Bonfield (surname)

Bonfield is a surname of English origin. It is a locational name derived from a place in Essex, England, named "Bonefeld," recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Boonfelda." The place name itself is believed to derive from the Old English elements "bana," meaning "slayer" or "killer," and "feld," meaning "field" or "open country." Therefore, the original meaning is likely "field of the slayer" or "field where someone was killed."

Over time, the surname spread from Essex to other parts of England and eventually to other countries, particularly those with English-speaking populations. Variant spellings of the name are not widely documented, suggesting a relatively stable spelling history.

The surname is not particularly common, and genealogical research may be necessary to trace specific Bonfield family histories. Records such as census data, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates can be helpful in tracing ancestral lines.