname origins can be complex, and variations can occur due to numerous factors, so these connections may not always hold true. Researching ancestral records and genealogical sources is the more accurate way to trace the origins and variations of a specific surname.

Famous people with the name Bullard

• Robert Lee Bullard: A senior officer in the United States Army during World War I.
• Eugene Jacques Bullard: The first African-American military pilot and also known as the Black Swallow of Death.
• Curtis Bullard: An American military officer and pilot.
• John Bullard: An American politician.
• Harold R. Bullard: A former chairman of Ford Motor Company.
• Lon Bullard: An American football player.
• Lincoln Bullard: An American music producer and composer.
• Ann Bullard: An American actress.
• Lucy Bullard: An American photographer.
• Dwight Bullard: An American Democratic politician from the state of Florida.
• Edward Bullard: A British Geophysicist.
• Glenda Bullard: An American author of children's literature.
• Fred Thomas Bullard: An American geologist.
• Charles Bullard: A professional football player.
• Jonathan Bullard: An American professional football player for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

Other surnames

BullackBullacreBullakerBullan