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Last Name Bua

What is the origin of the last name Bua?

The surname Bua has origins that can be traced back to several different countries and cultures, making it challenging to pinpoint a single origin. In Ireland, the name Bua is an anglicized form of Gaelic name "Ó Buachalla", which means "descendant of the herdsman". The name is most commonly found in counties Mayo and Galway. In Finland, Bua (pronounced as "Boua") can be a shortened version of the surname Bouas, which originates from the Swedish surnames Boas or Buch. These names are typically of locational origin, referring to someone who lived near a birch tree or on a small hill with birches. In other cases, the name Bua may have been altered over time due to various factors such as language changes or migrations. For example, in some instances, the name could be an abbreviated version of another surname, such as Buchet (French for "leaker") or von Buch (German for "of the book"). It is essential to note that the origin of a surname can often be complex and may have multiple sources. To learn more about your specific ancestry, it's best to consult a genealogist or do further research into the history of your family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bua

The meaning and origin of the last name Bua

The surname Bua is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "buide" which means "yellow." This name was likely used to identify someone with yellow or fair hair. Over time, it became a hereditary surname among families in Ireland, particularly those residing in County Mayo and County Donegal. The Bua clan is not as well-known as some other Irish septs, but they have contributed significantly to the cultural heritage of Ireland through literature, music, and political activism over the centuries. In modern times, people bearing the surname Bua can be found across the globe, reflecting the diaspora that occurred during periods of famine and migration in Ireland's history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bua

The surname Bua is predominantly found in regions with strong historical ties to Gaelic Ireland, notably County Mayo and County Donegal. It is also present in significant numbers in County Sligo and County Leitrim. The name Bua (or O'Bui) is an anglicized form of the Irish sept name Ó Buachalla, which translates as "descendant of Buachall." Over time, due to migration, the Bua surname has also appeared in other parts of Ireland and in Irish communities abroad. In particular, there are notable concentrations of the surname Bua in Scotland, England, the United States (particularly in Massachusetts), Canada, and Australia. It is worth noting that as a relatively uncommon name, Bua can be found worldwide among people of Irish descent or those with an interest in Irish culture.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bua

The surname Bua has various spellings and pronunciations across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Buah, Buaa, Boua, Boa, Boha, Bowah, Boya, Bya, Beya, and Beua. These variations may stem from transliteration, regional dialects, or even spelling errors over time. It's important to note that these different spellings might have diverse origins, ranging from geographical regions such as Italy (where Boia is found), Africa (various tribal names), or Asia (such as the Thai surname Bouya). Regardless of its spelling, Bua remains a unique and interesting name.

Famous people with the last name Bua

The Bua family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Jean-Baptiste Point DuBois (born Joseph-Clément Bua), a French-American ethnographer who made significant contributions to the study of Native American cultures in the 19th century. In the world of sports, there's Kris Buas, a professional basketball player from the Philippines, who played for teams like TNT KaTropa and Blackwater Elite in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In the arts, Richard Bua is an accomplished composer, pianist, and conductor, recognized for his works in contemporary classical music. Lastly, Maria Buasa is a prominent Ugandan politician who served as the Minister of State for Internal Affairs from 2011 to 2016. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and accomplishments of those with the surname Bua.

Genealogical research on the last name Bua

The surname Bua is primarily associated with Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, it originated from the Gaelic "O'Buadhachain" or "Buadhach", meaning "victorious". The O'Buidheachains were a sept of the Dalcassian tribe of Munster, residing in the counties of Limerick and Tipperary. In Scotland, the name Bua is found in the Northern Isles, specifically Orkney and Shetland. It is believed to be a variant of the Gaelic name "Bothie", which could mean "both house" or "cow house". The Bua family on these islands played significant roles as landowners, lairds, and prominent figures throughout their history. Both Irish and Scottish Buas share a common root, with distinct branches evolving due to migrations and historical events in each region.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 14 June 2025

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