UK surname
A surname of French origin meaning "butcher" or "slaughterer."
In the 1881 census there were 23 people recorded with the Boncher surname, ranking it #30,339 among surnames in the records. By 2012, the modern count was 2, ranked #38,754, down from #30,339 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Oddington and Cheddleton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Boncher is 198 in 1891. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 91.3%.
1881 census count
23
Ranked #30,339
Modern count
2
2012, ranked #38,754
Peak year
1891
198 bearers
Map years
2
1861 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Boncher surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Boncher surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 56 | #23,235 |
| 1861 | historical | 135 | #16,651 |
| 1881 | historical | 23 | #30,339 |
| 1891 | historical | 198 | #15,033 |
| 1901 | historical | 20 | #31,803 |
| 1911 | historical | 57 | #27,099 |
| 1997 | modern | 3 | #38,317 |
| 1998 | modern | 3 | #38,304 |
| 1999 | modern | 1 | #38,820 |
| 2002 | modern | 1 | #38,709 |
| 2003 | modern | 1 | #38,735 |
| 2004 | modern | 1 | #38,771 |
| 2005 | modern | 2 | #38,532 |
| 2006 | modern | 2 | #38,590 |
| 2007 | modern | 2 | #38,617 |
| 2008 | modern | 2 | #38,673 |
| 2009 | modern | 1 | #38,998 |
| 2010 | modern | 1 | #39,020 |
| 2011 | modern | 2 | #38,745 |
| 2012 | modern | 2 | #38,754 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Oddington, Cheddleton, Lambeth and Bedwelty. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff | Gloucestershire |
| 2 | Oddington | Oxfordshire |
| 3 | Cheddleton | Staffordshire |
| 4 | Lambeth | London (South Districts) |
| 5 | Bedwelty | Monmouthshire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Boncher surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Boncher, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Boncher surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Boncher household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Boncher is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Boncher is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Boncher, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname BONCHER is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "bunc," meaning a heap or mound, suggesting that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a distinctive mound or hill.
The earliest known record of the name BONCHER can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Buncere," referring to a landholder in the county of Lincolnshire. This early spelling variation reflects the name's Old English roots and its evolution over time.
By the 13th century, the name had evolved to its more modern spelling, with records from this period showing individuals named BONCHER residing in various parts of England, including Yorkshire, Oxfordshire, and Suffolk.
One notable historical figure bearing the BONCHER surname was Sir William BONCHER (c. 1420-1492), a knight and landowner from Gloucestershire. He served as a member of Parliament and was known for his involvement in local affairs.
Another individual of note was John BONCHER (c. 1570-1638), a merchant and alderman in the city of London. He was a prominent figure in the city's trade and civic life during the early 17th century.
In the 18th century, the BONCHER name was found in various regions of England, with records indicating families residing in counties such as Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset. One notable member of this era was Thomas BONCHER (1712-1786), a clergyman and scholar who served as the rector of a parish in Oxfordshire.
Moving into the 19th century, the BONCHER surname gained recognition through the achievements of individuals like James BONCHER (1801-1876), a renowned architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including St. Pancras Station.
Another prominent figure was Elizabeth BONCHER (1842-1918), a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. She founded one of the first girls' schools in Manchester and played a significant role in promoting equal educational opportunities for women.
Throughout its history, the BONCHER surname has been associated with various occupations and professions, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of those who have borne this name.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Boncher surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Hertfordshire leads with 6 Bonchers recorded in 1881 and an index of 38.81x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Hertfordshire | 6 | 38.81x |
| Lancashire | 6 | 2.25x |
| Middlesex | 3 | 1.34x |
| Devon | 2 | 4.28x |
| Kent | 2 | 2.61x |
| Buckinghamshire | 1 | 7.37x |
| Hampshire | 1 | 2.17x |
| Leicestershire | 1 | 4.02x |
| Surrey | 1 | 0.91x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Pemberton in Lancashire leads with 6 Bonchers recorded in 1881 and an index of 566.04x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Pemberton | 6 | 566.04x |
| Wormley | 6 | 10000.00x |
| Bow London | 2 | 69.93x |
| Bishops Tawton | 1 | 666.67x |
| Camberwell | 1 | 6.98x |
| Charlton Next Woolwich | 1 | 125.00x |
| Deptford St Paul | 1 | 16.95x |
| Dibden | 1 | 2500.00x |
| Kenton | 1 | 666.67x |
| Leicester St Mary | 1 | 49.75x |
| Paddington London | 1 | 12.12x |
| Upton Cum Chalvey | 1 | 185.19x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Boncher surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Boncher surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Boncher households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 4 |
| Annuitant | 2 |
| Drapers Assistant | 1 |
| Farm Laborer | 1 |
| General Servant | 1 |
| General Servant (Domestic) | 1 |
| Gunner R A | 1 |
| Head Housemaid Domestic Servant | 1 |
| Laborer Coalmine | 1 |
| Nurse Domestic Servant | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 23 people were recorded with the Boncher surname. That placed it at #30,339 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 2 in 2012. That gives Boncher a modern rank of #38,754.
A surname of French origin meaning "butcher" or "slaughterer."
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Boncher bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.