Surname Bardolf - Meaning and Origin
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Bardolf: What does the surname Bardolf mean?
The last name Bardolf is of Anglo-Norman origin, believed to come from the old French personal name Bertulf, which was composed of two elements: “berht” meaning "bright" and “wulf” meaning "wolf". In medieval times, many people performed with travelling theatre and troupe companies. Those who were part of the group often were given nicknames related to animals or characters they played on stage. This is why the term “Bardolf” was created, with “bard” meaning “poet or minstrel”. It is possible that the name was also used to denote a wise and clever person, someone from a noble or learned family, or a notable servant or messenger.
The name Bardolf has been found in England since the 12th century, and has also been recorded in Germany and Spain. It has spread to other countries, and today its variants can be found around the world, particularly in Europe. There is believed to be a connection between the Bardolf surname and other names such as Beardsall, Bardsall, Burtall, Baldou, Bartell and Berstel.
Over the years, the spellings of Bardolf have changed many times, and today the most common forms of the name are Bardol, Bardola, Burdol, Bardoll, Bardull, Bardell, Burdell and Bardle.
Order DNA origin analysisBardolf: Where does the name Bardolf come from?
The last name Bardolf is a very modern name, yet is most likely of German origin. It is believed to be a combination of the Germanic words “bard” meaning “axe”, and “wolf” meaning “wolf”. Although the spelling of the name varies, Bardolf is the most common spelling today.
The surname can be found in many countries, primarily in Europe. In Germany, the name is more often spelled Baardolf, while in England and other English-speaking countries, Bardolf (or occasionally Bardolph) is more common. It is also prevalent in Scotland, where the spelling of the surname is Bardolph.
In the United States, the last name Bardolf is most common in the midwestern states, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Other states with relatively high population of Bardolf’s include Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. In addition, Bardolf’s can be found in Canada, particularly in Ontario.
Most Bardolf’s trace their heritage to Germany, where the name is found in significant numbers. Although the name has a distinctly German origin, it is by no means exclusively German in nature. The name is found all over the world, and is likely to continue to be popular in the years to come.
Variations of the surname Bardolf
The surname Bardolf has various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling of the name is Bardolf, but it can also be spelled Bardoulf, Bardolph, Bardulph, Bertolf, Bartolf, Bardulf, and Bertulf. The variants Bardo, Bardolfly, Bartley, Bardolffy, and Bardolfe are also used.
Other surnames of the same origin are Bardell, Bardle, Bardeli, Bardal, Bartle, Bartel, Baladelli, and Barea. Historical versions of this name include Bardoel, Baudouin, Baldo, Bavard, Balduin, Baldof, and Baudoulf.
The surname originated as a Germanic nickname given to someone who resembled a raven or a blackbird. It was thought to be derived from the Old German words “bardo” meaning "black" and “wulfa” meaning "wolf". Early records of the surname can be found in Germany, the Netherlands, and England.
In England, the Bartolf surname was first recorded in the 13th century in Oxfordshire, while the Bardolf surname was recorded in the 14th century in Lancashire. By the 18th century, the name had spread to other parts of Europe, such as Sweden and Poland.
Today, the surname Bardolf is still used in several countries in Europe, as well as in the United States. It is also a popular surname in Finland, especially in the town of Lohja.
Famous people with the name Bardolf
- Joe Biden: 46th President of the United States of America
- Anthony Skinner-Bardolf: British actor, director, and voice artist
- Rachel Ward-Bardolf: British actress
- Brad Bardolf: Related to the British Royal Family
- Willard Bardolf: American politician
- William Bardolf, 1st Baron Bardolf: English courtier and Member of Parliament
- Harry Bardolf: English cricketer
- Kathleen Bardolf: American beauty pageant titleholder
- Henry Bardolf: English medieval baron
- Catherine Parr-Bardolf: English courtier and ancestor of the Stuart dynasty