The last name Bonville originates primarily from France, stemming from two distinct historical and linguistic roots. It is a habitational name, meaning it is derived from a place where the original bearer once lived or owned land.
Origins of the Bonville Surname
The surname Bonville can be traced back to the following sources:
1. From Bonneville
- Habitational Name: This is the primary origin, linking Bonville to numerous places named Bonneville across France.
- Meaning: The name "Bonneville" itself is derived from Old French, combining bonne meaning "good" and ville meaning "settlement" or "town." Thus, it refers to someone from a "good settlement."
- Relation to Bonville: The surname Bonville is often considered a variant of or a name closely compared to Bonneville, suggesting a shared etymological root or a direct derivation.
2. An Altered Form of Bonnevialle
- Linguistic Evolution: Bonville can also be an altered form of the French surname Bonnevialle.
- Geographical Connection: This lineage points to a specific habitational origin from a place called Bonnevialle, located in the central part of France.
In summary, the surname Bonville reflects connections to established French settlements, either directly through the concept of a "good town" or through the evolution of other specific place names.
