Last Name Bojda

The surname Bojda is of Slavic origin and is most commonly found among the Slavic people, specifically those from Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries. It's derived from personal names such as Bojan or Bogdan, which are Slavic names meaning "God given" or "famous warrior." The surname Bojda may have been formed in several ways, including as a diminutive form of the name Bojan or Bogdan, or it could have developed from a nickname for someone who was considered a brave or powerful individual. As with many surnames, its exact origin can sometimes be difficult to trace due to various factors such as spelling variations and changes in pronunciation over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bojda

The meaning and origin of the last name Bojda

The surname Bojda is believed to have originated from several possible sources, given its various occurrences across different regions. In Slavic-speaking countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic, the name may be derived from a place name or topographical feature, likely meaning "beech wood" or "birch tree clearing," given that Bojda (meaning birch) is an old Slavic word. In some cases, it could also have been a nickname for someone who was associated with these trees. Additionally, in Estonia and Latvia, the name may have originated from personal names such as Bogdan, which means "given by God" or "blessed by God." Over time, these personal names evolved into surnames, making Bojda a widely dispersed family name across Eastern Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bojda

The surname Bojda is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly within Slavic-speaking regions such as Poland and Ukraine. According to various genealogical databases, it appears to be more frequent in the southern and eastern parts of these countries. In Poland, it is most common in the Podkarpackie and Małopolskie voivodships. The surname also has some presence in Lithuania and Belarus, suggesting potential historical migrations or connections between the populations of these neighboring nations. In the United States, Canada, and other Western countries with significant Eastern European immigrant populations, the Bojda surname is less common but can be found among descendants of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bojda

The surname Bojda has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some of the common variants include Bohda, Bojdaa, Boida, Bojde, Boiada, and Byoda. In some cases, the name might also be spelled as Boydah, Boyda, or Boyde, especially when immigrant families anglicized their names during assimilation into new cultures. It's essential to note that these variations can appear in various combinations of capitalization and accent marks, depending on the country and language context.

Famous people with the last name Bojda

The Bojda surname has been associated with notable figures in various fields, particularly in sports and science. One well-known individual is Jovica Božić-Bojda, a Serbian handball player who represented Yugoslavia at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He won a silver medal as part of the Yugoslav team. In the scientific community, another significant figure with the surname Bojda is Dr. Igor Bojda, a Slovenian mathematician and computer scientist known for his work on machine learning and artificial intelligence. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing these fields. Additionally, there is the Austrian politician Helmut Bojda, who served as a Member of the National Council from 1975 to 1986, representing the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). These are some of the most famous individuals with the surname Bojda.

Genealogical research on the last name Bojda

The Bojda surname is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Croatia and Slovenia, where it originates from the region of Istria. The name is thought to be of Slavic origin and derived from the personal name Bojidar or Bojko, which means "warrior" or "brave."

Historically, the Bojda family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with records showing their presence in the region during the 13th century. Over time, branches of the family migrated to other parts of Europe and North America, most notably to Germany, Austria, and the United States.

In Croatia, one notable branch of the Bojda family hails from the town of Labin, and is known for their contributions to various professions such as education, military service, and politics throughout history. In Slovenia, the Bojda family has been documented in the region of Gorizia since the 17th century.

Today, the Bojda surname remains relatively rare but can be found across several countries, with a significant number residing in Croatia, Slovenia, and the United States. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the history and evolution of this fascinating family name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bojda"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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