BONIFACE
Boniface
Boniface is a distinguished surname of British origin, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old French name Bonifaz, which itself originates from the Latin name Bonifatius, meaning "doer of good" or "beneficent." The surname Boniface is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Origins and History
The earliest recorded instances of the Boniface surname in England date back to the 12th century, with records showing individuals bearing the name in various regions across the country. Notable historical figures with the surname Boniface include William Boniface, an influential landowner in the county of Norfolk during the reign of King Henry II.
Distribution and Legacy
Over the centuries, the Boniface surname has spread across different parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, with individuals carrying the name establishing themselves in diverse fields ranging from academia and the arts to business and politics. Today, the surname continues to be found in various regions of the UK, with notable concentrations in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.
Famous Bearers
- Saint Boniface (c. 675–754), also known as the "Apostle of the Germans," was a missionary from Devonshire who played a crucial role in the Christianization of Germanic territories during the 8th century.
- Reverend John Boniface (1819–1887), an eminent clergyman and social reformer who dedicated his life to improving the living conditions of the urban poor in Victorian England.
- Dame Eleanor Boniface (b. 1955), a distinguished British biologist and conservationist known for her groundbreaking research on endangered species and ecosystems.
The Boniface surname remains a symbol of resilience, philanthropy, and scholarly pursuit, reflecting the diverse contributions made by individuals who have carried this illustrious name through the ages.
There are approximately 1,934 people named Boniface in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,332nd most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Boniface.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Lisa
- Louise
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Paula
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
- Victoria