Surname Boase - Meaning and Origin

Boase: What does the surname Boase mean?

The surname Boase is of Cornish origin, derived from the old Cornish word "boas" or "boase," which means "dwelling" or "house." The name was typically given to individuals who lived in or were in charge of a notable house, estate, or manor. It may have initially been a name for a steward or employed servant. Alternatively, it may have been used as a locational surname referring to someone who lived in or came from a place called Boase. Like many Cornish names, it started being used during the Middle Ages. As with many surnames, the spelling may have varied over centuries and locations, but "Boase" remains the most commonly used version.

Boase: Where does the name Boase come from?

The surname Boase is of Old Norse origin, derived from the word "bolstad," indicating "a farmstead or settlement." It is common in regions where Vikings landed and had settlements, particularly in Britain's northern and western parts. Therefore, the Last name can be traced to Norse roots, and it sailed its way into Britain during the Viking invasion.

In its earliest form, you may find it recorded as Boald, Bolle, Bolas, Boles, Bowlas, Bowles, Boyle, Boal, and many more in the old scriptures. In terms of regional distribution, the Boase surname is most prevalent in England, particularly in counties like Cornwall and Devon, which was a major area for Viking invasions.

Today, the surname has diffused from the United Kingdom across the British Commonwealth nations, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States due to migration over time. However, it is still relatively rare, making it unique and much more prevalent in its country of origin, the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Boase

The surname Boase is of Scottish origin. Its variants include Boas, Boasey, Boacey, Boisi, Boasie, Boissy and Boosey.

Some argue that it may originate from the Old Norse word ‘boðvar’ or from the Norse nickname 'Boie' or 'Bosi', meaning 'small'. While another theory is that the last name Boase could be a pet form of Robert.

Variations in the spelling of this surname over the centuries, as it moved from region to region and through different family branches, include Changes in spelling, Bosie, Bosey, and Boissey to name a few.

There are several surname variants that may be related to Boase in terms of linguistic or cultural origin. These include the names Bos, Bosch, Boss, and Boos. This surname is most prevalent in England, followed by Australia and Scotland. But it's also found in Italy, where the variant Boasi exists, In France, similar surnames like Boas and Bois may be encountered.

Regardless of the exact details of its origins, the surname has spread far and wide, making it a truly international name. However, only accurate genetic testing can confirm if these surnames truly share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the name Boase

• Henry Allon Boase: British medical doctor and author.
• Martin Boase: British politician and member of Parliament.
• Tom Boase: Irish actor best known for his roles in movies such as ‘The League of Gentleman’s Apocalypse’ and ‘The Queen’s Corgi’.
• Francis Rendall Boase: British naval officer and recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in the First World War.
• Mary Boase: English author and illustrator, best known for her illustrations in the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ series of books.
• Gilbert Boase: British academic, historian, and theologian.
• Daniel Henry Boase: British artist, best known for his post-impressionist landscapes.
• Dick Boase: British musician and songwriter, best known for albums such as ‘Songs of the Soil’.
• Paul Boase: British barrister and consultant, best known for his contributions to the fields of special needs education and social welfare.
• John Boase: British banker and financier who served as managing director of Lloyds Bank from 1891 to 1895.

Other surnames

BoasBoasleyBoasman