Surname Bohnenkämper - Meaning and Origin

Bohnenkämper: What does the surname Bohnenkämper mean?

The last name Bohnenkämper is an occupational surname from the German language. It is made up of two distinct words, "Bohne" and "Kämper" which mean “bean” and “fighter” when translated. The name indicates that the original bearer was a farmer who used to grow and sell beans as a main source of income. Throughout the centuries, some of the Bohnenkämper ancestors may have been prominent military personnel, farmers, brewers, or merchants.

The name likely originated in the Westphalia region of northwestern Germany. As such, the name may have evolved as a way of identifying the landholders and merchants who hailed from that area. Families with this surname could be traced to parts of the German diaspora, including the Netherlands, Russia, and even some areas in the United States. The surname is also quite common in Austria, where the spelling of the name is slightly different - it is spelled Bohnekamp.

The surname Bohnenkämper is generally associated with appeal, as it is derived from two seemingly positive words. Bean growers and fighters alike were likely seen as respected and valued members of their respective communities. Moreover, some may associate the surname with resilience and strength, due to the last name's literal translation to “bean fighter.”

Bohnenkämper: Where does the name Bohnenkämper come from?

The last name Bohnenkämper is most commonly found in Germany, although there are also records of the name in countries including Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. It is of German origin, and likely derives from the German words "bohnen" which means "beans" and "kämper" which translates to "tenant farmer." As such, it suggests that members of the family had ancestral origins as small farmers.

In modern times, the last name Bohnenkämper is most commonly found in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Other regions in Germany where the name is popular include Hesse, Bavaria, Hamburg, and Berlin. In addition, it can be found to a lesser degree in other parts of Europe such as Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

In the United States, the last name Bohnenkämper is considerably less common. It can be found mostly in the eastern states, particularly New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is also found in the midwestern states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

The Bohnenkämper surname is particularly unique in that very few other similarly spelled surnames exist. Examples of similar surnames that can sometimes be confused with Bohnenkämper include Bohnenkamp, Bohnenkemper, Bohnenkamper, and Bohnenkampt. However, it is necessary to research the available records in order to accurately determine which one applies to a particular person or family.

Variations of the surname Bohnenkämper

The surname Bohnenkämper (Bohnenkaemper / Bohnen Kae emper / Bohnenkae emper) is considered to be of Prussian origin. It is one of the oldest known surnames of German origin, having been recorded in Prussia as early as the 1600s. It derived from the old German word "bohne" which meant ‘bean’ and ‘kaemper’, to mean ‘guard’ or ‘watchman’.

Variants, spellings and surnames derived from Bohnenkämper can include Bohnenkampf, Bohnenkaemper, Bohnen Kae emper, Bohnenkae emper, Böhnenkamp, Bohnkemper, Böhneckamper, Bohnichamper, Bühnencamper, Baunkamper, Bahnkamp, Bohnenkamp, Bohnerkamp and Banenkamp. Other associated surnames of similar origin, or derived from some of these variants, include BOfnekamp, Bohanekamp, Bonenkamp, Buhnkamper, Baunkampf, Bahnkampf, Buhnenkampf, Burgampf and Bohkampf.

The original spelling of Bohnenkämper has changed slightly over time, with the current spelling of the surname being Bohnenkampf. This modernized variation can also be seen within some other surnames of German origin such as Bohnenkampe, Bohnenkampfe, and Bohnenkampfer, which are all variants of the original spelling.

Famous people with the name Bohnenkämper

• Cédric Bohnenkämper: German international footballer who plays for Fortuna Düsseldorf
• Jörn Bohnenkämper: former German football goalkeeper
• Jan Bohnenkämper: former German Footballer, played for KFC Uerdingen 05 and Eintracht Braunschweig
• Paul Bohnenkämper: former German football player, known primarily for his time spent with Schalke 04
• Dirk Bohnenkämper: former German football player, known for his time with Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfB Stuttgart
• Sven Bohnenkämper: German cricketer
• Christopher Bohnenkämper: German opera singer
• Leon Bohnenkämper: German painter
• Antoni Bohnenkämper: Polish bishop
• Gerrit Bohnenkämper: Dutch footballer
• Antoinette Bohnenkämper: Dutch swimmer
• Ortwin Bohnenkämper: German television writer and producer

Other surnames

Bohnenkamp