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Etymology of Bullivan

What does the name Bullivan mean?

The name Bullivan is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a person who was referred to as the bon enfant, and is equivalent to the English Goodchild. 1 2

"This name has been derived from Normandy, France, bel enfant, fine child." 3

Early Origins of the Bullivan family

The surname Bullivan was first found in Oxfordshire, where William Bonenfant, Bonenfaud was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1207-1208. Later, Henry Bonefant was recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls for Berkshire in 1279 and in Sussex, John Bon Effaunt was registered in the Subsidy Rolls for 1332. In London, early records there show Roger Bonyfaunt in 1472 and in Suffolk, Henry Bolyvaunt was registered in the SubsidyRolls for 1524. 1

The Writs of Parliament lists William Bonenfannt, or Bonaffaunt, 1302. Another source note the following in the Hundredorum Rolls: Walter Bonenfant, Cambridgeshire; Bonenfant Judaus, Cambridgeshire; Henry Bonefant, Buckinghamshire; and John Bonefaunt, Oxfordshire. 4

Early History of the Bullivan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bullivan research. Another 216 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1207, 1279, 1332, 1349, 1369, 1472, 1524, 1540, 1631, 1637, 1674 and 1707 are included under the topic Early Bullivan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bullivan Spelling Variations

Bullivan 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. Many variations of the name Bullivan have been found, including Bonyfant, Bonifant, Bonenfant, Bonenfand, Bonefant, Bon Effaunt, Bonyfaunt, Bolyvaunt, Bonyvant and many more.

Early Notables of the Bullivan family

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

Migration of the Bullivan 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 Bullivans to arrive on North American shores: a number of settlers who arrived in the New World by the 19th century.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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