Last Name Bojinov

The surname Bojinov originates from Bulgaria. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Bojan, which means "small raven" in Slavic languages. The name Bojan itself has various origins, with some sources suggesting it comes from the Old Slavic word for raven (bujan) or from a Turkic term meaning "wolf." The patronymic form of Bojan is common among Slavic populations and indicates that the original bearer was the son of Bojan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bojinov

The meaning and origin of the last name Bojinov

The surname Bojinov originates from Bulgaria, specifically within the Slavic ethnic group that populated the region during the Middle Ages. It is derived from a Slavic given name Bojan, which means "one who fights with a sword" or "the fighter." The name Bojan was popularized by several historical figures and legendary heroes in Slavic folklore, contributing to its adoption as a surname. The suffix "-ov" in Bojinov is a common Slavic patronymic indicating that the bearer's father shares the given name Bojan. Over time, various spelling variations of the name have emerged due to differences in transliteration and translation, including Boyanov, Boychinov, and Boyadjiev. Today, individuals with the surname Bojinov can be found predominantly in Bulgaria but also in other countries with significant Bulgarian diaspora populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bojinov

The surname Bojinov is predominantly found in Bulgaria, where it originates from. It is one of the more common surnames in the country, particularly in regions such as Plovdiv, Sofia, and Varna. In the diaspora, significant populations of people with the last name Bojinov can be found in North America, Europe, and Australia, primarily among Bulgarian immigrants. The largest communities outside Bulgaria are in countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly due to factors such as migration patterns, assimilation, and name changes over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bojinov

The surname Bojinov has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration from Cyrillic script to Latin script and regional dialects. Some common variants include Bohinov, Boyanov, Bojanov, Boinov, Bozhinov, and Voinov. These variations stem from the Slavic name Bozhana or Bozhan, which means 'God is gracious.' The surname Bojinov is most commonly found in Bulgaria but can also be found among Bulgarians living abroad due to historical migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Bojinov

Bojinov is a Slavic surname and some notable individuals with this last name include:

1. Hristo Stoichkov Bojinov (born 1982), a Bulgarian former professional footballer who played as a forward, most notably for Manchester City and Barcelona. He won multiple awards during his career, including the Golden Boot at the UEFA European Championship in 1996.

2. Dimitar Bojinov (born 1978), another Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a striker. He spent most of his career playing for various clubs in England, such as West Ham United and Birmingham City.

3. Stoyan Bojinov (born 1985), a Bulgarian weightlifter who competed in the super heavyweight category. He won several medals at the European Championships and World Championships, and represented Bulgaria at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

4. Svetoslav Bojinov (born 1987), a Bulgarian professional footballer who plays as a forward. He has played for clubs in Bulgaria, Germany, Turkey, and Greece.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, with Hristo Stoichkov Bojinov being particularly renowned for his success as a footballer.

Genealogical research on the last name Bojinov

The Bojinov surname originates from Bulgaria, with roots traced back to the medieval era. It is derived from the personal name Boyan, which was popular among Slavic tribes during that period. Boyan was a heroic figure in Bulgarian folklore, known for his bravery and poetic skills. Over time, the surname Bojinov emerged as a patronymic, indicating descent from a man named Boyan.

The Bojinov family is widely distributed across Bulgaria, particularly in regions such as Vratsa, Pleven, Montana, and Lovech, where the name is thought to have originated. Throughout history, members of the Bojinov family have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, military, art, and education. Notable figures include Ivan Bozhilov Bojinov (1897-1960), a prominent Bulgarian sculptor, and Todor Bojinov (born 1952), a former football player who represented the Bulgarian national team.

Research continues to uncover more about the history and lineage of the Bojinov family, offering insights into their rich cultural heritage and contributions to Bulgaria's past and present.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bojinov"
• 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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