Last Name Boniface

The last name Boniface is of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name Boniface, which is composed of the elements "bon," meaning "good," and "face," meaning "to do." The name was borne by a 7th-century saint known as Saint Boniface, the patron saint of Germany. The name spread throughout Europe due to the popularity of the saint.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Boniface

The meaning and origin of the last name Boniface

The surname Boniface is of French and sometimes English origin, derived from the medieval Latin name Bonifatius, which means "good fate" or "doer of good deeds." The name was popularized by several saints, most notably Saint Boniface of Crediton, an Anglo-Saxon missionary who helped spread Christianity in Germany during the 8th century. The surname Boniface is believed to have originated in France before spreading to England and other parts of Europe. Over time, the name has evolved into various forms and spellings, such as Bonifacio in Italian and Bonifatius in German. Today, individuals with the surname Boniface can be found all over the world, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors who were known for their good deeds and positive influence in their communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Boniface

The last name Boniface is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. It is also present in other French-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada. Outside of French-speaking regions, the surname is less common but can be found in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The name Boniface has historically been associated with the Christian religion, as Saint Boniface was a missionary from England who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Germany in the 8th century. As a result, individuals with the last name Boniface may have ancestors with German or English roots, despite its prevalence in French-speaking areas. Today, the name is relatively rare and is not as widespread as more common surnames.

Variants and spellings of the last name Boniface

The last name Boniface may have several variations and spellings, including Bonifacio, Bonifacius, Bonifaz, Bonifassi, Bonifas, and Bonifassi. These variations are often influenced by different languages and regions where the name originates. In French-speaking countries, the name may be spelled as Bonifas or Boniface, while in Italian-speaking regions, it may be written as Bonifacio. In Latin or ancient Roman contexts, the name Bonifacius is commonly seen. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the name is of Latin origin and is derived from the words "bonus" meaning good, and "facere" meaning to do or make. This name is believed to have been given to individuals as a way to signify their positive qualities or good deeds.

Famous people with the last name Boniface

There is no widely recognized famous person with the last name Boniface. The name Boniface is not a common surname and there are very few notable individuals who bear this name. The most famous person in recent history with the last name Boniface is likely to be William Tyrone Tavares Boniface, an American author and publisher known for his children's books. However, his fame is limited to the literary world and he is not a household name like other celebrities with more common surnames. Despite the lack of widespread recognition, individuals with the last name Boniface continue to make their mark in various fields and contribute to society in their own unique ways.

Genealogical research on the last name Boniface

The surname Boniface is of French origin, derived from the first name Boniface, which means "good fate" or "good fortune." It is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The earliest records of the Boniface surname date back to the medieval period in England, where members of the Boniface family held feudal estates and were prominent landowners. Over time, the name spread to other countries, including Italy and Germany. Variants of the name include Bonifacio, Bonifacius, and Bonifáci. The Boniface name may have also been used as a nickname for someone with a cheerful or optimistic personality. Today, individuals with the Boniface surname can be found around the world, with a notable presence in regions where French or Norman influence has historically been strong.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Boniface"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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