Surname Bouvier - Meaning and Origin

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S. Bouvier

Bouvier: What does the surname Bouvier mean?

The last name Bouvier is French in origin, and is thought to derive from the Latin phrase “bos vie”, meaning “oxen life”. This is believed to refer to people who did work involving oxen, such as plowing fields and hauling goods. It is a common French surname, and many variants can be found in France as well as in numerous countries around the world.

The Bouvier family became well known in the 19th century, when Swiss politician Jules Bouvier worked to promote democratic reforms in Switzerland. His efforts brought him public acclaim and recognition, and his family retained his fame for several generations.

The name “Bouvier” is also closely associated with the famous Kennedy family in the United States. John F. Kennedy’s mother Rose was a Bouvier, and his wife Jackie was a Bouvier before she married him. The famous law firm in the US, Bouvier & De Witt, is also a testament to the family’s continued relevance and influence in the legal profession.

In more recent times, the Bouvier name has been kept alive by celebrities such as Paris and Nicky Hilton, who are descendants of the original Bouvier dynasty, and others such as Kim Kardashian who have adopted the name. The name Bouvier will undoubtedly remain an integral part of the social fabric of the modern world for many years to come.

Bouvier: Where does the name Bouvier come from?

The last name Bouvier is commonly found across Europe, particularly France, where it originated in the early 1800s. The name is thought to have originated with a group of immigrants who hailed from a small French village called Bouviers. Historical records suggest that this family initially settled in Brittany, a region in northwest France.

The last name Bouvier spread to other parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Spain. Today, the name is also common among French-speaking populations living beyond Europe in North America, South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. In the United States, Bouviers of French-Canadian or French-Creole descent mainly live in Louisiana, French-speaking parts of Canada, and certain isolated parts of the eastern seaboard. A less-common variant of the surname, Bovier, is found among Spanish-speaking populations in the United States.

The most common variant of the Bouvier name in English-speaking countries is spelled “Bouvier” or “Bovier.” Regardless of spelling variation, members of the Bouvier family tree are typically known for their pride in their French heritage.

Variations of the surname Bouvier

The variants, spellings and surnames of Bouvier all have the same origin and they primarily stem from French-speaking countries. In France, the most common variant is Bourgeois, as well as the alternate spelling Bouviere. The various spellings of Bouvier also found in France include Bouvaire, Bouvier, Bouviaire, Bouvieire, and Bouvierre.

In Belgium, Bouvier is a common last name, primarily found in the Walloon region. The alternate spelling Bouvaire has been found in Belgium as well. In Switzerland, Bouvier is found throughout the country, but is particularly common in the Vaud canton, where records from the 12th century list four generations of Bouviers. The alternative spellings Bouvire, Bouvière, Bouvières, and Bouviéres have also been found.

Outside of France, the surname Bohvier and Boohvier can be found in Germany, while Boivier, Boiviez, and Bouvier can be found in the Netherlands. Boivin and Bouvin are alternative forms of the surname found in East France, as is Bouvind in Some regions of Canada.

The name has also been adapted to English-language countries overseas, most commonly as Buford, Bouvord, Bovard, Bovaird, and Beverly. In the United States, the name is often found as Buvé or Buvee. Addtional variants include Beavid, Bevier, Bevire, Bivin, Boeviers, Boevire, Beuvret, and Bouver.

In conclusion, regardless of the spellings, these surnames are all different variants of Bouvier and all originate from a French-speaking background.

Famous people with the name Bouvier

• Jackie Kennedy Onassis (1929–1994): Former First Lady of the United States and wife of President John F. Kennedy. She was born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier.
• John Bouvier III (1891–1957): A Wall Street stockbroker and father to Jacqueline and Lee Bouvier (First Lady Jackie Kennedy and socialite Lee Bouvier Radziwill).
• Black Jack Bouvier (1891–1957): Father of Jacqueline and Lee Bouvier. He was a stockbroker on Wall Street and had a reputation for being a bit of a gambler.
• Aretha Franklin (1942–2018): Legendary singer and the "Queen of Soul". Her father, Clarence LaVaughn Bouvier, was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist.
• Ethel Bouvier Kennedy (1928–2020): Former First Lady of the United States and wife of Robert F. Kennedy.
• Bill Bouvier (1970–2005): He was the eldest son to former First Lady Ethel Kennedy.
• Lee Bouvier Radziwill (1933–2019): Socialite and younger sister of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
• Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (1966–1999): Socialite and wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. She was born Carolyn Jeanne Bessette in White Plains, New York to William E. Bessette and Ann Messina-Bessette.
• Stanislas François Marie Bouvier (1743–1814): Roman Catholic bishop of Viviers, France.
• John Bouvier (1787–1851): A U.S. lawyer and author of "A description of the law of real property", a legal treatise.

Other surnames

Bouvin