The surname Boccher has roots that can be traced back to Italy. It is derived from various Italian localities bearing this name as a toponym, meaning "place where goats are kept". These places include towns like Bocchieri and Bocchignano in the province of Siena, and Boccheri in the province of Pisa. Over time, Italian migrants brought their surnames with them when they emigrated to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and others. The surname Boccher can also have variations such as Bocchieri, Bocchignano, or Boccheri, depending on the specific place of origin.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Boccher
The meaning and origin of the last name Boccher
The surname Boccher is of Italian origin, derived from various locations with the same name found throughout Italy. The most prominent of these places are Bocchieri and Boccadifalco in the provinces of Potenza and Avellino, respectively, in Southern Italy. The name itself is believed to be a toponymic surname, originating from the Latin word "buxus," meaning boxwood, referring to a local place where box trees grew abundantly. Over time, the surname has been spelled and pronounced in various ways, including Bocchieri, Boccheri, Boccardi, and Bocchia, reflecting regional dialects and changes in pronunciation over centuries. The Boccher family, like many Italian surnames, is a testament to Italy's rich history and geography.
Geographical distribution of the last name Boccher
The surname Boccher is primarily found in Italy, with significant concentrations in the central and northern regions. In particular, it is most common in the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, which border each other in the northern part of the Italian peninsula. Smaller numbers of people with this surname can also be found in other parts of Italy, as well as in some Italian-speaking communities abroad, such as Argentina and Switzerland. The name Boccher is less common outside of these areas and is not widely distributed globally.
Variants and spellings of the last name Boccher
The variant and spelling forms of the surname Boccher include:
These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional changes over time.
Famous people with the last name Boccher
The Boccieri family, notably known for their contributions across various fields, is most recognized for Gioacchino Antonio Boccherini (1743-1805), an Italian composer and cellist of the classical era. He was a significant figure in the history of chamber music, particularly instrumental music, with his works such as Minuet for Flute and Guitar and the String Quintet in E major being highly regarded. Another notable figure is Maria Boccherini (1764-1805), Gioacchino's sister, who was a harpsichordist and composer in her own right. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as her brother, she contributed to the family's musical legacy. In modern times, Mario Boccheri (born 1946) is an Italian politician, serving as the President of the European Investment Bank from 2013 to 2020.
Genealogical research on the last name Boccher
The Boccher surname is of Italian origin, derived from various place names throughout Italy, such as Bocca (meaning "mouth" or "opening") and Boccara (a variant of Boccaro, meaning "bocage" or "small enclosure for cattle"). Some early records show the name spelled as Bocchieri, Boccheri, and Boccharo in the 16th century in Italy. The family may have migrated to other countries during periods of political upheaval, such as the Napoleonic Wars. In the United States, the Boccher surname can be found primarily in California, New York, and Illinois. Notable individuals with this surname include Antonio Boccherini (1745-1805), an Italian composer of the Classical era, and Giuseppe Boccherini (born 1963), an Italian professional footballer. The Boccher family tree is vast, with numerous branches scattered across the globe, reflecting their long history and migration patterns.
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