Surname Boyers - Meaning and Origin

Boyers: What does the surname Boyers mean?

The surname Boyers is of English origin. It is a topographic surname, which is a type of hereditary surname. These were given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. The origin of the name can be traced back to the Old English term “boga”, meaning “bow”, and the word “gerefa” which means “reeve” (a high-ranking official). Therefore, Boyers was initially an occupational name for an officer who was in charge of a district with some judicial and administrative functions, a Bowman or an Archer. Over time, it became used as a last name. The spelling of the name has evolved over time with some variations including Boyer, Bowyer, and Boier among others. Today, Boyers is a surname found predominantly in English-speaking countries.

Boyers: Where does the name Boyers come from?

The surname Boyers is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old French term "bouvier" which means "cattle herder" or "cowherd." It was likely initially used as an occupational name for individuals involved in this profession. The first recorded spelling of this name can be traced back to England in the 13th century, specifically to Cambridgeshire, with a certain William le Bovier.

Boyers, like many surnames, has had numerous variations over centuries, including Boyer, Bowyer, Bouyer, and Boyars, among others. Such variations often result from the phonetic translations of the name in different regions and periods.

Presently, the surname Boyers is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Canada. In the United States, it is found in higher concentrations in the state of Pennsylvania. Despite this, the surname Boyers is not extraordinarily common; it lies far down the list of commonly-found last names.

Variations of the surname Boyers

The surname Boyers can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It may have originated from the term "bowyer", referring to a person who makes or sells bows, a vital trade in medieval times.

In addition to Boyers, there exist several variations, alternate spellings, and surnames derived from the same origin. These might be a result of misspellings, translation errors, or regional dialect differences over time. Variants and alternate spellings include Boyer, Bowyer, Boyars, Bowers, Bowyers, Bowiers, and Boyares.

Surname 'Bower' is considered to have stemmed from the same roots as Boyers and takes up several variations including Bowyer, Bowerman, Bowers, Bowermaker, etc.

Additionally, the surname Boyer is very common in France and French-speaking nations, suggesting that this could be a possible origin or related branch. The variations might include Boyé, Boyer, Boyé, Boyer, Boyet, Boyez, and Boyer in these areas.

It's critical to note that surname origins can be complex and multifaceted, influenced by factors such as geographical location, occupation, parental lineage, and historical events. Many families carrying these names may or may not have common ancestry.

Famous people with the name Boyers

• Robert Boyers: An American professor of English at Skidmore College and editor of Salmagundi magazine.
• Derek Boyers: A Canadian professional strongman competitor and former professional wrestler.
• James Boyers: A former professional footballer who played for several clubs in the United Kingdom.
• D. J. Boyers: A former American football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL).
• Roland Boyers: A French political figure who served in the French Senate.
• Rebecca Boyers: A British actress known for her roles in TV dramas.
• Glenn Boyers: An American author best known for his work on the history of the American Southwest.
• Wally Boyer: A former American baseball player who played in Major League Baseball.
• Brian Boyers: An American college basketball coach who notably coached at Arkansas State University.
• Bob Boyers: An American illustrator and artist.
• Sam Boyers: An English cricketer.

Other surnames

Boyer