Last Name Boss

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Boss

As for ethnicity, according to the Decennial U.S. Census data, the majority of people with the surname Boss identify as White, making up 86.69% of this group in 2010, down slightly from 86.98% in 2000. The largest increase in ethnicity was seen among those identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native, rising 56.52% to 0.72%. There was also a significant increase in those identifying as Hispanic, up 42.03% to 1.96%, and those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, up 30.95% to 0.55%. The number of those identifying as Black or with two or more races also rose, though at a lower rate.

	2000	2010	Change
White	86.98%	86.69%	-0.33%
Black	9.45%	8.44%	-10.69%
Hispanic	1.38%	1.96%	42.03%
Two or More Races	1.31%	1.64%	25.19%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.46%	0.72%	56.52%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.42%	0.55%	30.95%

Boss ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Boss is British & Irish, which comprises 42.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (34.5%) and Eastern European (5.4%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, Spanish & Portuguese, and Indigenous American.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	42.5%
French & German	34.5%
Eastern European	5.4%
Other	17.6%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Boss

The meaning and origin of the last name Boss

The surname Boss is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "boese" or "bos," which means anger or annoyance. It likely originated as a nickname for someone with a short temper or an irritable nature. Over time, this surname may have been given to individuals who displayed strong leadership qualities, perhaps in a more assertive or even aggressive manner. Alternatively, it could have been bestowed upon those who held a position of authority or influence in a specific social or occupational context. As surnames often developed from a variety of sources, it is also possible that the name was acquired from a locality, suggesting that the individual or family resided near a place or feature with a similar name. Today, individuals with the surname Boss can be found across the world, particularly in regions influenced by German immigration and settlement.

Geographical distribution of the last name Boss

The surname Boss has a widespread geographic distribution, with concentrations in various countries. The largest number of individuals with the last name Boss can be found in the United States. Particularly, areas such as New York, California, and Texas have a significant population of individuals bearing this surname. In addition to the United States, the surname Boss is also prevalent in countries like Germany, where it is believed to have originated. Other European countries, including Switzerland and the Netherlands, also have notable populations of individuals with the surname Boss. Furthermore, individuals with the last name Boss can be found in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, indicating a global spread of this surname. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Boss highlights its prevalence in North America and Europe, with smaller populations in other regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Boss

The last name Boss can have various spellings and variations depending on regional and historical factors. Some common variations include Bose, Boes, Baus, Baas, Bauss, Booss, Boß, and Bossy. These variations can be attributed to the phonetic adaptations in different languages and dialects, as well as regional pronunciations and immigration patterns. For instance, the variation Bose may be more prevalent in regions influenced by German or Dutch ancestry, while Boess could be found in more anglicized versions. The spelling Bosse, with an additional 'e', may be seen in areas with French or Scandinavian heritage. Additionally, the prefix "Van" is occasionally added, particularly in Dutch or Belgian backgrounds, giving rise to surnames like Van Boss or Van de Boss. Despite these variations, the core meaning of the name remains fundamentally the same, denoting someone in a position of authority, leadership, or mastery.

Famous people with the last name Boss

One famous individual with the last name Boss is Bruce Springsteen, a renowned American singer-songwriter often referred to as "The Boss." Known for his poetic lyrics and energetic live performances, Springsteen has been a major figure in rock music since the 1970s. His songs, such as "Born to Run" and "Dancing in the Dark," have achieved widespread popularity and are regarded as anthems of the working class. Another outstanding figure with the last name Boss is Hugo Ferdinand Boss, a German fashion designer who founded the luxury fashion house, Hugo Boss. Established in 1924, the brand is known for its elegant and modern designs, primarily menswear. While Hugo Boss personally became a member of the Nazi Party, his company played a significant role in Germany's clothing industry and has since become a prominent global fashion brand.

Genealogical research on the last name Boss

The genealogical research on the last name "Boss" reveals a rich and diverse history. The Boss surname is primarily derived from the Middle High German word "boz" or "bosz," meaning "a cockerel" or "young rooster." The name was initially used as a nickname for someone with a rooster-like appearance or a person with proud and confident qualities. The Boss family can be found throughout various regions, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The surname has undergone several variations and spellings over time, including Bos, Boese, and Boesch. Like many other surnames, the Boss name may have different origins or branches within different regions or countries. Further genealogical exploration may reveal notable figures or historical connections related to the Boss family, shedding light on their past accomplishments, occupations, or societal contributions.