Bova
An Italian surname derived from the word "bove," meaning "ox" or "bull," likely referring to a cattle herder or owner.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 4,010 Americans carry the last name Bova. That puts it at #9,384 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.17 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 85,475 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Bova surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
4.0K
1 in 85,475
Census rank
#9,384
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.2
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
3.5K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 3,465 bearers of the surname Bova in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.17 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 9384th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Bova, the largest self-reported group is White at 93.7%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.3%) and Two or More Races (1.5%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Bova
The surname Bova has its origins in Italy, specifically in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is believed to have derived from the Italian word "bova," which means "ox" or "cattle." This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who worked with oxen or cattle, such as a farmer, rancher, or herdsman.
The earliest known records of the Bova surname can be traced back to the 12th century in the town of Bova, located in the province of Reggio Calabria, Calabria. Interestingly, the town's name is thought to have originated from the Greek word "bous," which also means "ox" or "cattle," further reinforcing the connection between the surname and its agricultural roots.
During the Middle Ages, the Bova family played a significant role in the history of Calabria. In the 14th century, Nicola Bova was a prominent nobleman and military leader who fought against the Angevin rule in the region. His efforts contributed to the resistance against foreign domination and the preservation of local autonomy.
In the 16th century, the Bova surname appeared in various historical documents, including records from the Spanish Inquisition. One notable figure was Giovanni Battista Bova, a philosopher and theologian who lived from 1524 to 1608. He was known for his writings on Christian doctrine and his contributions to the intellectual debates of the time.
Another prominent individual with the Bova surname was Giovanni Francesco Bova, a 17th-century painter from Reggio Calabria. He was renowned for his religious artworks, many of which can still be found in churches throughout southern Italy.
Moving forward to the 19th century, Giuseppe Bova (1823-1887) was a distinguished Italian politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Italian Parliament. He was a vocal advocate for the unification of Italy and played a crucial role in the Risorgimento movement.
In more recent times, one of the most renowned individuals with the Bova surname was Eugenio Bova, an Italian-American science fiction author and astrophysicist. Born in 1942, he was known for his works that explored the intersection of science and speculative fiction, including his popular "Grand Tour" series of novels.
Throughout history, the Bova surname has maintained a strong connection to its Italian roots, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. While the name may have originated from humble agricultural beginnings, it has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, art, literature, and academia.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Bova
Among Census respondents with the surname Bova, the largest self-reported group is White at 93.7%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.3%) and Two or More Races (1.5%).
The bar chart below shows how Bova bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Bova surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White93.7%
- Hispanic or Latino2.3%
- Two or more races1.5%
- Black or African American1.4%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.6%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.4%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Bova surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #8,586 | #9,384 | -9.3% |
| Count | 3,528 | 3,465 | -1.8% |
| Per 100K | 1.31 | 1.17 | -10.7% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Bova bearers went from 3,528 to 3,465 (-1.8% change). The surname moved down 798 positions in the national ranking, going from #8,586 to #9,384.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Bova
FAQ
Bova surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Bova?
The surname Bova holds position #9,384 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 4,010 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.17 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Bova surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Bova, the largest self-reported group is White at 93.7%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.3%) and Two or More Races (1.5%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.