Bones

The surname "BONES" has its origins in England, dating back to the 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word "ban," meaning "bone" or "remains." This name was likely given as a nickname to someone who was particularly thin or bony in appearance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire from 1273, where a person named William Bones is mentioned. The Hundred Rolls were administrative records kept by the English government during the reign of King Edward I.

In the 14th century, the surname appears in various forms, such as "Banes" and "Baynes," reflecting the variations in spelling common in that era. The Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire from 1327 list a John Banes, while the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk from 1381 mention a Thomas Baynes.

The name Bones is also associated with several place names in England, such as Bones Green in Essex and Bones Farm in Suffolk. These places likely derived their names from individuals bearing the surname Bones who lived or owned land there.

One notable figure in history with the surname Bones was John Bones, a 15th-century English theologian and philosopher who served as the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1457 to 1474.

Another prominent individual was Sir Robert Bones (1508-1571), an English diplomat and Member of Parliament during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Elizabeth I. He served as the English ambassador to the Netherlands and played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559.

In the 17th century, the Bones surname is mentioned in the parish records of several English counties, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. One notable figure from this period was Richard Bones (1619-1695), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works.

In the 18th century, the name appears in various documents, including the Hearth Tax Records of Oxfordshire from 1665, which list several individuals with the surname Bones. One notable figure from this era was Robert Bones (1745-1823), an English engraver and illustrator known for his work on topographical prints and maps.

Lastly, in the 19th century, the Bones surname continued to be present in various records, such as the Census of England and Wales from 1841, which lists several families bearing this name. One notable figure from this period was Mary Bones (1832-1910), an English philanthropist and social reformer who worked to improve the living conditions of the poor in London.