Surname Boxwell - Meaning and Origin
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Boxwell: What does the surname Boxwell mean?
The last name Boxwell is of English origin, deriving from the pre-medieval period when it was one of the many place names formed from the association between an individual and a geographical location. The roots of the name imply that the original bearer of the family name may have lived in or near a box shrub, and would have been a person who was employed at that location for some purpose.
Boxwell is an uncommon surname which may have originated from a settlement known as a Box Hill. This would have either been a place where the vegetation was dense and shrub-like—such as landslips, sandbanks, marshes or heaths, where box or boxwood grew. Alternatively, the Box Hill may have referred to an artificial mound, such as one created for a defensive purpose. In this case, the nickname Boxwell may have been a name of an individual associated with that particular ridge.
Today, the surname Boxwell is associated with a variety of industries, including services as diverse as farming, engineering, and transport.
Boxwell is a surname in which the family's origins remain steeped in mystery. But whatever its past, it has given its many current bearers a sense of identity, and a proud sense of heritage—a heritage that began in an English hill or shrub many years ago.
Order DNA origin analysisBoxwell: Where does the name Boxwell come from?
The last name Boxwell is relatively common in the United Kingdom today. Many still live there and have done for centuries, tracing their family lineages back to thirteenth century records from Surrey and Norfolk.
The Boxwells who resided in these areas were typically small-holding farmers or labourers, while more wealthy branches of the family often had larger agricultural estates and often held high-ranking positions in the local government or Church.
Today, those who carry the Boxwell surname can be found in various locations around the country, with strong concentrations in London, Hampshire, East Anglia, and South Yorkshire. In London, there are several Boxwells living in the city, while those living in the East and South of England tend to be more spread out.
The Boxwell surname can also be found in other countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, to name a few. This is due to emigration from England throughout these countries over the centuries.
Although not as widespread as it used to be, the Boxwell name still lives on through many of its descendants. It is a testament to the resilience of the Boxwells and their proud heritage that so many still proudly carry the name to this day.
Variations of the surname Boxwell
The surname Boxwell is derived from the Old English personal name Boec or Box, which translates to a nickname meaning ‘God’s box’. There are a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for this surname.
The variants include Boxall and Boxhall, which are both particular to the West Midlands, where the surname is most popular. The spellings Boxwill, Boxwel and Boxwell can also be seen.
The surnames Bostick and Bostock are derived from the same origin. These are more typically found in the East Midlands and North West, particularly in and around Cheshire. The surname Bosewell is similar to Boxwell but is not directly related.
Other surnames related to Boxwell include Bexley, Bokwell, Boex, Bost, Bugg and Buggall. These are believed to be derived from corruptions or altered forms of the original.
The surname Boxwell is most typically associated with England and Wales, but can also be found in Scotland and Ireland. It is quite commonplace in the United States, Canada and Australia. It is commonly amongst census records and can be found in reliable family tree records.
Famous people with the name Boxwell
- Kim Boxwell: British television presenter
- Jacob Boxwell: Actor who starred in the tv-series Brightstar
- Jesse Boxwell: Actor and producer
- John Boxwell: Singer-songwriter
- Stephen Boxwell: Actor and voice actor
- Eva Boxwell: Actress
- Lawrence Boxwell: Producer, writer and director
- Annabel Boxwell: Actress and producer
- Nicholas Boxwell: Composer and music producer
- Louis Boxwell: Actor and singer-songwriter