Surname Both - Meaning and Origin

My Surname’s Enlightening Path: From Celtic Heralds to Asian Roots – A Personal Tryst with iGENEA DNA Test

Discovering one's heritage can be an enlightening journey into the annals of history. My iGENEA DNA test revealed fascinating insights into the origins of my surname, Both. Rooted in Celtic origins, the name resonates with stories of messengers and warriors. It traverses ancient Europe, from the cultural richness of Boii to the heroic legacy of Viriathus, and surprisingly lands in Asian roots.

H. Both

Both: What does the surname Both mean?

The last name Both is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German "boten" which means “servant”, “messenger” or “envoy”. This is likely in reference to a profession or trade of messenger or courier. This is typically an important family responsibility as it would involve the daily transportation of goods, correspondences and important legal documents within the district or region.

The surname is most commonly found in Germany, where it is mainly concentrated in the south. In French speaking areas, the surname is found as Bouche as well as Bout. In Netherlands the name is found as Bot. It is also found in numerous other locations including Austria, Croatia, Switzerland and Czech Republic.

In the United States Both is a relatively common surname. The first occurrences of the surname in the United States can be found in the mid 19th century in Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Missouri. It is most popularly found in New York and California.

The last name Both is a testament to the importance and integral nature of the profession of messenger and courier and is an enduring reminder of how authoritative, accurate and efficient transportation of goods and correspondences was prior to the modern postal service.

Both: Where does the name Both come from?

The last name Both is a common Germanic family name. It can be found in countries and regions throughout the world, including Europe, North America, Central America, and Africa.

In Germany, where the surname originated, the most frequent occurrence of Both is along the Rhine River. It is thought to have originated in the mid-14th century, when Germans migrated to the region during a period of high unemployment. The name likely derived from the Old High German "botho," meaning "to prepare."

In the United States, Both has primarily been found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. It is most common among people of German and Swiss heritage. The name has also spread with German immigration into Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania.

The last name Both is also popular in countries where German and Swiss emigrants settled. Examples include Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, with smaller occurrences in other South American countries. In terms of language, the name most often appears as spelled in English, although some variation exists, such as "Boeth" in northern Germany.

Overall, the last name Both is very common and has spread across the world due to centuries of German immigration. Its spelling and language of origin vary according to the migration pattern of the people who bear the name.

Variations of the surname Both

The surname Both is a Germanic and English surname that comes from the Middle High German language, in which it was spelled "Bôt." This surname has several spelling variations, including Bote, Boet, Boeth, Bode, Botha and Bodt, among others. It can also be found as an anglicized wording in some instances.

It can also be used as an occupational or nickname surname with the meaning of a messenger, envoy, or boatman. The Both surname may also be found as an altered form of some other surnames like Boettner, Bott, Bothmann, Botemann, Bothe and Boothe.

The variation of the Both surname also appears as Bothwell, Botthall, and Bottall in Scotland. While the origin of the last two surnames is uncertain, it is believed to be a habitational name derived from a place name in Stirlingshire. In Ireland, the surname has been anglicized as O'Botha, from the Gaelic "O'Bothghabha."

In England, the Both surname is found most commonly in the East Midlands and north-west counties of Cheshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire. In the United States, it is most common in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other states of British ancestry.

In the Netherlands, the Both name is found mainly in the provinces of Friesland and Groningen. In Germany, it is common in the regions of North and South Rhineland and Lower Saxony. The variant Bott is also common in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse regions of Germany.

Overall, the Both surname is a very common surname with many spelling variations, both within Europe and in the United States. Whether the surname is a general name or is derived from an occupational or nickname, it is frequently found in many different variations around the world.

Famous people with the name Both

• Haven Everly Both: American actor, writer, and director
• Matthijs de Ligt: Dutch footballer
• Chris Botha: South African athlete
• Bonita Botha: South African television newsreader
• Gert Botha: South African actor
• Henri Botha: South African rugby union player
• Wiehahn Botha: South African singer and songwriter
• Andre Botha: South African windsurfer
• Jana Botha: South African model
• Ursula Botha: South African fashion designer

Other surnames

BotamerBötcherBötefuerBöteführBotefürBötefürBotemerBötgerBotheBothelBöthführBothgeBöthgenBöthigBöthlingBothwellBötigBötjerBötlingBotomerBotsfordBottBöttcherBöttchersBotteBottemer