Bonas

The surname BONAS is believed to have originated in England, with its roots dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old French word "bon," meaning "good" or "kind," and may have initially been used as a descriptive nickname for someone with a pleasant or agreeable demeanor.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name BONAS can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. This comprehensive record of land holdings and inhabitants in England at the time mentions a person named Reginald Bonus, which is likely a variant spelling of the same surname.

During the 13th century, the name BONAS appeared in various historical documents, including the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which listed landowners and taxpayers. One notable figure from this era was Sir Roger Bonas, a knight who fought in the Crusades and was recorded as a landowner in Oxfordshire in 1275.

In the 14th century, the surname BONAS was sometimes spelled as "Bonace" or "Bonasse," reflecting regional variations in pronunciation and spelling conventions of the time. A notable bearer of the name during this period was John Bonace, a merchant and alderman in the city of London, who was mentioned in records from 1345.

The 16th century saw the emergence of several distinguished individuals with the surname BONAS. One such person was Sir Thomas Bonas (1515-1589), a prominent lawyer and judge who served as Chief Baron of the Exchequer during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another notable figure from this era was Richard Bonas (1528-1605), a clergyman and author who served as the Dean of Lichfield Cathedral and published several works on theology and ecclesiastical law.

In the 17th century, the BONAS surname continued to be well-represented in various fields. One example is Captain John Bonas (1610-1677), a military officer who fought in the English Civil War and later served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses in the American colonies.

Moving into the 18th century, we find Dr. William Bonas (1725-1802), a renowned physician and scientist who made significant contributions to the study of botany and was a fellow of the Royal Society.

As the surname BONAS spread across different regions, it also underwent variations in spelling, with forms such as "Bonis," "Bonnis," and "Bonass" appearing in historical records from various parts of England and Scotland.