The last name "Boyd" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "buidhe" which means "yellow" or "blond". It is believed to have originally been a nickname given to someone with fair hair or complexion. Over time, the name Boyd became a prominent Scottish clan name, associated with an ancient Scottish noble family called the Boyds of Kilmarnock. The Boyd clan played a significant role in Scottish history and held various high positions, including being loyal supporters of the Scottish Crown. Due to their influence and prominence, the name Boyd became widely used as a surname among Scottish families. Today, the name Boyd can be found not only in Scotland but in various English-speaking countries around the world due to Scottish emigration.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Boyd
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Boyd
When examining the ethnic identity associated with the Boyd surname according to the Decennial U.S. Census, there have been some shifts between 2000 and 2010. Those identifying as White decreased from 65.64% to 63.18%, while those identifying as Black saw a small increase from 29.94% to 30.77%. There was a significant increase in those who identified as Hispanic, growing from 1.38% to 2.16%. People identifying as Two or more races also increased, rising from 1.66% to 2.36%. Minor increases were observed in people identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native.
2000
2010
Change
White
65.64%
63.18%
-3.75%
Black
29.94%
30.77%
2.77%
Two or More Races
1.66%
2.36%
42.17%
Hispanic
1.38%
2.16%
56.52%
American Indian and Alaskan Native
0.97%
1.02%
5.15%
Asian/Pacific Islander
0.41%
0.51%
24.39%
Boyd ancestry composition
NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Boyd is British & Irish, which comprises 53.6% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.0%) and Nigerian (3.8%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Scandinavian, Italian, Ghanaian, Liberian & Sierra Leonean, and Spanish & Portuguese.
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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN
COMPOSITION
British & Irish
53.6%
French & German
21.0%
Nigerian
3.8%
Other
21.7%
Your paternal lineage may be linked to King Louis XVI
The rule of France by men of the House of Bourbon began with King Henri IV in 1589 C.E. and continued until the beheading of his direct paternal descendant King Louis XVI in 1793. Several years ago, researchers analyzed a mummified head and a blood-soaked cloth that they believed might belong to the two kings, and concluded that the royal paternal line belonged to haplogroup G. In a more recent study, however, a different set of researchers tested three living men who are direct descendants of the Bourbon kings. Their efforts revealed that the male lineage of the House of Bourbon is actually a branch of haplogroup R-M405.
Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette
Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.
The meaning and origin of the last name Boyd
The surname Boyd is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "buidhe" meaning "yellow" or "blond." It was originally used as a nickname to describe someone with fair or blond hair. The earliest recorded use of the surname can be traced back to the 12th century in Scotland. The Boyd clan was historically prominent in the regions of Ayrshire and Renfrewshire, and they became an influential Scottish family during the medieval period. The clan produced notable figures such as Robert Boyd, who served as Regent of Scotland in the 15th century, and the Boyd Earls of Kilmarnock. The surname Boyd has spread beyond Scotland, particularly to Northern Ireland and the United States, due to migration and diaspora. Today, individuals with the surname Boyd can be found worldwide, carrying their Scottish heritage wherever they go.
Geographical distribution of the last name Boyd
The last name Boyd has a widespread geographical distribution, with concentrations in several countries around the world. In Scotland, the name has its origins, and it remains relatively common in this region. Historically, the Scottish Boyds were a prominent family, with ties to the Stewart dynasty and connections to high nobility. Consequently, the surname is still prevalent in many parts of Scotland, particularly in the regions where the Boyds had their historical stronghold.
Apart from Scotland, the Boyd surname can also be found in significant numbers in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Northern Ireland, among others. Due to migration and the diaspora, many Scots with the last name Boyd settled in these countries, establishing communities and passing down the name through generations. Today, various individuals around the world bear the Boyd surname, contributing to its global distribution.
Variants and spellings of the last name Boyd
The last name "Boyd" has several variations and spellings. One common variation is "Boid," which is essentially a simplified version of the original name. Another variation is "Boi," which may have originated from a different cultural background or regional dialect. Other variations include "Boydson" and "Boidson," which may have developed through the addition of the suffix "-son" to indicate lineage. Additionally, the last name "Byrd" is another common spelling variation of "Boyd," likely resulting from different pronunciations or dialect variations over time. Moreover, depending on an individual's family history, there may be unique spellings specific to a particular branch of the Boyd family tree. These spelling variations and variations in pronunciation reflect the multicultural and evolving nature of surnames throughout history, showcasing how the Boyd name has adapted and evolved across different cultures, countries, and generations.
Famous people with the last name Boyd
One prominent figure hailing from the Boyd family is William Boyd, the renowned English actor. With a career spanning over six decades, Boyd gained worldwide recognition for his iconic portrayal of the secret agent James Bond in seven Bond films from 1962 to 1983. His charming and sophisticated depiction of Bond solidified his status as one of the most beloved actors in the franchise's history. Apart from his Bond portrayal, Boyd exhibited his versatility and talent in various other roles, earning critical acclaim. Another prominent figure with the last name Boyd is Sam Boyd, a prominent American businessman and casino owner. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Boyd played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the Las Vegas entertainment industry. Through his vision and leadership, Boyd's gaming empire successfully expanded, making him a highly influential figure in the city's history.
Genealogical research on the last name Boyd
The last name Boyd can be traced back to ancient Scotland. It is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name "Buidhe," meaning "yellow" or "fair-haired." The Boyds were originally a powerful clan in the region of Ayrshire. Their stronghold was in Kilmarnock, where they held significant influence and land. The clan participated in various notable historical events, including the Wars of Scottish Independence, where they sided with Robert the Bruce. Over time, the Boyds spread to different parts of Scotland, establishing branches in different regions. Some prominent individuals with the surname Boyd include Sir Robert Boyd, a trusted advisor to Robert the Bruce, and the influential Scottish American financier, William Boyd. Today, the Boyd surname can be found in various countries around the world, primarily in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia, reflecting the migration and diaspora of the clan members throughout history.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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