This interesting and most unusual surname with variant spelling Bulleid originated as an English nickname for someone who was noted for their bull-headed impetuosity, one who is likely to act on impulse, from the Old English pre seventh Century words "bula", bull and "heafod", head. The surname itself first appears in records in the late 12th Century, (see below). One John Boleheved was recorded in the Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire in 1273, as was one Richard Boleheved. The Assize Court Rolls of Kent mention a Richared Bolehead in 1317, while the Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire list one Adam Bulhead in 1379. Ann, daughter of John and Frauces Bulled was christened at Endell Street, Holborn, London on September 2nd 1762, while Charlotta daughter of Robert and Jeney Bulled was christened at St. Mary, Whitechapel, Stepney London on October 22nd 1769. At Holy Trinity, Gosport in Hampshire the marriage of Jane Bulled and Thomas Pritchett occurred on June 17th 1811. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Buleheued, which was dated 1195, Pipe Rolls of Sussex, during the reign of King Richard 1, "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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