Surname Boice - Meaning and Origin
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Boice: What does the surname Boice mean?
The last name Boice is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Bothe or Boece, thought to have been introduced to England by the Normans during the invasion of 1066. The personal name Bothe is claimed to have Germanic side too, from a short form of the various compound names with the first element ‘bod’ which means ‘command’ or ‘messenger’.
Over time, this personal name was adopted as a surname. Variations of the surname include Bois, Boyce, Boise, and other similarly spelled names. As a surname, it is often associated with people of English or Irish heritage. Like many surnames, the specific meaning of Boice can vary based on regional interpretations and the passage of time. For example, some argue that Boice is a topographic name for someone who lived in a wood (from the Middle English term "bois"), while others associate it with the town of Boissy in France.
Today, individuals carrying the Boice surname can be found primarily in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisBoice: Where does the name Boice come from?
The surname Boice is primarily of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse word "bóth," which means a personal dwelling or small rural habitation. The spelling evolved over time, resulting in variants such as Boyce, Boice, Boys, Boze, and others. It first migrated to Ireland during the 12th century Anglo-Norman invasion, where it became de buagh meaning "of the soft and yielding land."
Eventually, many with the surname Boice migrated to North America due to economic hardship and political unrest. Areas such as Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania became popular destinations for these immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, the surname Boice continues to be relatively common in the United States. According to Forebears, a site that analyzes the distribution of surnames worldwide, the highest concentrations of individuals with the surname Boice are found in America, followed by Canada and then Australia. Smaller numbers can also be found in countries in Europe and around the world.
Variations of the surname Boice
The surname Boice can be traced back to the Old French word "bois," meaning "wood." Over the centuries, several variations have been developed, due to factors like regional dialects, different spellings, and migration.
Common variants of Boice include Boyce, Boys, Boyes, Boies, Boase, Boise, Boas, and Boicey. The surname Boys, for instance, is predominantly found in the English-speaking parts of the world while Boyce is more common in North America.
Sometimes, variations evolve as families moved to different regions or countries, leading to the surname being recorded phonetically how it sounded, such as Bois, and more rarely Bosc or Busk. Similarly, the spelling form Bois emerged in the Normandy region of France during medieval times.
However, it is worth noting that though these variations share a similar origin, it does not imply that all individuals with these surnames are related. Genealogical research taking into account both historical documents and genetic testing is necessary to establish such connections.
Famous people with the name Boice
- Greg Boice: a musician, composer, and producer known for his work on the American Idol spin-off show, If I Can Dream.
- Jeremy Boice: a software engineer specializing in Xojo and Apple technologies.
- Chris Boice: an international cosmetics artist and entrepreneur working in Los Angeles.
- Tommy Boice: a professional parkour athlete and stuntman.
- Stephen Boice: a podcast host, author, public speaker and entrepreneur.
- Frances Boice: an English theatre director, playwright, and teacher.
- Jim Boice: an actor and TV presenter, known for his work on the television show The Voice, and Fox TV's Behind the Scenes.
- Mike Boice: an American sportscaster, author, and former professional basketball player.
- Matt Boice: a bassist and composer, known for his work with the band Men Without Hats.
- Peter Boice: an American entrepreneur, investor, and music executive.