Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Boniface

Boniface

♂ Boy

Pronounced BON-ih-fus /ˈbɒn.ɪ.fəs/Medium

Meaning: Boniface comes from Latin Bonifatius, 'good fate' (later read as 'benefactor; doer of good'). Borne by several popes and saints, including Saint Boniface, apostle to the Germans, it carries deep Christian history, which we note.Medium

In 30 seconds: A classic Latin name: Boniface means 'good fate; benefactor' (said 'BON-ih-fus'). Carried by saints and popes.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumLatin
MeaningBoniface comes from Latin Bonifatius, 'good fate' (later read as 'benefactor; doer of good'). Borne by several popes and saints, including Saint Boniface, apostle to the Germans, it carries deep Christian history, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#12550 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 167

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192419122024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Boniface derives from Latin Bonifatius, 'good fate,' reinterpreted as 'doer of good; benefactor.' Borne by popes and by Saint Boniface, the eighth-century missionary to Germanic lands, it carries long Christian tradition, which we note. A stately three-beat name (said 'BON-ih-fus').

It is very rare for boys in the U.S. today. Rare, saintly, and classic.

Did you know? Boniface comes from Latin for 'good fate,' later heard as 'benefactor.' Several popes took the name, and Saint Boniface became known as the apostle to the Germans — deep roots we note (said 'BON-ih-fus').
Overall data confidence 58%
References — Boniface — Latin 'good fate; benefactor'; saint and popes

Variations

BonifacioBonifatius

Nicknames

BoniFace

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Boniface…

Augustine— a like saintly Latin classic
Ambrose— a like early-church name
Cornelius— a like grand Latin pick
Benedict— a like virtuous-meaning name

Explore names like Boniface

By themelatinheritageclassicsaint

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Boniface mean?

Boniface comes from Latin for 'good fate,' later read as 'benefactor; doer of good.'

How do you pronounce Boniface?

It's said BON-ih-fus /ˈbɒn.ɪ.fəs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Boniface a boy or girl name?

Here Boniface is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Boniface?

Boniface is very rare for boys in the U.S. today.

💬 Ask Nia