Last Name Bon

The surname "Bon" has multiple origins. In French, it is derived from a given name Bon (meaning good), and was often used as a nickname for someone who had good qualities. This name was borne by several early Christian saints, which may account for its adoption as a surname in France during the Middle Ages. In Italy, "Bon" is a short form of Bonaventura (meaning good fortune). It was also used as an adjective to describe something good or fortunate. This name and its derivatives have been borne by several notable individuals in Italian history. In the Middle East, the surname "Bon" may be derived from the Arabic word "abun," meaning father of, which is often used as a prefix in Arabic surnames. It is also found among the Jews of Spain (Sephardim) and Portugal. In short, the origin of the surname Bon can be traced back to various parts of Europe and the Middle East, with different meanings depending on its place of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bon

The meaning and origin of the last name Bon

The surname Bon, derived from the Latin word "bonus" which means "good" in English, is of ancient Roman origin. It was often bestowed upon children as a sign of parental affection or admiration for their virtuous qualities, much like the modern practice of naming children after positive traits. Over time, it became a popular surname across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, and Spain. In many instances, it was used to denote someone of noble birth due to the positive connotations associated with the name. Today, the Bon surname can be found among various ethnic groups worldwide as a result of migration and cultural diffusion. It remains a common surname in French-speaking regions, Italy, and Spain, among others, signifying its rich history and widespread distribution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bon

The surname "Bon" has its roots primarily in France, where it is one of the most common surnames, particularly in regions such as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rhône-Alpes, and Languedoc-Roussillon. Historically, these areas were influential in French history, with Provence being a part of the Kingdom of Italy before becoming part of France in the 15th century. The name also has a presence in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In addition to France, "Bon" can also be found among populations of French descent in countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. While it is less common in these countries compared to France, it still holds significant representation, particularly among communities with a strong French ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bon

The surname Bon has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Some common variations include Bohn, Boon, Bohun, Boune, and Buon. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, historical spelling conventions, or migration patterns over time. The French form of the name is often spelled as Beau, Beaune, or Beyne. In Italian, it can be written as Bono, Bonelli, Bonanno, or Buonocore. In German, the name may appear as Bonn or Boenn. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a given individual's surname should always be based on their specific lineage and cultural background.

Famous people with the last name Bon

Bon is a notable surname, associated with several distinguished figures across various fields. Perhaps the most renowned individual bearing this surname is Sir Norman Joseph Woodland Bonnard Bonney, an Australian mathematician and computer scientist. He co-invented the barcode system while at IBM in 1948. Another prominent figure with the last name Bon is the French actress Sophie Marceau, known for her roles in films such as "La Belle Verte" and "Fanny." The world of professional sports has seen a Bon in the form of Mike Bonasorte, an American former professional ice hockey player who played over 600 games in the National Hockey League (NHL). Lastly, there is Hélène Achan-Bonner, a prominent French archaeologist and epigrapher, best known for her work on the decipherment of the Akkadian language. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, reflecting the versatility and impact of those bearing the Bon surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Bon

The surname Bon originates from France and is an occupational name for a baker. It derives from the Old French word "bon" meaning good or fine, used to describe the quality of bread produced by the bearer of this name. The use of occupational names was common in Medieval Europe as a means of identifying one's profession. The Bon family can be traced back to the 10th century in Normandy, where the first recorded instance of the name appears. Over time, the Bon family expanded across France, with notable branches emerging in regions such as Provence and Languedoc. In the late Middle Ages, many members of the Bon family migrated to Italy, England, and other parts of Europe due to political upheavals and economic opportunities. The Bon family has produced several notable figures throughout history, including the French philosopher René Descartes and the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. Today, the Bon name is found in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in France, Canada, the United States, and Italy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bon"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends