Bonefant

Bonefant
Recorded in a large number of forms including: Bonafant, Bonefant, Bonevent, Bonifant, Bonefin and Bonnefin, this most interesting surname is of Old French origin, of which it has two possibilities. It may derive from the phrase "bon enfant" meaning literally "good child". This was an early baptismal name which ultimately developed into a surname in medieval times. Probably introduced into the British Isles after the Norman Conquest of 1066, it spread rapidly in the following three centuries developing into the various spellings. The second possibility is a similar development from an expression "bon fin". In this case this is or rather was, a nickname given to somebody who for some reason habitually used the expression to the point of becoming identified with it by his or her friends and neighbours. It is very difficult ascribing modern translations to medieval expressions, but the phrase would suggest a "with you to the end" meaning. Either way the surname is an early recording with examples being those of Henry Bonefant in the Hundred Rolls of Berkshire in 1275, John Bon Effaunt in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1332 and Roger Bonyfaunt in the Calendar of letter Books of the city of London" in 1472. William Bonyvant was recorded in 1540 in the "Index of Wills proved in the Rochester Consistory Court", whilst Ann, the daughter of Olyver Bolyvent was christened on October 25th 1640 at St. John's, Hackney, London. In France recordings are much later but Charlotte Bonnefin was recorded at Pont-a-Mousson, Meurthe-et-Moselle, on December 28th 1808. Over the centuries surnames in every country have continued to "develop", often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Surnames reference. 2013.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Bullivent — Recorded as Bonifant, Bonefant, Bullevant, Bullivant, Bullivent and others, this is a famous English surname. It is however of pre 11th century Norman French origins, deriving from the phrase bon enfant , meaning good child. As such it was… …   Surnames reference

  • Bonafant — Recorded in a large number of forms including: Bonafant, Bonefant, Bonevent, Bonifant, Bonefin and Bonnefin, this most interesting surname is of Old French origin, of which it has two possibilities. It may derive from the phrase bon enfant… …   Surnames reference

  • Bonevant — Recorded in a large number of forms including: Bonafant, Bonefant, Bonevent, Bonifant, Bonefin and Bonnefin, this most interesting surname is of Old French origin, of which it has two possibilities. It may derive from the phrase bon enfant… …   Surnames reference

  • Bonnefin — Recorded in a large number of forms including: Bonafant, Bonefant, Bonevent, Bonifant, Bonefin and Bonnefin, this most interesting surname is of Old French origin, of which it has two possibilities. It may derive from the phrase bon enfant… …   Surnames reference

  • Bonifant — This most interesting surname is of Old French origin deriving from a nickname for a particularly good or used child as a term of endearment, from the Old French elements bon enfant , good infant. This term was probably introduced into England in …   Surnames reference

  • Bonnavant — This most interesting surname is of Old French origin deriving from a nickname for a particularly good or used child as a term of endearment, from the Old French elements bon enfant , good infant. This term was probably introduced into England in …   Surnames reference

  • Effaunt — This most interesting surname is of Old French origin deriving from a nickname for a particularly good or used child as a term of endearment, from the Old French elements bon enfant , good infant. This term was probably introduced into England in …   Surnames reference

  • Bullivant — This most interesting surname is of Old French origin deriving from a nickname for a particularly good or used child as a term of endearment, from the Old French elements bon enfant , good infant. This term was probably introduced into England in …   Surnames reference

  • Reynette — Bonenfant, besser bekannt als Reynette von Koblenz (* um 1340; † nach 1390) war eine bedeutende jüdische Geldhändlerin in Koblenz und am Mittelrhein. Reynettes Geburtsname ist nicht bekannt. 1358 lebte sie in erster Ehe mit Leo von Münstermaifeld …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Lewis Robessart — Loys de Robersart Loys de Robersart fut sire d’Escaillon, maintenant Écaillon, et de Bruille (département du Nord, région Nord Pas de Calais). Château d Ecaillon en 2008, actuellement maison pour personnes âgées antérieurement maison bourgeoise à …   Wikipédia en Français

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”