Surname Bonifacius - Meaning and Origin

Bonifacius: What does the surname Bonifacius mean?

The last name Bonifacius is derived from the Latin phrase Bona Facies, which means ‘good face’. It is an old Roman family name, and has been used in Europe since the Middle Ages. The name implies that the bearer or their ancestors had a pleasant and attractive personality, and this belief is reinforced by early references to the name as having a noble origin.

Throughout history, the Bonifacius family line has been associated with successful individuals spanning different countries, professions and eras. This includes Saint Boniface, the patron saint of Germany, Italy and Belgium who successfully helped spread the gospel and establish the Catholic Church in Northern Europe during the 7th and 8th centuries. A more recent example is Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a prominent 17th-century German polymath, and Bonifacius of Regensburg, a saintly figure who died in 1317 and was canonized in 1726.

The name itself has long been associated with some of the most revered individuals in European history, and is a source of pride and distinction for those who bear it. It is also a reminder to present-day family members of the Bonifacius that they have the capability to continue in this much-heralded tradition of excellence and achievement.

Bonifacius: Where does the name Bonifacius come from?

Bonifacius is a family name that originated in Latin, composed of two words which have been translated to mean good and doer, or "one who does good". It is most commonly found today in Germany and in other regions around Europe.

The earliest known named individual to share this name likely originated in the Palatinate area of Germany in the 16th century. Recent records show that the first settlement of the name Bonifacius in Germany occurred around 1874–1939, during the immigration of German47s to the United States. Today the name is most common in Germany, Netherlands, Czechia, and other European countries.

It is also recorded as a surname in Canada. In the United States, the name is dispersed across the country, but has higher concentrations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. As of 2016, the name Bonifacius ranks 1,095 in the United States.

In the United Kingdom, the name is found mainly in the Greater London and South East England regions. The name is also recorded in Scotland, but in very small numbers.

The name Bonifacius is still very much used in countries across Europe and also in North America, and is becoming increasingly popular as a first name choice for babies in both Europe and the United States. It is clear that the name is well established and is still very much in currency today.

Variations of the surname Bonifacius

The surname Bonifacius is derived from the Latin personal name "Bonifacius," meaning "good fortune or good fate." Variants of the surname include Boniface, Bonifacij, Bonifaz, Bonifazo, Bonifazi, and Bonifazio. Additionally, the surnames Bonifácio, Bonifácio, Bonifassy, Bonifassi, and Bonifássy derive from this same origin.

Boniface is the most popular variant of Bonifacius, but Bonifazy is also seen in genealogical records. Bonifazio is another common spelling found in certain parts of Europe, particularly in France. In some regions, the surname Bonifazij is a common variant, indicating regional variations in orthography.

In some countries, such as Portugal and Spain, Bonifácio is a common variant of Bonifacius. Bonifassi is seen in documents from Italy, while Bonifássy is seen in some parts of Hungary.

Furthermore, variations of the surname Bonifacius are used as surnames in European countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. For example, in Italian records, one might find the surname Bonifazzi, Bonifazi, and Bonifacioli. In Germany, the surnames Bonifatius and Bonifans are found. In France, the surnames Bonifaceau and Bonifaz are seen in some records.

In conclusion, many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin can be found for the surname Bonifacius. Variants range from the most commonly seen Boniface to rare spellings such as Bonifássy. Regional variations can also be observed.

Famous people with the name Bonifacius

• Andreas Bonifacius (15th Century German Humanist and Philosopher)
• Johannes Bonifacius (17th Century German Natural Historian)
• Georg Michael Bonifacius (18th Century German Poet and Novelist)
• Karl Immanuel Bonifacius (19th Century German Theologian and Philosopher)
• Gustav Bonifacius (20th Century German Chemist and Biophysicist)
• Ernst Bonifacius (20th Century German Poet and Novelist)
• Heinz Bonifacius (20th Century German Painter and Sculptor)
• Michael Bonifacius (20th Century German Author and Composer)
• Emily Bonifacius (21st Century German Actress)
• Jonas Bonifacius (21st Century German Musician and Composer)

Other surnames

Boniface