Surname Bones - Meaning and Origin

Bones: What does the surname Bones mean?

The surname Bones is of English origin and has several possible meanings. It could be an occupational name for someone who dealt with animal bones, such as a gatherer, carver, or merchant. These bones were commonly used in traditional societies for various purposes, such as tools, decorations, or to make broth. Another possible origin of the surname could be a nickname for someone with a thin, bony physique. It is also possible that it originated as a play on the biblical phrase "bones of my bones", used to symbolize a close relational bond or connection. However, the specific evolution of the surname may vary based on geographical locations and family histories. As with many surnames, the true origin often becomes blurred with time. Today, individuals bearing the Bones surname can be found in many English-speaking countries around the world.

Bones: Where does the name Bones come from?

The surname Bones is of old English and Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century personal name "Buna", which is of uncertain etymology, but might be connected to "bune", an Old English and Middle English word for a reed or bittern. The surname also appears as a nickname originating from the English word "bones." The name could have possibly been given to a thin person or might metaphorically represent someone who is as hard or determined as bones.

Variations of the surname Bones include Boone, Boan, Bohun, Bown, and Boynes, among others. It gained popularity when passed down to become the family name through the male lineage, initially started to identify occupations and locations.

The surname is most prevalent today in the United States, followed by England. Within the US, it is more commonly found in California, Texas, and Florida. However, relative to its population, the surname is common in Australia and Wales. Despite its origins, there are fewer bones surnames in England, perhaps due to the effects of emigration and surname change over centuries.

Variations of the surname Bones

The surname Bones is generally considered to be derived from Old French or Middle English. The main spelling variations and derivations might include Boness, Bonis, Bonnes, Bonez, Bohns, Bohnes, Bonas, and Bonnesse.

In some cases, it might be Anglicized from other surnames that sound similar when pronounced. For example, it could come from the German surname "Bohns" or the Dutch "Bonesch."

In addition, there are some similar-sounding surnames, which may or may not be related but given their phonetic similarity, they are often mistaken for Bones. These can include Banes, Bowns, Boynes, and Baines, among others.

Moreover, there is also the Scottish surname Banns or Bannas, which might be a variant if it resulted from a mispronunciation or misspelling.

However, it's crucial to note that the origins of surnames can be particularly complex and specific to individual families. Therefore, variants of the Bones surname could be far more numerous and could also include much rarer and less conventional spellings, which would require detailed genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Bones

• Bobby Bones: American radio show host, comedian and musical artist
• Bones Howe: American record producer, songwriter, and musician
• Vice Admiral Bones Brown: American admiral who served in the United States Navy
• Corey Graves: American professional wrestler, analyst, commentator, and podcast host
• Joss Bones: Dutch actor
• Tony Bonello: American mixed martial artist
• David Bones Johnson: English professional footballer
• Charlie Bones: English DJ and radio presenter
• Marty Bones: American bluegrass and old time fiddler
• Dominic Bones: British actor and founder of the theatre company The Gilded Balloon

Other surnames

BoneBoneckBoneckeBöneckeBonefasBonefassBonefaßBonefeldBonehillBonekBonekaemperBonekampBonekämperBönekeBonekemperBönekerBonelBonellBonelleBönemannBonenBonenkampBonensteffenBoneonBonerBonertBonertzBonerzBonessBoneß