Last Name Bonin

The surname Bonin has a French origin and is derived from the word "bonne" which means 'good' in English. It was initially used as a given name, but later became a patronymic or occupational name for someone who played a role associated with goodness or perfection. Over time, it was also used as a nickname for a person with good qualities or for a person born during the feast day of St. Boniface (Bonifacius), whose feast day is on May 5th. The surname may have been brought to various countries by French settlers or migrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bonin

The meaning and origin of the last name Bonin

The surname Bonin is of French origin, stemming from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the word "bonne," which means "good" or "nice" in French. During the Middle Ages, surnames were often descriptive, and this name would have been given to someone who was considered good or nice by their peers. Over time, as families moved across borders, variations of the name emerged. For instance, the English form of the name is Goodman, while in Italian it can be found as Buonanotte, meaning "good night." Today, the surname Bonin (pronounced Bo-nee-ahn) is most prevalent in France and its former colonies, but it can also be found in other parts of Europe and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bonin

The last name Bonin has its roots primarily in France, where it is most prevalent, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Normandy. Beyond France, significant concentrations can be found among French-speaking populations in other countries like Canada (Quebec), Belgium, Switzerland, and the former French colonies, notably Haiti. The name has also been dispersed by French immigration, with smaller groups carrying the surname appearing in various parts of Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania, including France's overseas territories such as Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Polynesia. In the United States, a considerable number of people bearing the name Bonin can be found in Louisiana, reflecting the state's rich French-Creole heritage. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Bonin reflects historical French colonial expansion and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bonin

The surname Bonin possesses several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variations include Bonneau, Bonnaud, Boniol, Bonnel, Bonnin, Bonneville, and Bonney. These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, spelling conventions, or historical recordkeeping practices. For instance, the French-Canadian variant of Bonin is often spelled as Bonineau or Boniol, while in some English-speaking regions it might be anglicized as Bonney or Bonn. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different surnames but rather different ways of representing the same name. When researching genealogy or family history, being aware of such variations can help trace ancestry more accurately.

Famous people with the last name Bonin

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bonin include Jean-François Bonne (1767–1849), a French naval officer who served under Napoleon Bonaparte and explored Australia; Lorena González, born as Lorena Elizabeth Bonnin (1982), an American-Canadian politician serving as the Mayor of Vancouver since 2022; and Bonnie "Prince" Billy, born John Samuel Bonney (1967), an American singer-songwriter known for his work in alternative country music. Additionally, Yvette Bonin, a French actress who appeared in films like "The 400 Blows" and "Shoot the Piano Player," is also notable within the world of cinema. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and contributions of people with the surname Bonin across various fields such as politics, music, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Bonin

The surname Bonin, derived from the French word for 'good', has a rich and varied history across several European countries. Originating in France, it is believed to have been first used as a given name during the Middle Ages, before being adopted as a surname. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century in Normandy. As French settlers spread across Europe and beyond, the Bonin family migrated, with significant populations found in Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, some members of the Bonin family emigrated to North America, establishing a presence in Quebec, Canada. The Bonin name continued to evolve over time, with variations such as Boni, Bonino, and Bonneau found across Europe and the Americas. Notable individuals bearing the surname include French explorer Jean de Bonnaire, also known as Jean Bonneau, who explored North America in the early 17th century. Today, the Bonin family can be found worldwide, with significant populations maintaining their heritage and connections to their European roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bonin"
• 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 June 2025

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