The Bonner Family History

What Does the Bonner Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Bonner has its roots in England, Ireland, Scotland, and France. It is derived from the Middle English word ‘bonere’ and the Old French term ‘bonnaire,’ both of which convey the attributes of courtesy and good looks, typically denoting an individual of handsome appearance. Variants of the surname include Bonnar, Bonare, Boner, and Bonners. Historically, the earliest Bonner families established themselves in Yorkshire, England, from where they gradually spread throughout much of England and into Wales. The regions with the highest concentrations of this surname include Essex, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey, and the city of London. In Scotland, the Bonner surname is predominantly found in the eastern and central parts of the country, particularly in Lanarkshire and Aberdeenshire. In the United States, the earliest Bonner families were primarily located in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Ohio. Notable individuals bearing the Bonner surname include Arthur Lancelot Bonner, an English civil engineer renowned for his design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, completed in 1932; Cornelius Bonner, a professional football player; Anthony Bonner, a professional basketball player; Frank Bonner, a television actor; Patrick “Packie” Bonner, an Irish footballer; Hilary Bonner, an English author; and Matt Bonner, a professional basketball player.