Last Name Boj

The surname Boj has multiple possible origins across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it could be a shortened form of various Slavic names with "Boj" as a part, such as Czech and Slovakian names like Bohumil or Bozena. In these instances, the name is derived from the Slavic word "boj," which means "war" or "fight." In other contexts, it may be of German origin, potentially stemming from the medieval German given name "Bogado," which meant "God's gift." Over time, this surname evolved into various spellings, including Boe, Boehm, and Boj. Additionally, it is also possible that the surname Boj could have Arabic origins, derived from the name "Abu-Ja'far," which translates to "father of Ja'far." It is speculated that this surname may have been adopted by converts from Islam in regions like Spain and North Africa. Lastly, it's worth noting that surnames can be influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical location, migration patterns, and historical events, making their origins often complex and multifaceted.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Boj

The meaning and origin of the last name Boj

The surname Boj is of Slavic origin, predominantly found among Croatians, Serbs, and other South Slavic ethnic groups. It derives from a diminutive form of the personal name Bogomir, which means "love of God" in Old Slavic. The name Bogomir evolved into Bojko or Bojo, and its diminutive forms, such as Boj, emerged over time. The use of patronymics was common among these groups, with surnames being formed by adding suffixes like -ovic, -evic, or -ic to the father's name. In the case of the surname Boj, it is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone who was small or young, given its connection to the diminutive form Bojo.

Geographical distribution of the last name Boj

The surname Boj is predominantly found in Slavic countries, particularly in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It originates from the diminutive form of the Slavic given name Bogomir, which means "God-peace" or "God-mercy." In Croatia, it is most common in the regions of Dalmatia, Istria, and Lika. In Serbia, it is more prevalent in the southern regions like Sandžak and Kosovo. The surname also appears in other Slavic countries such as Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Poland, but less frequently. Boj is also found among the Montenegrin population due to historical migrations and intermarriage between Croatian, Serbian, and Montenegrin communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Boj

The surname Boj has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family lineages. Some common variants include Booij, Booy, Boeij, Boy, Boys, Boie, Böh, Beoh, Bey, and Bay. These variations may be found across various countries and languages, reflecting the global dispersal of individuals bearing this surname. The origin of the name Boj is unclear, but it is thought to have possible Slavic roots, potentially derived from a diminutive form of the given name Bogomil (a devotee of God). However, without further context or information about an individual's ancestral background, it can be difficult to definitively determine the original spelling or origin of the surname Boj.

Famous people with the last name Boj

Notable individuals with the surname Boj include:

1. Aleksandar Bojović (born 1976), a Serbian professional basketball player who played for various teams including Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe, and the Serbian national team.
2. Ivo Bojović (1877–1945), a Serbian painter known for his landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, and considered one of the most important Yugoslav painters of the 20th century.
3. Srdjan Bojovic (born 1962), a Serbian-American computer scientist who is a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University, USA. He has made significant contributions to database systems and data mining.
4. Jovan Bojović (born 1985), a Montenegrin basketball player who played for Partizan Belgrade, Crvena zvezda, and the Montenegrin national team.
5. Nemanja Bojovic (born 1973), a Serbian mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry, representation theory, and mathematical physics. He is currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
6. Branko Bojović (1924–2018), a Yugoslav communist politician who served as the Minister of Defense of Yugoslavia from 1982 to 1986 during the presidency of Josip Broz Tito.

Genealogical research on the last name Boj

The surname Boj originates from various regions, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. In Slavic countries like Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Poland, it is an occupational name derived from the Slavic word "boba" or "boja", which means blacksmith. In Slovakia and Poland, it can also be a toponymic name for someone who lived near a place named Boj or Boha.

In Serbia, Boj is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Bojan, which is a variant of Bogdan, meaning "given by God." The surname has been recorded in historical documents since the 13th century. Notable figures with this surname include Bojana Novaković, a Serbian actress, and Bojan Knežević, a renowned Serbian guitarist.

In Croatia, Boj can also be derived from the Slavic word "boga" meaning god or godlike, making it a nickname for someone perceived as divine or powerful. The surname has been recorded in historical documents since the 14th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Boj"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends