Last Name Bozec

The surname Bozec has its roots in France. It is a toponymic surname derived from the location called Bois-sec in Normandy. The name Bois means "wood" in French and Sec means "dry," thus denoting an area of dry woodland. Over time, families who lived in these places came to be identified by their place of origin, leading to the formation of this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bozec

The meaning and origin of the last name Bozec

The surname Bozec is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from a place name or topographical feature, such as a small wood or thicket, which was often used to identify an early inhabitant. In Old French, "bosc" means 'wood' or 'forest'. The term could have been given to someone who lived near such a location, or perhaps someone who had distinctive physical characteristics associated with the woods, like dark hair or eyes. Over time, this occupational or locative name was adopted by various families and spread across regions in France, eventually reaching other parts of Europe and the Americas through immigration waves. Today, Bozec is a relatively uncommon surname, but it continues to be found primarily among French-speaking communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bozec

The surname Bozec is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region, where it is one of the most common Breton surnames. A significant number of individuals with this surname also reside in other parts of France. Outside of France, smaller populations can be found in Canada, especially Quebec, and in Belgium due to French immigration and historical ties. There are also scattered instances of the Bozec name among the French diaspora worldwide. The highest concentration of Bozec individuals outside Europe is in Louisiana, USA, owing to French colonization efforts. In summary, while Bozec is primarily a Breton surname, it has been dispersed through historical migration and cultural influence, creating a global presence albeit relatively modest.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bozec

The surname Bozec has several variations and spellings, including Boze, Bozay, Bozeau, Bozet, Bozette, Bozat, and Bozad. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences. For instance, the 'c' in Bozec can be replaced with 'k' to form Bozek, and the addition of an 'e' at the end can create Bozet. The suffix '-ay' found in Bozay could indicate a French origin, while Bozeau might suggest a Swiss or Belgian descent due to these countries having similar linguistic influences. It is important to note that the spelling and pronunciation may also differ depending on regional dialects, immigration patterns, and assimilation processes. The surname Bozec can thus be found in various forms across different parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Bozec

The Bozec surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Charles Bozeman Bozec, an American professional soccer player who played for FC Dallas and Chivas USA in Major League Soccer (MLS). Born on May 3, 1985, in Texas, he was a versatile midfielder and defender known for his technical skills and leadership. Another prominent figure is Mireille Bozian-Bozec, a French actress who gained fame for her roles in films such as "The Day of the Jackal" (1973) and "The Damned" (1969). She was also a voice actor, providing the French dubbing for numerous English-language films. Finally, there is Jean Bozetic, a Croatian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2011. He is a member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and has held various other political positions since the early 1990s. These are some of the well-known individuals with the Bozec surname, demonstrating their diverse contributions to society across different spheres.

Genealogical research on the last name Bozec

The surname Bozec is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region. It is believed to be of Breton origin, derived from the Old Breton "Bozhig" meaning 'priest' or 'clergyman'. In medieval times, it was common for occupations to serve as surnames, and given the ecclesiastical context, this name may have been bestowed upon a family of priests or religious figures. The earliest documented instance of the Bozec family in France dates back to the 13th century. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Bozeau, Bozet, and Bozecq also found. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Pierre Bozec, a Breton philosopher and writer from the 16th century, and Louis Bozec, a French World War I soldier awarded the Croix de Guerre. Today, the Bozec family can be found in various parts of France and the diaspora, retaining their rich historical roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bozec"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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