Bobian Surname History

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Bobian

What does the name Bobian mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Bobian comes from the family having resided in the village of Bobbing, a parish in the union and hundred of Milton, in the county of Kent. 1

Early Origins of the Bobian family

The surname Bobian was first found in Kent, at Bobbing, a village and civil parish in the Swale district that dates back to c. 1100 when it was first listed as Bobinge. The place name literally means "settlement of the family or followers of a man called Bobba," from the Old English personal name + "ingas." 2

Early History of the Bobian family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bobian research. Another 202 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1500, 1637 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Bobian History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bobian Spelling Variations

Bobian has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Bobbin, Bobben, Bobban, Bobbing, Bobing, Bobins and many more.

Early Notables of the Bobian family

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

Migration of the Bobian family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Bobians to arrive on North American shores: James Bobin, who arrived in New York state in 1716.

Sources +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)