The surname Boero forms part of the broad onomastic group derived from the Italian word bòve ("ox") and is linked to old nicknames and trade names tied to the rural world and to cattle raising.

In the northwest of Italy, especially in Liguria and Piedmont, this root gave rise to various dialectal forms which, over time, originated a set of surnames related to each other. Boero represents the characteristic form of the Ligurian sphere, while other variants reflect regional, phonetic and occupational adaptations.

Variants of the surname:

• Boero: typically Ligurian-Piedmontese form, spread in Genoa, Asti and Turin.
• Boeri: frequent in Liguria, especially in the Imperia area.
• Boeris: less common, present in northern Italy, possibly of Lombard-Piedmontese development.
• Boèr / Boèra: Ligurian dialectal forms derived directly from the local pronunciation.
• Boaro: variant typical of the Veneto and neighbouring areas, linked to the trade of the bovaro (oxherd).
• Bovaro: transparent occupational form meaning "keeper of oxen".
• Bovero: spread in Piedmont and Liguria, related to the same etymological root.