Origin & Meaning of the Bova Surname
What does the last name Bova mean?
The surname Bova carries the meaning "Feminine patronymic." It is derived from the Slavic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,465 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bova ranks as the #9,384 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bova come from?
The Bova surname has its roots in Russian/Bulgarian heritage. Names of Russian/Bulgarian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Bova name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bova trace back to Slavic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Bova |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Feminine patronymic |
| Origin | Russian/Bulgarian |
| Language | Slavic |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,384 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,465 |
| Per 100K People | 1.17 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bova
According to the US Census, the Bova surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,465 Americans with the Bova last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.74% |
| Black | 1.41% |
| Hispanic | 2.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.63% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Bova Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bova surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bova surname decreased by 63 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Bova Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Bova ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Bova Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Bova
- ✓ The Bova coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Bova families live today
- ✓ Notable Bova bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Bova
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bova.
Other Russian/Bulgarian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Russian/Bulgarian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Russian/Bulgarian origin as Bova.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bova
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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