Boal

Boal is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic name "Béal" which means mouth or entrance. In Scotland, the variation "Bale" is also seen.

Origins

The Boal surname has its roots in the ancient Gaelic culture of Scotland and Ireland. It is believed that the name originated in either country, with various families bearing the name in different regions.

Distribution

The surname Boal is most commonly found in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with smaller concentrations in England and other parts of the United Kingdom. There are also Boal families scattered across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable Individuals

  • John Boal (1920–2011): Prolific Scottish poet known for his lyrical works about nature and folklore.
  • Maeve Boal (b. 1975): Irish author and historian, renowned for her research on medieval Gaelic society.

Legacy

The Boal surname holds a place in the historical and cultural tapestry of both Scotland and Ireland. Families bearing this name have contributed to various fields, including literature, academia, and business.

References

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., and McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., and Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 678 people named Boal in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,925th most common surname in Britain. Around ten in a million people in Britain are named Boal.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Colin
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Brenda
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Lynn
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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