Surname Bonnard - Meaning and Origin
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Bonnard: What does the surname Bonnard mean?
The last name Bonnard is a French name, derived from the Middle French word "bonard", which means "bold and brave". This bold and brave characteristic was associated with a strong and fearless leader or explorer.
Historically, the Bonnard family is believed to have origins in the ancient area of Dauphiny, a region in southeastern France. According to some sources, the Bonnard family is said to have moved from the area to the Languedoc region in the 12th century.
Bonnard is also a commonly found surname in Northern France, especially in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, where it is found most. In Norman French, the name Bonnard is recorded as "Bounard". The two most common spellings are "Bonnard" and "Bonar".
Today, the name Bonnard is found in various places throughout the world, though the highest concentration is in France. The movements of the Bonnard family through time have left behind a mark in many places. From their ancient homeland in the Languedoc region to the family’s spread around the world, the name Bonnard has evolved into a symbol of strength, courage, and exploration.
Order DNA origin analysisBonnard: Where does the name Bonnard come from?
The last name Bonnard is a relatively uncommon French surname today, although it does still exist. It is mostly found in the region around Paris, in Central and Eastern France, as well as the southeast. There are also a few recorded instances of the name in other parts of Europe, mainly in Spanish and Italian communities.
The significance of the name goes back to the Middle Ages, when it was used to designate different professions and social classes. Originally, Bonnard was a name used by people in the serf class, and was derived from the Latin phrase for "good chief." By the 18th century, the name underwent several transformations and became used to distinguish noble families from the lower classes.
Today, the surname Bonnard can be found worldwide, particularly in countries with French-speaking populations like Belgium, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire. In the United States, almost 4,000 people have the last name. However, the name remains much rarer than more commonly found French surnames such as Dupont, Dubois, and Martin.
Variations of the surname Bonnard
The surname Bonnard is a French family name, and an ancestor of the same name has been traced to the mid-14th century. Variations and spellings of the Bonnard surname include Bonard, Bonaro, Bonarda, Boner, Bonnet, Bonnarde, Bonnart, Bonaire, Bonner, Bonnaud, and Bonnaire.
Bonnard derives from the Old French term bonne arde, which translates to “good ardor” or “good courage.” Other researchers have identified the name as coming from Latin, with the interpretation being “good shepherd”.
Bonnard seems to have multiple lines of descent. It can be found in regions such as Normandy, Burgundy, and Provence, and is believed to have been in existence as early as the mid-14th century. It is most popular in France, but also appears in countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada.
In modern times, the Bonnard name is primarily associated with the impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Bonnard. His nine siblings also used the Bonnard surname, and at present, the surname enjoys somewhat of a cult following in certain parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Bonnard
- Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947): a French painter who was a founding member of the Symbolist movement Les Nabis.
- Abel Bonnard (1883-1968): a French poet, novelist, art critic, and politician.
- Yves Bonnard (born 1937): a French film director, screenwriter, and actor.
- Marie-José Bonnard (born 1960): a French actress.
- Anne Bonnard (born 1961): a French novelist and poet.
- Manoah Leuenberger (born 1964): a Swiss politician best known by his French patronymic Bonnard.
- Adrien Bonnard (born 1983): a French footballer.
- Louis Bonnard (born in 1992): an American actor.
- Marcel Bonnard (1877-1953): a French film actor best remembered for his roles in silent films.
- Alexandre Bonnard (1854-1923): a French artist and engraver who produced many etchings, engravings, and other works of art.