Last Name Bogaert

The surname Bogaert is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Middle Dutch word "boeghe" meaning bow or archer. It is a occupational name for an archer or someone who made bows. In some cases, it may also be a habitational name for someone from a place named with this word, such as Boegard in East Flanders, Belgium.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bogaert

The meaning and origin of the last name Bogaert

The surname Bogaert is of Dutch origin, derived from the Middle Dutch term "boeckaert," which means "bookmaker" or "clerk." It can also be traced back to the Old French word "bouchier," meaning "butcher." This name would have been a profession-based surname, indicative of the original bearer's occupation. The name Bogaert became popular in the Netherlands and Belgium due to the high number of bookmakers and butchers who adopted it as a last name during the Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling variations have emerged, including Boogert, Boghart, and Bokhout, reflecting regional dialects and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bogaert

The surname Bogaert is predominantly of Belgian origin, with the highest concentration found within the Wallonia region, specifically in cities such as Liège, Charleroi, and Namur. It's also quite common in Flanders, especially in Antwerp and Brussels. Beyond Belgium, there are significant populations of Bogaert family members in the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Limburg and Noord-Brabant due to historical migration between the two countries. Small clusters can also be found in France, mainly in the regions bordering Belgium, as well as in other parts of Europe like Germany and Switzerland, primarily due to immigration and diaspora from Belgium over the centuries. In addition, there are Bogaert descendants in North America, predominantly in Canada and the United States, where they migrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries seeking better economic opportunities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bogaert

The surname Bogaert has several variants and spellings, reflecting changes that may have occurred over time due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or individual preferences. Some variations include Bogart, Boghart, Boghärt, Boegart, Boeghart, Bögård, Boegard, Boehgart, and Boegaert. These variations may stem from differences in spelling conventions, linguistic assimilation, or phonetic adaptations to the local language. The original spelling of the name is believed to be derived from Old Dutch or Flemish origins, with "boeghe" meaning "bower" or "farmstead" and "-aert" being a common suffix indicating occupational or geographical origin.

Famous people with the last name Bogaert

Notable individuals with the surname Bogaert include:

1. Paul Bogaert (born 1948), a Belgian comics artist known for his work on "Blueberry," a popular series set in the Wild West. His career spans over five decades, and he has collaborated with writers such as Jean-Michel Charlier.

2. Philippe Bogaert (born 1958), a prominent Belgian economist and politician who served as Minister of State for Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo from 2011 to 2014. He was also the CEO of the National Bank of Belgium.

3. Loreena McKennitt (born 1957, formerly known as Loreena Bogaert), a Canadian musician and songwriter. Known for her New Age music with Celtic and world music influences, she has sold over 14 million albums worldwide.

4. Frank Bogaert (born 1960), a Dutch cyclist who won the Giro d'Italia in 1988. He also competed in two editions of the Tour de France and several Classics during his career from 1982 to 1993.

5. Frédéric Bogaert (born 1970), a Belgian composer, conductor, and arranger for film, television, and theater. His work includes music for various Flemish shows and commercials as well as the scores for several feature films.

Genealogical research on the last name Bogaert

The surname Bogaert originates from Flanders, Belgium, and is derived from the Old French word "bouchier," meaning butcher. The Bogaerts were artisans who worked as butchers or meat sellers during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is in the 12th-century charters of the Abbey of St. Bertin, located in Saint-Omer, France.

The family migrated to various parts of Europe over time, including the Netherlands and France. Notable Bogaert descendants include the Flemish Renaissance painter Joachim Patijn and the Belgian politician Edmond Leburton. In North America, the name is predominantly found in Quebec, Canada, where French settlers established colonies starting in the 17th century.

The migration of Bogaerts to the New World can be traced back to Pierre Bogaert, who settled in Québec City, Canada, in 1658. The name has since spread across North America and is also found in the United States, particularly in states with a strong Belgian heritage like Michigan and Wisconsin.

Today, the Bogaerts are dispersed worldwide, maintaining their roots while adapting to new cultures and environments. Genealogical research on this surname continues to reveal the diverse history of the Bogaert family across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bogaert"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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