Bonifas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Bonifas is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a lucky person. The surname Bonifas is derived from the Latin word bonifatius, which comes from the word bonum, which means good, and the word fatum, which means fate. Contrary to popular belief, the surname is not a derivative of bonifacius, which means well-doer. An English monk and missionary of this name was martyred in Germany in the mid-8th century, and subsequently was canonized as Saint Boniface.

He lived from (680-755) and whose original name was Winfrid or Winfrith, born at Kirton, or Crediton, in Devonshire. 1

Also, Pope Boniface VIII had several clashes with King Edward I of England over the taxation of the clergy.

Early Origins of the Bonifas family

The surname Bonifas was first found in Sussex, where "Boniface is an old Sussex name that has characterised the county since the 15th century." 2

Boniface of Savoy (d. 1270), was Archbishop of Canterbury, and the eleventh child of Thomas I, Ccount of Savoy. "The date of his birth is uncertain; but in his early youth he was destined for an ecclesiastical career. The numerous stock of the house of Savoy had to be provided for, and Boniface seems to have accepted a clerical life as a means of political advancement. " 1

"Boniface of Savoy, Archbishop of Canterbury (d. 1270), would give an English impetus to this name, just at the time when surnames were becoming hereditary. " 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed early spellings in various counties: Archibald Boneface, Kent; Ernald Boneface, Oxfordshire; and Bonifacius le Clerc, Lincolnshire. 3

Kirby's Quest had two early entries too: "Robert Boneface and B. Boniface atte Poule, Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) " 4

Early History of the Bonifas family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bonifas research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1200, 1273, 1456 and 1543 are included under the topic Early Bonifas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bonifas Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Bonifas have been found, including Bonyface, Boniface, Bonieface, Bonifase, Boneface and others.

Early Notables of the Bonifas family

More information is included under the topic Early Bonifas Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bonifas family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Bonifas surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Richard Boniface, who arrived in Maryland in 1775.

Citations +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.