Surname Boswall - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Boswall: What does the surname Boswall mean?
The surname Boswall is of Scottish origin and pertains to geographical or locational identification. It is derived from Boswell, a place in Berwickshire, Scotland. Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by their occupation, place of origin, clan affiliations, patronage, parentage, and even physical characteristics. So, the surname Boswall could potentially signify that the initial bearers of this name were individuals who resided near or were associated with the locale of Boswell, or they might be descendants of people linked to this region. As surnames evolved over centuries, their exact meanings or historical roots may become unclear. However, it is assured that such names bear a vital significance in a family's ancestry and lineage, connecting them to their geographical and cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisBoswall: Where does the name Boswall come from?
The surname Boswall is of Scottish origin, derived from an old place name in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Boswall family was a prominent one in the region, with a history going back to at least the 17th century. The name possibly means "boar's well" or "boar's spring," deriving from the Old English words 'bors' (boar) and 'wella' (spring, pool, or stream). Another possible origin could be the Gaelic 'bos' (hollow) and 'wall' (stranger).
Today the surname Boswall is not very common, but it can still predominantly be found in the United Kingdom, specifically Scotland and England. However, due to emigration over the centuries, there may be some bearers of this surname in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It should be noted that it is still classified as a rare surname.
Variations of the surname Boswall
The surname Boswall is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the ancient kingdom of Kent. Variations and spellings of Boswall can include Boswell, Bosswell, Boswalla, Boswald, Bosvile, and Bosville.
The Boswall family initially lived in a place referred to as Bosville, probably in Yorkshire, but the specific location has been lost over time. The surname Boswall was first found in Yorkshire, where Sir Richard Bosvile was Lord of Bosvile in 1165.
These variations of spelling occurred even between father and son. It was not uncommon for a person to be born with one spelling, married with another, and buried with a headstone which showed another spelling. Also, the spelling variations of the surname Boswall could be due to pronunciation differences over the centuries.
Different branches of the Boswall family may also have developed their own variations of this surname. It is also not unusual for surnames to change as families moved around and settled in different areas.
Therefore, these variants could serve as separate surnames altogether or as misspellings when written or transcribed from one document or record to another.
Famous people with the name Boswall
- Robert Boswall: He is a renowned TV producer known for his work in documentaries and has decades of experience producing content for BBC, PBS, National Geographic and other networks.
- Alexander Boswall: He is a respected actor known for his performances in theatre and films. He appeared in the 2008 drama film 'Chick', directed by Stephen Watson.
- Thomas Boswall: Thomas was a 16th-century landowner, official, and Member of Parliament in the UK.
- Patrick Boswall: He is a British film director, known for the movies "Ill Fares the Land" and "The Deceivers."
- William Boswall: He is a professional rugby player who has played for Welsh and Scottish clubs.
- Preston Boswall: Preston was a Canadian politician who served as a councillor in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Please note that while these individuals share the Boswall surname, they may not all be related or come from the same Boswall family line.