Bonner

The name 'Bonner' is derived from the Germanic word "banno," which means "guardian" or "protector." It is primarily a surname and has its origins in medieval Germany. Historically, surnames were given to individuals to distinguish them from others with the same given name. The surname 'Bonner' likely originated as a form of occupational surname, denoting a person who was employed as a guardian or protector of a specific place or individual.

Over time, the name 'Bonner' spread throughout different regions, including England and Ireland. In England, the surname could have been introduced by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Ireland, the name may have arrived during the medieval period when the English crown attempted to establish control over the Gaelic regions.

The surname 'Bonner' has several notable bearers throughout history. One significant figure is Richard Bonner, an English clergyman who served as the Bishop of London during the reign of Queen Mary I in the 16th century. He was known for vigorously promoting Catholicism and ordering the execution of Protestant dissenters.

In contemporary times, the name 'Bonner' is relatively common, and individuals with this surname can be found in various parts of the world. While the name's exact meaning and origin may vary from person to person, it continues to serve as a link to the familial and ancestral history of individuals who bear it.