Surname Bonifas - Meaning and Origin
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Bonifas: What does the surname Bonifas mean?
The last name Bonifas is derived from the Spanish surname “Bonifacio”, which is of Latin origin. It is believed to come from the Latin words “boni” meaning “good” and “facio” meaning “to do”. Put together, the name is roughly translated to “do good”.
Originally, the Bonifas surname was found in areas such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It is believed that this surname was adopted by Christopher Columbus, who was of Italian origin. It is thought that he adopted the name to represent the kindness and good deeds he performed whilst travelling.
Since its naming centuries ago, the Bonifas family has dispersed around the world, with its members now found predominantly in the United States. This family of people is extremely diverse, ranging from creative arts to business professionals. However, all Bonifas share a common trait: they are known to do good—a trait inherited from their ancestors.
Overall, the Bonifas family is largely renowned for its optimistic approach to life and its altruistic behavior. It is this attitude that has given them the reputation of being a kind and generous people, something which will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisBonifas: Where does the name Bonifas come from?
The Bonifas surname is believed to have originated in France, possibly stemming from the Provençal word "boniface" which means "good face" or someone who is pleasant and agreeable. Today, the Bonifas surname can be found in many countries, including France, Germany, the United States, and Canada.
In France, the Bonifas surname is especially common in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur. It can also be found in Paris, where it is reported that the surname first arrived in the early 1800s.
In the United States, the Bonifas surname is most common in the Midwest, in states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. It is believed the Bonifas surname was first brought to the USA by French immigrants in the late 19th century.
In Germany, the Bonifas surname is more commonly found in the western part of the country in states such as North-Rhine Westphalia and Bavaria. It is likely that this branch of the Bonifas family moved from France to Germany in the late 1700s.
In Canada, the Bonifas surname is distributed across the country, but is most commonly found in the province of Ontario. The first Bonifas to arrive in Canada was a political refugee in the mid-1800s who then settled near the Great Lakes.
Overall, the Bonifas surname has a rich and long history and can be found in many countries around the world today.
Variations of the surname Bonifas
The surname Bonifas is a small but common European name. It is a French surname and has various spellings and variants. Some of the more common variants are Boniface, Bonifi, Bonifazio, Bonifazi, Bonife, and Bonifo.
Bonifas is derived from the Latin name 'bonificus', which means "good maker" or "blessed". The surname can be found in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and England.
In France, the variants Boniface, Bonifi, and Bonifazio can also be encountered. In Germany, the variant Bonife is common. In Spain and Portugal, the variant Bonifazi is found. In Italy, the variant Bonifo is more common, whereas in England, this surname can be spelled Bonifas or Boniface.
Variants of Bonifas are also found in various other languages. In Slavic languages, the name is sometimes spelled as Bonifat or Bonifatius. In Greek, the name is sometimes spelled as Bonifatos.
In other countries, variants of Bonifas may also be encountered. One of the most common is Bonifasi, which is found in many countries in South America. Other variants such as Boniva and Bonivard are also found in some parts of Europe.
Overall, the surname Bonifas has various spellings and variants, depending on the translation and the country of origin.
Famous people with the name Bonifas
- Bruce Bonifas: an American retired Major General who served in the US Army for over 30 years.
- Anthony J. Bonifas: an American Major General currently serving as the Deputy Commanding General of the First U.S. Army at Fort Meade in Maryland.
- Edwin B. Bonifas: a former United States Navy admiral with over 28 years of service.
- Johnathan P. Bonifas: a retired United States Army Lieutenant General who served as the Commandant of the United States Military Academy from 2006: 2009.
- Charles Francis Bonifas: a United States Army Officer with 36 years of service in the military.
- Adolphus Watson Bonifas: a Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps, who served as Commander, U.S. ForcesJapan from 1979: 1981.
- Joseph J. Bonifas: a retired United States Army Major General who served in the Vietnam War.
- Thomas W. Bonifas: a Colonel in the United States Air Force, who is currently assigned as the Commander of the 15th Operational Weather Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base in South Korea.
- Harry F. Bonifas: a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General who served as the Chief of Staff, Continental Air Command from 1975 to 1977.
- Robert J. Bonifas: a former United States Air Force Brigadier General who most recently served as the Vice Commander of the 25th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.