Last Name Bonafos

The surname Bonafos has Italian origins and is derived from the personal name Buono, meaning "good" or "handsome" in Italian. It is believed to have been a nickname given to someone who was considered good-natured or physically attractive. Over time, the surname evolved into Bonafos as a hereditary name. The spelling variations of this surname include Bonafide, Bonavita, Bonaventura, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bonafos

The meaning and origin of the last name Bonafos

The surname Bonafos is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval Latin phrase "bona fides," which translates to "good faith" or "reliable." This name was originally used as a nickname for someone who was trustworthy and dependable. Over time, it became a hereditary surname among individuals in Italy. The Bonafos family is known to have originated from various regions in Italy, with notable concentrations in Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. Notable individuals with the surname Bonafos include Italian artist Giuseppe Bonafos (1875-1934) and French political figure Jean-Louis Bonafous (1920-2008).

Geographical distribution of the last name Bonafos

The Bonafos surname is primarily distributed across various regions within Italy, with significant concentrations found in the northern region of Piedmont and the central-eastern region of Lazio. This Italian patronymic name, derived from the Old High German 'Bona' meaning 'good' or 'handsome', and 'Foht' meaning 'warrior' or 'leader', is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, particularly France, due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges. Additionally, there are notable Bonafos communities in countries with large Italian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bonafos

The surname Bonafos has several variations and spellings, reflecting its Italian origin. Some common variants include Bonaforte, Bonavita, Bonavoglia, Bonaventura, Bonafede, Bonafedeo, and Bonafacio. These variations may arise from regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration or personal preference. In some cases, the surname may also be spelled as Boniface, although this is more commonly associated with a French origin. The root of the name is likely derived from the Latin word "bonus" meaning good, and "fos" meaning depth or well. Therefore, the name can be roughly translated to mean 'well of the good' or 'good source'.

Famous people with the last name Bonafos

Bonafide Rojas (born 1964) is a renowned Argentine professional tennis player who achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 7 in 1992. He won two Grand Slam titles, the French Open in 1998 and the US Open in 1993. In politics, Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (1831-1880) was a Brazilian politician, lawyer, writer, and abolitionist, who played a significant role in the drafting of Brazil's first Constitution as an independent nation. Notably, he is known for his proposal of the Golden Law, which established universal male suffrage in Brazil. In the technology industry, Gideon Bonafous (born 1974) is a French entrepreneur who co-founded Dailymotion, one of the world's leading video sharing platforms.

Genealogical research on the last name Bonafos

The Bonafos surname originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Liguria and Piedmont. The name is derived from the occupation 'buonafede' or 'bonafide', meaning "good faith" in Italian, indicating that the original bearers were men of integrity. The Bonafos family is known to have migrated from Italy to various parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly France, Spain, and Argentina, during the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of economic migration and political unrest. In the United States, the Bonafos family can be traced back to the late 1800s in states like Louisiana, New York, and California. Notable individuals with the Bonafos surname include artists, scientists, and politicians, reflecting a diverse range of careers among its bearers throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bonafos"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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