Surname Bonefaß - Meaning and Origin

Bonefaß: What does the surname Bonefaß mean?

The German last name Bonefaß is derived from the Old German words 'buni' and 'fas', which combined roughly translate to 'good luck'. The name likely originates from Medieval times, when many parents would give their children names that symbolized good fortune for their future, such as Löwe (Lion) or Glück (Luck).

The Bonefaß surname was primarily found in what is now present-day Germany, though some examples have been found in other areas of Central and Eastern Europe. It is most commonly found in German-speaking regions, but it can also be found in countries such as Austria, Poland, and Lithuania.

Today, the Bonefaß spelling is the most common form of the name. However, the surname has also been spelled in other variations such as Bohnenfass, Bonenfass, Bunenfass, and Bonfass.

Though the name itself is relatively common, its ultimate meaning still holds special meaning for many of those who bear it. For the families who can trace their roots back to that of the Bonefaß surname, it’s not uncommon to be reminded of their good fortune and the hope for a better future each time they see the name.

Bonefaß: Where does the name Bonefaß come from?

The last name Bonefaß is most common in and around western Germany. It is particularly prevalent in the western states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Hamburg. In German-speaking countries, the name is sometimes spelled “Bonfas” or “Bonfass”.

The Bonefaß surname dates back to at least 1325 in what is now Germany, and is of German origin. It is likely derived from the Middle High German term “bon” meaning “bountiful” and the suffix “-faß” meaning “cask” or “barrel.” This was likely a name of moniker (nickname) that was bestowed upon a kind-hearted, kind-hearted brewer or barrel maker.

In the United States, the last name is rather uncommon. The U.S. Census Bureau does not currently keep record of the name. However, the last name does show up in records from the 1700s onward. While the Bonefaß surname was more common at one time in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it is not currently found in significant numbers across the United States.

Outside of Germany, the last name occurs in some other parts of Europe, including the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is also found in parts of North and South America, likely brought there by people of German ancestry.

In conclusion, the Bonefaß surname is still prevalent in Germany but is an uncommon name in the United States.

Variations of the surname Bonefaß

The surname Bonefaß can be spelled in several different ways, including Bonefass, Bonevass, Bonevah, Bonevahss, Bonfah, Bonefahss, Bonfass, and Bonvah. All of these versions of the surname are of German-Jewish origin and derive from the Yiddish term "bonefas," which translates to "beautiful face."

The variant Bonefaß can be traced back to a 11th century noble family from the east of Abbey Ebrach located in Franconia, a district of Bavaria. The original noble family was associated with the small towns of Oberfeld and Unterfeld.

The alternative spellings of Bonefaß are likely the result of the dialectical differences of German-speaking areas throughout Europe, especially over the centuries when Germany was divided into medieval fiefdoms.

Later, the surname may have been changed due to the increased persecution of Jews in Europe. During the 19th century, more and more Jews adopted variants of the surname in an attempt to conceal their true identity and avoid discrimination.

Variations of the Bonefaß surname may also have their roots in geographical mobility. People fleeing persecution were often forced to take on surnames that were similar to the original, but which better suited the local dialect.

Finally, the spellings of Bonefaß can also be attributed to the imperfect nature of record-keeping prior to the 19th century, when people generally lacked the literacy necessary to correctly spell a surname.

Famous people with the name Bonefaß

• Lutz Bonefaß: German TV presenter
• Uli Bonefaß: German actress
• Carl August Bonefaß: 19th century German writer
• Ephraim Gotthold Bonefaß: German court musician
• Ferdinand Boniface Boneyfass: German zoologist.
• Max Bonefaß: German theatre actor
• Christian August Bonefaß: German academian
• Johann Jacob Bonefaß: German historian
• Theodor Bonefaß: German poet
• Wilhelm Bonefaß: Austrian actor

Other surnames

Bonefas