Last Name Boca

The surname Boca is of Spanish and Italian origin. In both languages, "boca" means "mouth." It may have been used as a nickname for someone with a large mouth, a talkative person, or it could be topographic in origin, referring to a place with an entrance or outlet, such as a river's mouth or a city gate. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is also a common surname among people of Jewish descent, as a result of conversos (Jews who converted to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Boca

The meaning and origin of the last name Boca

The surname Boca has its origins in several countries, most notably Spain, Italy, and Romania. In Spanish and Italian, "Boca" translates to "mouth," likely originating from a geographical feature such as a body of water with a wide opening, or from a person with a distinctive facial feature. In Romania, the name may be derived from the word "bocă," meaning "cask" or "barrel." Regardless of its origin, the surname Boca has been carried across continents by various migrant populations and is today widely distributed worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Boca

The surname Boca is predominantly distributed across Spain and Portugal, reflecting its historical origins from these countries. In Spain, it is most frequently found in the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia, with significant concentrations in cities such as Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Valencia. In Portugal, the surname Boca is more prevalent in the northern regions, particularly in Porto and Braga. Additionally, the surname has also been dispersed to other parts of the world due to migration, with notable populations in Latin America, especially Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico, as well as in the United States and Canada. In these locations, the surname Boca is often associated with individuals or families of Spanish or Portuguese descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Boca

The surname Boca has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. In English, it is most commonly spelled as "Boca." However, it also appears as "Boca" or "de Boca" in some Spanish-speaking countries. In Italian, the name can be spelled as "Bocha," and in Portuguese, it is often written as "Boquim." The name may have originated from various sources, including places named Boque or Boca, or it could be derived from occupational names for someone who worked at a river mouth or a lock, as "boca" means "mouth" in both Spanish and Portuguese. Additionally, it is sometimes used as a nickname for someone with a large or prominent mouth. These variations reflect the diversity of cultures where the surname Boca has been adopted over time.

Famous people with the last name Boca

The Boca family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Diego Armando Maradona, an Argentine football legend who played as an attacking midfielder and forward for clubs such as Barcelona, Napoli, and Boca Juniors. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football, having won multiple titles including a World Cup with Argentina in 1986. Another famous person with the last name Boca is José Andrés Bocanegra, a Mexican-American opera singer who has performed leading roles in numerous operas worldwide and has received several accolades for his artistic contributions. Furthermore, in the realm of business, Guillermo R. Boccardo is a prominent figure as the founder and CEO of Boccardo Construction Company, a major player in California's construction industry. Lastly, Carlos Bocanegra, an American soccer player, was the first captain of the United States men's national soccer team to lead the team to a World Cup appearance in 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Boca

The surname Boca is of Italian origin and can be traced back to various regions in Italy, particularly Sicily and Lombardy. The name has several possible meanings, including "mouth" or "beak," reflecting geographical features like mouths of rivers or coves, or the shape of a town. Early records show that the Boca family lived in several towns in Sicily during the Middle Ages, with some branches moving to mainland Italy and other European countries later on. Notable individuals bearing the name include Giovanni Boca, an Italian composer, and Marco Boca, an Italian footballer. The Boca family is also known for founding the famous soccer club Boca Juniors in Argentina, which remains one of the most successful clubs in South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Boca"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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