| ![Show Contents]() Bonnieface History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of BonniefaceWhat does the name Bonnieface mean? The name Bonnieface is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Bonnieface was a name used for a lucky person. The surname Bonnieface 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 Bonnieface familyThe surname Bonnieface was first found in Sussex, where "Boniface is an old Sussex name that has characterized 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 Bonnieface familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bonnieface research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1200, 1273, 1456 and 1543 are included under the topic Early Bonnieface History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bonnieface Spelling VariationsUntil the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Bonnieface include Bonyface, Boniface, Bonieface, Bonifase, Boneface and others. Early Notables of the Bonnieface familyMore information is included under the topic Early Bonnieface Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bonnieface familyThousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Bonnieface were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Richard Boniface, who arrived in Maryland in 1775.
- 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.
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