Surname Bottomore - Meaning and Origin

Bottomore: What does the surname Bottomore mean?

The last name Bottomore is of British origin and derives from the Old English term "botmaer", meaning "dweller by the bottom meadow". It is believed to have first appeared in the early 12th century as a surname, when the population was increasing and it became necessary to distinguish between different people with the same name.

The Bottomore name is represented in several forms such as Bottomore, Bottamore, Bodamore, Bottonmore, Botmore, and Botomor. As the Bottomore family migrated and settled in various countries, their name further evolved, varying in spelling and pronunciation.

The Bottomore surname has been associated with numerous occupations and trades throughout history. Many held positions in churches, guilds, and government offices, while others were farmers, tailors, barristers, wheelwrights, shoemakers, glaziers, and coal miners.

Bottmore families have a rich history and have played an important role in the development of the British Isles. They have left an indelible mark over time as they left a lasting legacy of hard work, courage, and loyalty. The Bottmore family motto, “Virtutem decusque tradunt”, stands for “transmit courage and excellence” – a lasting reminder of the family’s hardworking ideals.

Bottomore: Where does the name Bottomore come from?

The surname Bottomore is believed to have originated in the North West of England, particularly in Lancashire and Cheshire. The most common modern day locations for individuals with the Bottomore surname are in the UK, although the name can be found in other countries, such as the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

In the UK, the Bottomore surname is most common in and around Lancashire, particularly in the Blackpool and Preston areas. It is also more common in Northern counties such as Cumbria and Yorkshire than in the South.

In the US, the surname is particularly concentrated in California and Florida, although the name has spread throughout the US. Bottomore is especially prevalent in the northern part of California, and the San Francisco Bay area. In Australia, the name is mainly located in Victoria, particularly in the Melbourne and surrounding areas.

Generally, the Bottomore name is considered much rarer than other surnames with roots in Britain and Ireland, such as Smith, Jones, Taylor, and Brown. However, with the increasing popularity of genealogy the Bottomore surname is beginning to have a larger presence in family research.

Variations of the surname Bottomore

The surname Bottomore is a variant of the English and German surnames Botemore, Bottemore, Botemor, Bottemor and Bottellor.

The English variation is thought to have been originally from the word 'botemore', which means 'boatman'. Additionally, the English version could have derived from the pre-7th century word 'boteler', a term that was originally given to a person who was in charge of boats, or those who lived near a boat landing.

The German variation 'Botemore' is thought to have come from the Germanic personal name 'Bodo', and is possibly a diminutive form the of the name 'Bodinus'. This name is often translated as 'battle counselor'. In Germany the variation 'Bottemor' is thought to have originated as a variation of the given name 'Botto', which itself originated from the late Medieval personal name 'Botwin'.

Variations of this name include Botemuller, Botte, Botteler, Botmiller, Botemeyer, Botemeyer, Bottemer, Bote, Bootier, Buttner, Botterbusch, Bottermann, and Botegmann.

Surnames of similar origin, but derived from different sources, include Botermund, Boettenmayer, Bodson, Bottenberg, and Buttemer.

Famous people with the name Bottomore

• Tom Bottomore: academic and sociologist
• Eliza Bottomore: British actress
• Matthew Bottomore: British director
• Ruth Bottomore: English visual artist
• Jack Bottomore: American actor
• Toby Bottomore: British librarian
• Clare Bottomore: British writer
• Tim Bottomore: British interpreter
• Arthur Bottomore: British painter
• Kevin Bottomore: British journalist

Other surnames

Bottomor