Surname Boit - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Boit: What does the surname Boit mean?
The surname "Boit" doesn't seem to have a clear, singular origin and its meaning might vary based on geographical regions or cultural contexts. Research indicates that it's used in multiple countries including France and Kenya. For example, in France, it might possibly derive from old personal names -- like "Boetius" -- or professions. In the case of Kenya, "Boit" is a common name among the Kalenjin, an ethnic group known for their long-distance runners. Here, "Boit" is a name given to a boy born during the day, from "boito," which means "daytime" in the Kalenjin language. However, without a specific cultural or geographical context, it's challenging to provide a definitive meaning for the last name "Boit." As with many surnames, meanings can evolve or differ based on regional, cultural, and linguistic factors.
Order DNA origin analysisBoit: Where does the name Boit come from?
The surname Boit is of French origin, derived from the old French term 'boite', meaning box. The name could have evolved from a nickname for a box maker or a box carrier. It may have come to be used as a surname in the Middle Ages when the need for identifying people further than their single given name became important.
Interestingly, it is also found as a first name among the Kalenjin community in Kenya.
Today, the last name Boit is not extremely common. It can be found in some pockets of France. Outside of Europe, the last name Boit is more common in the United States, mainly in Maine since the 19th Century, due to the settlement of some French immigrants. In Africa, being associated with a famous Kenyan athlete Mike Boit, it might give an impression that it's common there but it's not essentially the case. Overall, Boit is not a highly populous last name anywhere in the world and is scattered in different regions globally.
Variations of the surname Boit
The surname Boit traces its origin to the old French verb "boire," which means "to drink." Multiple variants, spellings and related surnames have evolved over centuries and across different regions.
Alternate spellings and forms can include Boite, Boitard, Boitel, Boiton, Boiteau, Boittin, Boitrel, Boitard and Boittard. They are all derived from the same root but may differ in meaning slightly due to suffixes or prefixes.
The surname Boit might have been used as a nickname for someone who was a heavy drinker or possibly for a tavern owner or a wine producer. Boitard and Boitrel, for example, might have been used to denote someone as "son of Boit." While Boiteau might mean 'little Boit'.
In the same manner, surnames of similar origin also include those revolving around the theme of drinking, such as Drinkwater, Drinkall, and so on. These English surnames share the same theme and origin as Boit, albeit from a different language context.
Please note that the variations of Boit can change based on regional dialects, ease of pronunciation, and cultural preferences.
Famous people with the name Boit
- Hannah Boit: An Australian model and body-positiveness advocate. Known for breaking stereotypes in the fashion industry, she had been involved with numerous campaigns globally.
- John Boit: An American sea captain and author who wrote journals about his experiences of maritime travel and exploration at sea during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- Hilda Boit: Known for being the wife of Charles Boit, a painter famous for painting portraits, miniatures, and enamel miniatures.
- Richard Boit: A Kenyan former long-distance runner who competed internationally for Kenya.
- Rose Boit: Known for her philanthropic work, she worked extensively for building schools in Kenya.
- Charles Boit: A Swedish painter and engraver who became famous for painting portraits and enamel miniatures.
- Joseph Boit: A Kenyan long distance runner who won bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the 1990 African Championships. Please note that while these individuals carry the surname Boit, they may not all be considered universally famous. Their prominence depends significantly on regional and individual interests.