Surname Bozely - Meaning and Origin
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Bozely: What does the surname Bozely mean?
The last name Bozely is of English origin and is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname. The literal translation of Bozely is either "king's wood" or "noble wood," deriving from the Old English words "bosa" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "wood or clearing." In the early Middle Ages, surnames were assigned to families for various reasons, including the locality of their home or a descriptive nickname, and Bozely appears to have been part of this tradition.
Bozely families first appeared in the Yorkshire region in the 12th century, where records show that Robert Boslee was a member of the local justice in the city of York in the year 1219. By the 14th century the Bozely name had spread across the region and by the 18th century members of some Bozely families had emigrated to the US, particularly to Pennsylvania.
Today the Bozely name may be found all over the world, with large numbers found in England, Australia, the US and Canada. From its fascinating origins to its modern-day spread, the Bozely name is associated with strength, pride and an unbreakable sense of family.
Order DNA origin analysisBozely: Where does the name Bozely come from?
The last name Bozely is primarily found in England and Australia today. Records of the surname Bozely from England date back to the 12th century, with records of land ownership in Huntingdonshire identified in a register known as the Book of Fees. Similarly, in Australia, records of the surname Bozely are documented from the 1830s, with the first recorded instance of the name being found in the state of Victoria.
In England, The Bozely name is particularly prevalent in the South East. According to The Electoral Roll of 2014, the surname is most commonly found in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Surrey. The Bozely family crest is very specific and can be recognised by the boar's head surrounded by two branches of holly. In Australia, the name Bozely appears in all 6 states, but is particularly prominent in New South Wales and Victoria.
The name Bozely is derived from Bozely, a small village in southwest England. It is thought to have been the home of the earliest recorded members of the Bozely family. The village is located in the county of Gloucestershire, and records of the Bozely family go back as far as the 12th century. Today, it is a small and peaceful village, and a popular destination for tourists.
Though not as widespread as it was in the 12th century, the surname Bozely is still common today. It is particularly prevalent in England and Australia, and is recognised for its distinct family crest. Its origins can be traced back to a small village in southeast England, with the Bozely family having played an important role in establishing the village.
Variations of the surname Bozely
The surname Bozely is of French origin, and can also be spelt Bozley, Bozly and Bosley.
The Bozely ancestry is likely to derive from two distinct family lines. One line is named after a place in Normandy, France, formerly abundant with hazel trees, located north-east of Caen. Although now spelt "Beuzeville", it was earlier referred to as "Boseville" or "Bosaville".
The other line is believed to originate from the village of Bozel, formerly known as Bosils, located in the Savoy region which today makes up part of the French-Italian border. The origin of the name may be based on the Gallic word "Bosso" meaning a settlement surrounded by plowed fields.
It is possible that the name could have been adopted by a family in England after the Norman Conquest; in some cases those with the name chose to modify the spelling due to the French pronunciation being difficult for them to pronounce.
In some cases the surname has been spelt differently, owing to accents and scribal errors while attempting to record the name. Variations such as Bozley, Bozly, and Bosley have all been seen throughout the centuries.
Different parts of the English-speaking world could also have had an influence on the way the name has been pronounced and spelt. In countries such as the United States and Australia, spellings may vary.
Whilst there are many different versions of the name, there is only one origin; and it is clear to see why different variants have emerged due to the changing world we live in.
Famous people with the name Bozely
- Mark Bozely: An artist who specializes in painting and sculpting. His artwork has been featured in many private collections and galleries and has been commissioned by celebrities.
- Richard Bozely: A former United States Navy officer and a veteran of World War II. He also served as a high-ranking official with the US State Department.
- William Bozely: A former Canadian professional ice hockey player and executive. He was the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins during their Stanley Cup-winning years of 1991 and 1992.
- Paul Bozely: An Australian filmmaker, best known for his Academy Award-nominated documentary about the AIDS epidemic in South Africa, "The Power of One."
- John Bozely: A British actor who has appeared in numerous television and film roles over the years, most notably in the BBC series "Doctor Who" and the movie "Shakespeare in Love."
- David Bozely: An American actor and comedian who has been featured in many different television shows such as "The Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother"
- Charlotte Bozely: A British radio host, journalist, and author, best known for her regular spots on the BBC Radio 4 program "Women's Hour" and for hosting the BBC2 show "What the Women Want Now."
- Carolyn Bozely: An English actress best known for her work on British television since the early 2000s. She has appeared in shows such as "The Bill," "Family Affairs," and "EastEnders."