Bonilla

Meaning and origin

The last name Bonilla has origins rooted in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain. It is a surname of patronymic origin, derived from the given name Bonillo, which itself emerged from the Latin personal name Bonus, meaning "good" or "kind." The expansion and evolution of this surname can be traced back to medieval times, when it gained popularity amongst Spanish noble families. Over time, the name Bonilla spread beyond Spain and has been embraced by individuals of Hispanic descent around the world.

The longer story

The last name Bonilla has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in the countries of Spain and Portugal. It is a relatively common surname among people of Spanish and Portuguese descent.

The etymology of the name Bonilla is derived from the word "bonilla" in Spanish, which means "white" or "blonde". This suggests that the name originated as a nickname given to individuals with light-colored hair or fair complexion.

Research indicates that the surname Bonilla is most commonly found in the regions of Castile and León in Spain, as well as in the autonomous community of Extremadura. However, it is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries and communities around the world as a result of migration and colonization.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.