Bolitho

Bolitho is a surname of Cornish origin. The name is believed to be toponymic, derived from a place-name in Cornwall, though the exact etymology is not certain. It has been carried by various families in Cornwall and, by extension, across the United Kingdom, where bearers have been involved in landholding, business, and public life.

In literature, Bolitho is used as the surname of a prominent fictional naval family created by author Alexander Kent (the pen name of Douglas Reeman). The series centers on Richard Bolitho, a Royal Navy officer, and follows his career during the Napoleonic era, as well as the activities of other members of the Bolitho lineage. The books are part of the historical naval fiction genre and have a dedicated readership.

In contemporary contexts, Bolitho remains a recognized surname in the United Kingdom and among diaspora communities. People with the surname may engage in genealogical research to trace lineage and regional associations in Cornwall and beyond. The name appears in various historical records, including parish, census, and civil documents, reflecting long-standing ties to Cornwall and subsequent migration.