Last Name Boice

Learn more about the origin of the last name Boice

The meaning and origin of the last name Boice

The surname Boice is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Bjørn, which means "bear" in Norwegian. It was Anglicized as Bernes or Bernard, and eventually evolved into Boice, Bowes, or Bose in English-speaking regions. In Scotland, the surname may have been adopted by descendants of Viking settlers or Norman invaders, while in Ireland, it is primarily found in Ulster, indicating it was likely imported during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. The Boice family has notable representatives in American history, such as John Boice, a prominent early settler in Virginia, and James Boice, a Pennsylvania signer of the United States Constitution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Boice

The last name Boice is primarily concentrated in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states like Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, suggesting possible origins from these regions or immigration patterns. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec have high concentrations of individuals bearing this surname. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, indicating potential origins from the British Isles. The name's distribution also extends to Australia and New Zealand due to migration waves over time. It is less common but present in various parts of Europe and Asia as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Boice

The surname Boice has various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and migration patterns over time. Some common variations include Bois, Boyce, Bouse, and Bosse, which originate from the Old French "Bois" meaning 'wood' or 'forest'. In English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the spelling Boice is less common but can still be found. Other related forms include Boyes and Bows. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes over time or regional differences in spelling conventions.

Famous people with the last name Boice

Notable individuals sharing the last name Boice include:

1. John Boice Jr., a retired American surgeon and epidemiologist who served as the President of the American College of Surgeons from 2003 to 2004.
2. Sarah Boone Boice, an American civil rights activist known for her work in the Women's Suffrage Movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. John Boice III, an American engineer who has worked extensively on spacecraft structures, including the Mars Exploration Rovers and the James Webb Space Telescope.
4. Mary Chapin Carpenter, an American singer-songwriter whose stage name includes her maternal grandmother's maiden name "Boice." She has won five Grammy Awards for her country music.
5. John Boice (athlete), a former American long-distance runner who set several national records in the 1980s and competed in the 1984 Olympics.

Genealogical research on the last name Boice

The Boice surname originates from the Old Norse personal name "Bjorn," which means bear. It is believed that the name was brought to Scotland and England by Viking invaders, where it evolved into its current form. Over time, the Boice family expanded across Britain, with notable settlements in Yorkshire, Cumberland, and Perthshire in Scotland.

One of the earliest known Boice ancestors is Sir Robert Bois (died 1375), who was knighted by King Edward III of England. The Boice family also played a significant role in the American colonies, with several members settling in Pennsylvania during the 18th century. Notable Boices include John Boice Jr., a colonel in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and Benjamin Boice, who served as a congressman in the early 19th century.

Today, the Boice surname can be found throughout North America, with concentrations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Nova Scotia, as well as Scotland and England.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Boice"
• 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 : 23 July 2025