Bouchard

Bouchard is a distinguished British surname with French origins, believed to have been brought to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name itself is derived from the Old French personal name "Bouchard," which means "famous" or "bright-hearted."

Origins:

The surname Bouchard is of patronymic origin, indicating that it was originally used to identify individuals based on the name of their father. Over time, this surname became fixed and passed down through generations, becoming a family name.

Distribution:

The Bouchard surname is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, with a concentration in certain regions such as London, Kent, and Yorkshire. This distribution pattern may be linked to historical migration patterns and settlement of individuals bearing the Bouchard name.

Notable Individuals:

  • Isla Bouchard: A renowned architect and urban planner known for her innovative designs in sustainable city development.
  • Sir William Bouchard: A respected diplomat who played a key role in negotiating peace treaties during the 19th century.
  • Dr. Thomas Bouchard: A prominent psychologist whose research on twins and heredity has had a lasting impact on the field of psychology.

Variants:

Variants of the Bouchard surname include Bouchar, Bouchart, and Bouche. These variations reflect the evolution of the surname over time and its adaptation to different dialects and regions.

Coat of Arms:

The Bouchard family is associated with a distinctive coat of arms, typically featuring elements such as heraldic shields, lions, and fleur-de-lis. These symbols were often used to identify and distinguish members of the Bouchard lineage.

In conclusion, the Bouchard surname is a notable part of British genealogy, with a rich history and diverse group of individuals who have contributed to various fields of endeavour.

There are approximately 304 people named Bouchard in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Bouchard.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: France

Language of origin: French

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Christopher
  • Claude
  • David
  • Jonathan
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Philippe
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Angela
  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Donna
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Lynda
  • Pamela
  • Sally
  • Susan
  • Suzanne
  • Sylvia

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.