Surname Bouchal - Meaning and Origin
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Bouchal: What does the surname Bouchal mean?
The last name Bouchal, sometimes spelled Bouchard, Boecher, or Boechal, is of French origin. The name likely originated from a medieval profession; bouchal referred to a person who sold or enrolled shepherds. In modern times, Bouchal can be found throughout France and Canada, in the provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia.
The surname Bouchal is derived from the Old French word “bouchier”, meaning “goatherd or shepherd”. It was initially used to indicate a person who looked after sheep in France. As the agricultural practice of breeding and rearing livestock began to decline, the Bouchal name began to shift, appearing in places outside of solely France.
In addition to its French origins, Bouchal has a strong association with the Hebrew language and culture. Since the 14th century, many French and Spanish Jews have adopted Bouchal as a surname; it is thought that Bouchal may mean “shield” in Hebrew, indicating those of a powerful past.
During the 16th century, aristocrats with the Bouchal last name began to emerge in society. By the 18th century, many Bouchal families in France had established themselves as prosperous peasant farmers and merchants. During the 19th century, the Bouchal family began to spread, with many members migrating to North America.
Today, the Bouchal surname can be found in pockets around the world, especially in French-speaking countries. Though the practice of rearing sheep has long since died out, the name Bouchal lives on as a reminder of a vital part of French history.
Order DNA origin analysisBouchal: Where does the name Bouchal come from?
The last name Bouchal is most commonly found today in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. It is a fairly rare surname, and is believed to have originated in the Czech Republic in the 10th century. Bouchal is an occupational surname, likely derived from the Czech term "bouchal," which references a person who grazes, or tends to, livestock.
In modern times, the last name Bouchal can be found all across Central and Eastern Europe, with many holding the name living in larger cities such as Prague, Vienna, and Berlin. In the US, the surname is still quite rare, but can be found in a variety of areas across the nation. The highest concentration of Bouchal citizens can be found in Michigan, with other notable locations including Massachusetts, California, and Pennsylvania.
While the last name Bouchal holds its roots in Europe, the name has certainly spread throughout the world. Namesakes of this surname can be found in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. With the reach of the Internet, it is now easier than ever for those with this surname to connect with one another and to make sure that their family history and roots aren't forgotten.
Variations of the surname Bouchal
The surname Bouchal is believed to have originated from the French geographical region of Burgundy. It is believed to have been derived from the French word “bouchal” which means “farmer” and was likely adopted by someone originating from this region during the medieval period. The variants, spellings and surnames of Bouchal are many, and include Boucher, Bouche, Bouché, Bouchier, Bouchez, Bochel, Boucheleur, Bochol and Bucel.
Boucher is a popular surname variant of Bouchal which is also derived from the French bouchal, which means “farmer”. This variant of the surname is believed to have originated in Normandy during the medieval period and is found mainly in Northern France.
Bouche is the most widely used spelling variant of the surname Bouchal. It is derived from the Norman/Burgundian dialect and is found mainly in Northern France.
Bouché is a spelling variant of the Bouchal surname which originated in Normandy. It is derived from the French bouchal, which means “farmer”.
Bouchier is an alternate spelling of the surname Bouchal. It is derived from the French bouchal and is commonly found in Normandy.
Bouchez is another variant of Bouchal which is found mainly in Nothern France. It is derived from the Norman/Burgundian dialect and is believed to have originated during the medieval period.
Bochel is a variant of the Bouchal surname which is believed to have originated in Normandy. It is derived from the French bouchal, which means “farmer”.
Boucheleur is an alternate spelling of the surname Bouchal. It is derived from the French bouchal and is mainly found in Northern France.
Bochol is a variant of the Bouchal surname which is believed to have originated in Normandy. It is derived from the Norman/Burgundian dialect and is mainly found in Northern France.
Bucel is the least common variant of Bouchal. It is also derived from the French bouchal and is found mainly in Northern France.
Famous people with the name Bouchal
- Joe Bouchal: American professional ice hockey player
- Aleš Bouchal: Czech football midfielder
- Jeremy Bouchal: French professional footballer
- Dominik Bouchal: Czech Actor
- John Bouchal: Founder and former CEO of Westmoreland Mining
- Rockwell Bouchal: Lead singer and lyricist of post-hardcore band The Fall of Troy
- Claudie Bouchal: French professional footballer
- Beni Bouchal: Spanish professional footballer
- Jo Bouchal: Brazilian professional football manager and former player
- Marcelo Bouchal: Spanish professional footballer