| ![Show Contents]() Bonyface History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of BonyfaceWhat does the name Bonyface mean? The earliest origins of the Bonyface surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a lucky person. The surname Bonyface 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 Bonyface familyThe surname Bonyface 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 Bonyface familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bonyface research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1200, 1273, 1456 and 1543 are included under the topic Early Bonyface History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bonyface Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Bonyface are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Bonyface include: Bonyface, Boniface, Bonieface, Bonifase, Boneface and others. Early Notables of the Bonyface familyMore information is included under the topic Early Bonyface Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bonyface familyMany English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Bonyface or a variant listed above: 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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