Surname Bouchard - Meaning and Origin

A Deeper Look into the Bouchard Lineage: An Exploration of My Family History Through iGENEA DNA Test Results

Taking the iGENEA DNA test didn't just uncover mysteries about my ancestry. It made me see the broader picture of my lineage, forcing me to reinterpret my understanding of my family name, "Bouchard". The revelation of a rich genetic and cultural past intertwined with my familial history has amplified the importance of my family identity to me.

C. Bouchard

Bouchard: What does the surname Bouchard mean?

Bouchard is a French surname with roots in the old French word "bouche," meaning "mouth." This name was often bestowed as a nickname for someone who was known for their eating habits, or possibly their locquacious or outspoken character. As with many surnames, it originally helped to distinguish individuals with the same first name, particularly in small communities. Over the centuries, Bouchard has become a common last name in regions of France and Quebec, Canada. Additionally, the name Bouchard has been found in many noble families throughout history, with one of the earliest records being Hugh I, Duke of Burgundy, who was also known as Hugh Bouchard. The popularity and distribution of this surname have grown over time due to emigration from France and French-speaking regions.

Bouchard: Where does the name Bouchard come from?

The last name Bouchard is of French origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Old French personal name Bouchard, which originates from "bucca" (goat) and "hard" (hardy, brave, or strong). Therefore, Bouchard literally means "hardy goat". The surname spread throughout France and into England following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Bouchard is a common surname in France, with a large concentration of Bouchards in the region of Normandy. This likely reflects the Northern French origins of the name. Additionally, due to French colonial and immigration history, the surname can also be found in parts of Canada, particularly in Quebec, which has a majority French-speaking population. The United States also has people bearing the Bouchard surname, especially in areas with higher concentrations of French immigrants or their descendants, such as New England. Furthermore, this surname is found in other countries where French descendants have migrated or French influence has prevailed. Overall, Bouchard remains a widely recognized and relatively common French surname both in France and francophone communities globally.

Variations of the surname Bouchard

The surname Bouchard is predominantly linked to French origins. Variants of this surname are mostly influenced by geographical regions, spoken dialects, cultural assimilation, and accents. Alternative spellings and similar surnames of the same origin include Bouchar, Bouchart, Bouchaud, Boucheard, Bouchelard, Bouckhard, Boschard, and Boushard.

There can also be variations through Anglicisation, or merging the surname with similar sounding surnames in other languages. For instance, it might modify into Bouchardt, Bushard, or Bouchardy in different English-speaking regions.

Surnames like Bouchard often emerged from descriptive names or occupational roles. Bouchard originates from an Old French personal name, Bouchard, composed of 'bouc' meaning 'buck', 'male goat' and 'hard' meaning 'brave', 'hardy'. Hence, cognate names from other languages might be related to this origin, such as the German name Bockhard.

However, it is important to note that surname derivation is speculative and can vary widely based on geographical location, local dialects, and cultural modifications over time. Thus, these are only potential variations, and each individual surname might have a unique story behind its origin.

Famous people with the name Bouchard

• Eugénie Bouchard: Canadian professional tennis player who has won two WTA titles and reached the finals of the 2014 French Open
• Émile Bouchard: Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and coach in the National Hockey League
• Beatrice Bouchard: Canadian actress and activist
• Emilie Bouchard: Canadian comic book artist and illustrator
• Evelyne Bouchard: Canadian actress
• André Bouchard: Canadian politician and member of the National Assembly of Quebec
• Michel Bouchard: Canadian actor
• Serge Bouchard: Canadian writer, historian, and professor
• Jeffrey Bouchard: French actor
• Francis Bouchard: French writer, poet, lyricist and painter
• Nicholas Bouchard: French painter from the 15th century
• Melanie Bouchard: Canadian table tennis player
• Claudine Bouchard: French prosecutor

Other surnames

Bouchal