Last Name Bonhomme

The surname "Bonhomme" is of French origin and is derived from the Old French words "bon" meaning 'good' and "homme" meaning 'man'. In English, it translates to "Goodman". It was initially a nickname for someone who was well-liked or respected in their community. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bonhomme

The meaning and origin of the last name Bonhomme

The surname Bonhomme, originating from the French language, is a patronymic derived from the given name Bonhomme, which translates to "good man" in English. It is formed by combining two words: "bon," meaning good, and "homme," meaning man. This surname has been used throughout France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Brittany, since the Middle Ages. The proliferation of this name can be attributed to its positive connotation, reflecting a desire for virtuous and well-respected ancestors. As families migrated and settled in other countries, the name Bonhomme became increasingly common in European colonies, particularly in North America. Today, it remains a popular surname worldwide, with variations such as Bonhommeau, Bonhomme-Beauchamp, and Bonhomme-Jean among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bonhomme

The surname Bonhomme, which translates to 'good man' in French, has a predominantly French origin and is found extensively across France. Historically, it was common among Normans and Bretons, regions from which many migrated to England, particularly during the Norman Conquest in 1066. Today, it remains quite prevalent in France with significant concentrations in Brittany, Normandy, and the Ile-de-France region. Beyond France, Bonhomme is also found in various parts of the French-speaking world, including Belgium, Switzerland, Canada (specifically Quebec), and former French colonies such as Haiti. It is also present, albeit less frequently, in other countries with significant French influence, like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Senegal. In English-speaking countries, it's typically found among individuals or families of French descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bonhomme

The surname Bonhomme has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some of them:

1. Bonhomme (French) - Originating from France, this is the most common spelling. It translates to "good man" in English.
2. Bonhôme (Portuguese) - This is a variant of the French surname, where the 'o' is pronounced as a long 'o'.
3. Bohnemann (German) - A Germanized version of Bonhomme, with an added 'n' at the end.
4. Boneham, Bonham, Bonhame - These are English spellings and pronunciations that have evolved over time from the original French name.
5. Von Bonhomme (German) - The addition of "von" is a German prefix meaning "of" or "belonging to," which is often added to noble surnames.
6. Buonome, Buonomo, Buonomi - Italian variations of the name, where 'b' replaces the French 'b' and 'e' or 'i' replaces the final 'e'.
7. Boñhomme (Spanish) - A Spanish variant with a tilde over the 'n'.
8. Bonhômme (Brazilian Portuguese) - This spelling is similar to the French original but with the acute accent on the 'o' to indicate that it should be pronounced as a long 'o'.
9. Bonhom (Creole) - A variant used in Haitian Creole, where the final 'e' is dropped.
10. Bohnem - An alternative spelling sometimes seen, with an added 'm' at the end.

Famous people with the last name Bonhomme

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bonhomme include Jean-Baptiste Pierre Antoine de Monet, Chevalier de Lamarck (1744–1824), a French biologist and botanist known for his work in evolutionary theory; Georges Bonhomme (born 1966), a French actor who has starred in various films such as "The Da Vinci Code" and "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol"; and Jean-Pierre Bonhomme (born 1950), a Swiss entrepreneur, best known for co-founding the computer hardware company Compaq Computer Corporation. Another prominent figure is Antoine Bonhomme (1876–1936), a French violinist who was a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including science, entertainment, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Bonhomme

The surname Bonhomme originates from France and is of Norman descent. It translates to "Good Man" in French. The earliest recorded instance of the name was found in Normandy during the Middle Ages, with Hugues le Bonhomme appearing in records dating back to 1066, a time when William the Conqueror invaded England. The family later migrated to England, where they became established landholders and officials. Notable members of the Bonhomme family in England include Sir Walter Bonhomme, who served as Member of Parliament for Norfolk from 1420 to 1423, and Sir John Bonhomme, who was Knight Warden of the Cinque Ports during the reign of King Henry VIII. The name also spread to other parts of Europe, with branches found in Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. In modern times, the Bonhomme family can be found in various countries worldwide, maintaining their tradition as skilled craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bonhomme"
• 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

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