Surname Boxhill - Meaning and Origin
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Boxhill: What does the surname Boxhill mean?
The last name Boxhill is believed to have derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "box-heal," which is thought to have been a type of enclosure located near a hill or other large landmass. The use of the term dates to the medieval period in England, during which time it referred to an area where animals were kept for grazing. In its contemporary use, the name Boxhill may refer to a geographical region, a type of landscape, or a surname.
The meaning of Boxhill is thought to encompass several elements from nature, such as trees, hills, and grazing areas. These elements were also associated with life in the English countryside, and the name was attributed to certain families who lived there. For example, one family with this surname owned two estates in the early 1500s: Boxhill Park, located near the village of East Lavant in Sussex, as well as Bignor Hill, located near the village of West Lavant in Sussex.
The surname is believed to have been used to refer to people living in the country, as opposed to those living in urban areas. Over the years, the concept of the Boxhill surname has become closely tied to the English countryside and rural life. As such, the name is now used to refer to someone who is connected with rural life and the English countryside.
Order DNA origin analysisBoxhill: Where does the name Boxhill come from?
The last name Boxhill is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It is particularly prevalent in areas in and around the West Midlands and is particularly concentrated around Birmingham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire. The name itself is believed to have Anglo-Saxon roots, and is thought to have first appeared in the late 13th and early 14th centuries in the region.
The popularity of the Boxhill surname continues today, with many still bearing the name in the areas where it has been most common across centuries. It is likely that families have remained in the areas where the surname was first recorded, perhaps due to historical reasons or family ties, ensuring the continued presence of the name in these areas.
While the name is likely to be associated with England and England's historical Anglo-Saxon roots, research has found people with the Boxhill surname in other countries, such as the United States, Canada and Australia. Many of these people will have been emigrants from the UK, bringing the name to new areas and ensuring its presence in other nations, even after centuries.
Variations of the surname Boxhill
The surnames Boxhill, Boxall, Boxhall, and Boshell all share a common origin. These are variations of the originally British name ‘Boxwell’, which meant an enclosure or dwelling near a box tree. The first recorded use of the name was of Roger de Boxwell in the 13th century in England. Since then, the spelling of the surname has changed due to various reasons. It is believed that in medieval times, when the written English language was still developing, some names were phonetically spelt. This is the case with Boxhill – an example of a surname which has gone through a series of changes over time.
Boxall is a variation of the original spelling, with some records referring to John de Boxhale who lived in the 14th century. The double 'l' in Boxall could have been an indication of the French language, which was used by Norman invaders at the time. The French language sometimes uses the double 'l' at the end of a name. Boxhall is an alternative spelling which could be derived from a person originally from a village belonging to a 'boxhala'. The surname Boshell is also an evolution of the original spelling and could have been derived from a person originally from the Boshell area.
Overall, the Boxhill surname has evolved over the centuries due to various reasons such as phonetic spellings, influences of other languages, and regional influence. However, the original name has remained the same – Boxwell – and these variant spellings are a testament to its enduring legacy.
Famous people with the name Boxhill
- Javonte Boxhill: Actor/model known for his role in the 2008 film Choke
- Julius Boxhill: Pianist and composer
- Thomas Boxhill: Rugby union player
- Marion Boxhill: British chemist and physicist
- Rebecca Boxhill: Paralympic swimmer
- Maria Boxhill: Financial analyst
- Oscar Boxhill: Jazz drummer
- Robert Boxhill: English sculptor
- Brian Boxhill: Actor and screenwriter
- Nicole Boxhill: Contemporary artist
- Dean Boxhill: Award-winning documentary producer
- Samuel Boxhill: British festival producer
- Lucas Boxhill: British singer/songwriter
- David Boxhill: Entrepreneur and investor
- Matthew Boxhill: Agent in Hollywood
- Graham Boxhill: Sports photographer
- Mark Boxhill: Radio personality
- Emma Boxhill: Linguist and professor
- Jerome Boxhill: Political scientist
- Elizabeth Boxhill: Wildlife conservationist