Surname Boniface - Meaning and Origin
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Boniface: What does the surname Boniface mean?
The last name Boniface is of French origin and is derived from the Latin name Bonifatius which translates to “good fate” or “good luck”. This surname dates back to the medieval era, which is the period of approximately 1000 to 1500 AD. During this time, when feudalism was the dominant form of society, the name Boniface probably belonged to a family of nobility with social rank and privilege.
In France, the surname was borne by a seventh-century bishop and martyred saint by the name of Saint Boniface, and the name has also long been associated with the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, who were an offshoot of the Franciscans, founded by Giovanni Battista della Barbada, also known as Bonifacio da Colle in the early 16th century.
The name Boniface has been used as a given name throughout north-western Europe since the Middle Ages. It is still popular among Francophone countries and an eponymous vineyard in the Burgundy region of France.
In modern times, the last name Boniface is associated with various professions such as merchants, landowners, knights, clergymen, and administrators. It can also be found in France, Germany, the United States, and Canada, among other places. Versions of this surname include Bonnefoy, Bonyface, Bonfeys, and Bonifacio.
Order DNA origin analysisBoniface: Where does the name Boniface come from?
The last name Boniface is most commonly found in France, where it originated in the Middle Ages. The origin of the name is uncertain, but some believe that it may have come from the Latin words for "good fate" or a combination of "bon", meaning "good" and "faci", from the Latin word for "make" or "do". Variations of the name are also found in other parts of Europe and the rest of the world, including Germany, Italy, Belgium and the U.S.
The surname is relatively common in France, where it is thought to be most prevalent among those of Provençal heritage, with around 6,500 individuals living in the department of Provence in the south of the country. A large concentration of the Boniface surname can also be found in Brittany, North West France.
The surname is also found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. The number of UK individuals with the surname Boniface has doubled over the last 50 years, with most of the increase attributed to immigration. The name is also commonly found in Canada's French-speaking population, where it is most concentrated in the province of Quebec.
Elsewhere, the name is common in the U.S., where it was first found among French settlers in Louisiana. It is also commonly found in many regions of Africa. This includes countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Angola, Kenya, Zambia, and Uganda. In these countries, Boniface is a very popular last name, often attributed to Christian Portuguese missionaries who have been known to have been active in those countries.
Variations of the surname Boniface
The surname Boniface is derived from the Latin words ‘bonum’ meaning ‘good’ and ‘facere’ meaning ‘to do’. This surname is used all over the world and is a part of many surnames in Europe.
Variants of Boniface include Bonifaz, Bonifazio, Bonifacio, and Bonifassi. These are the Spanish and Italian versions of the same name.
Spellings of Boniface are also used variably. These include Boniface, Bonniface, Bonnyface, Bonifyce, and Bonyface.
Surnames with the same origin as Boniface include Bonnefond, Bonenfant, Bonnivier, and Boneference. Those with a French origin may include Bonnefont, Bonnifans, Bonnefeu, Bonnefie, and Bonnefond. Other variants may include Bonafont, Bonifay, Bonifacio, and Bonifatius.
Boniface is also a common given name, so many surnames may also originate from a variation of the name Boniface. These include Bonifaci, Bonifaict, Bonifacek, Bonifatius, and Bonniface.
The surname Boniface is one of many surnames in Europe with a Latin origin. Its variants, spellings, and surnames all share the same roots, utilizing the meaning of the Latin words bonum and facere. Whether you spell it Boniface or Bonnefont, these surnames all share a common Latin origin.
Famous people with the name Boniface
- Nick Boniface: Canadian singer-songwriter who began his musical career in 2008.
- Didier Boniface: French National Assembly Deputy, college professor, and successful entrepreneur.
- Vincent Boniface: French footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Yannick Boniface: jazz guitarist and composer from France.
- Ceri Boniface: JP Morgan executive director and tech entrepreneur.
- Brian Boniface: Marshfield, Massachusetts-based attorney and founder of the Boniface & Associates Law Firm.
- Santo Boniface: Italian footballer who played mostly in the 1970s.
- Pierre José Boniface: French entrepreneur and former CEO of Editions Hachette Livre, the world's second-largest consumer book publishing company.
- Franck Boniface: former French footballer and current manager of the French first division club Nîmes Olympique.
- African-American leader Michael A. Boniface, Chairman of Prime Bank of Atlanta, Georgia.