Boniface is a masculine given name of Latin origin. Its meaning can be translated as "good fate" or "good fortune." The name consists of the Latin words bonus, which means good, and facere, which means to make or do.
The name Boniface was popular among early Christians due to its positive connotation. It is believed to have been first used by a 7th-century Frankish bishop named Saint Boniface, who became one of the most important missionaries in Germany during that time. He was known for his efforts in spreading Christianity throughout the region and converting many pagans to the faith.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Boniface. In addition to Saint Boniface, another famous bearer of this name is Bonifacius de Savoy (1278-1303), who served as a cardinal and later became Pope Benedict XI.
Today, Boniface remains a relatively uncommon given name, but it continues to be used in some countries with Christian traditions. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, the name Boniface carries a rich history and meaningful significance that has stood the test of time.
The name Boniface has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as evidenced by the provided statistics. Between the years 1912 and 2023, there have been a total of 162 babies named Boniface born in the U.S., with variations in popularity over time.
The peak of Boniface's popularity occurred during the early to mid-1920s. In 1924, the name reached its zenith, with a notable 14 births that year. This was quite an increase from the preceding years and marked the highest number of Bonifaces born in any given year within this dataset.
However, this popularity did not sustain, as seen by the decrease in births in subsequent years: 5 births each in 1925 and 1927, followed by a further decline to 6 births in both 1929 and 1930. This trend continued through the mid-20th century.
After several decades of relative obscurity, the name Boniface made a brief resurgence at the end of this dataset's timeframe: 5 babies named Boniface were born in 2019, with another 9 births recorded just last year, in 2023. This suggests that while Boniface may not be among the most popular names today, it still holds some appeal for parents choosing their child's name.
In conclusion, while Boniface has never been a particularly common name in the U.S., its usage has ebbed and flowed over time. Its peak popularity occurred nearly a century ago, but recent data suggests that it may be experiencing somewhat of a modern revival.