Surname Bischop - Meaning and Origin
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Bischop: What does the surname Bischop mean?
The last name Bischop is a variant of the English name Bishop. The origin of the name is from the Old English words 'bisceop' and 'biscop'. It was traditionally given to one who held the office of a bishop in the Catholic Church. It could also have been used as a nickname for someone who was characterized as possessing a vigorous and aspiring spirit.
In medieval times, the name was often associated with power and wealth. This could refer to those who held the high ecclesiastical office of bishop, or it could apply to secular knights known as a 'bischop'.
The surname Bischop is common throughout Germany, France, Holland, Denmark and Finland. It is also commonly found in the British Isles and the United States of America. It is classified as a habitational name derived from a place named Bischop, meaning 'bishop'.
The Bischop family is said to have descended from one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon clans in Britain. The family has since spread across the globe representing various nationalities, cultures and religions. Through immigration, many members of the Bischop family have eventually made their way to America.
Throughout the ages, the Bischop family has been known for its strength, wisdom and courage. They have helped shape the world and have left a lasting mark on history.
Order DNA origin analysisBischop: Where does the name Bischop come from?
The last name Bischop is predominantly found in Western European countries like Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Austria. It is also commonly found in northern and central Italy.
In Switzerland, the Bischop surname is most prevalent in the cantons of Zurich, Basel-Stadt and Vaud, with significant presence in the cantons of Schwyz, Obwalden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Fribourg.
In Germany, the surname is most frequently seen in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, and Thuringia.
In the Netherlands, most families named Bischop live in the provinces of South Holland, Utrecht, North Brabant, North Holland, and Gelderland.
In Austria, the surname is most frequent in the states of Styria, Carinthia, Vienna, Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Vorarlberg.
The Bischop surname can also be found in southern Czech Republic, and in some northern parts of Poland. In the United States, the surname is most common in Texas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and Florida.
In terms of usage, the Bischop surname is fairly uncommon. According to the most recent US Census from 2020, there are approximately 1,500 people with the Bischop surname in the United States, while in Europe, there are an estimated 33,000 people with the surname.
Variations of the surname Bischop
The surname Bischop has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variants include Bischopp, Bischoff, Bischof, Bischoffe, Bischoffen, Bischoffmann, Bischops, Bischoef, Bishoef and Bishoff.
The surname is of German origin and was derived from the word 'bisceop' which was an old form of the word 'bishop'. It was used as a nickname for someone with the occupational title of ' Bishop', one who administered and governed over a church or diocese.
The surname is also found among Dutch and Belgian people and it is theorized that it was brought to the Low Countries by German immigrants. In the Netherlands, the verb 'bispelen' was used to mean 'to bishop' or to 'rule in church'.
Variants of this surname could also include Bischofel and Bischuetz, which are found among Jewish individuals of Germanic descent.
Bischop has also taken many different spellings and surnames over the centuries as many languages have adopted it, including Breish, byshup, biskope, Biscop, bishoppe, bishoppe, bis-chope and bissopp.
Variants of this surname can be found in many countries around the world, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland.
Famous people with the name Bischop
- Rob Bischop: a Belgian sprint canoer who competed in the early 1990s.
- Pieter Bischop: a Dutch politician of the GreenLeft party
- AC Bischop: an American record producer active in the mid-1970s.
- Emily Bischoff: an American figure skater who competed in international competitions in the late 1990s.
- Robert Bischop: a German mathematician, known for his work on finite element methods.
- Stefan Bischop: a German heavy metal and hard rock singer
- Nicholas Bischop: an American musician and songwriter.
- Conrad Bischop: a Danish landscape painter active in the mid-19th century.
- Jonathan Bischop: a South African track and field athlete who competed in both the 110 metre hurdles and 400 metre hurdles.
- Joey Bischop: an English professional rugby player who is currently playing for Saracens in the English Premiership.