Show ContentsBouwman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Bouwman is derived from the Middle High German word "bur," meaning 'a small dwelling or building'. The word came to mean 'neighbor' or 'fellow citizen.' Alternatively, the word "boer" could have been derived from the Dutch word for 'farmer.' The prefix "de" denotes 'of' or 'the' and was often used to confirm a clan-like relationship in the family.

Early Origins of the Bouwman family

The surname Bouwman was first found in the Netherlands.

Early History of the Bouwman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bouwman research. The years 1908 and 1970 are included under the topic Early Bouwman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bouwman Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: DeBeor, Debeer, De Beer, De Boer and others.

Early Notables of the Bouwman family

More information is included under the topic Early Bouwman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bouwman Ranking

In Netherlands, the name Bouwman is the 126th most popular surname with an estimated 8,569 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Bouwman family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Beertje DeBoer, age 44, who came to Baltimore, MD in 1847, Hendrikus DeBoer, age 29, who came to New Orleans in 1853, K.H. DeBoer, who arrived in New York City in 1847, as well as Pieter DeBoer, who came to New York City in 1648..


Contemporary Notables of the name Bouwman (post 1700) +

  • Maria Antoinette "Mies" Bouwman (1929-2018), Dutch television presenter
  • Jan Bouwman (1935-1999), Dutch swimmer at the 1960 Summer Olympics
  • Arnoldus Leonardus Henricus Roderik Bouwman (b. 1957), Dutch former field hockey player, member of the 1984 Summer Olympics team, son of Henk Bouwman
  • Henricus "Henk" Nicolaas Bouwman (1926-1995), Dutch bronze medalist field hockey player at the 1948 Summer Olympics
  • Pim Bouwman (b. 1991), Dutch professional footballer


The Bouwman Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Pro Deo, Rege et Patria
Motto Translation: For our God, our King, and country.


  1. "Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames


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