This name is of Scottish locational origin from the old parish of Bullerwell in Hobkirk, Roxburghshire. The name derives from the Olde English pre 7th century 'bula' meaning a 'bull' plus 'well' a spring or stream, hence 'bull's stream'. The surname from this source is first recorded in the late 15th century. One Alesone Bowlyrwell is recorded in Dunfermline c. 1492. Her husband, Jhone Androsone being burgess there. The Register of the monasterii of Cambuskenneth A.D. 1147-1535 records a Sir John Bullerwale, curate of the Arryngrosk Church. The name was spelt Bullarwall (1662), Bullerwall (1699) and Buleruall (1685). One George Bullenwell was deacon of shoemakers in Jedburgh (1756). In the modern idiom the name is spelt Bullerwell. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of George Bullirwell which was dated 1489 The Burgh Records of Dumfermline during the reign of King James IV of Scotland 1488-1513. 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.

© Copyright: Name Origin Research 1980 - 2024