Bosley

The surname Bosley is of English origin and derives from the Old English personal name "Boza" combined with the word "leah," meaning a clearing in a forest. The name originated as a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name likely hailed from a village called Bosley or a similar place.

The first recorded instance of the surname Bosley dates back to the early 13th century in England. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Bosley have been found predominantly in the counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire.

Throughout history, the Bosley family has been associated with various occupations and roles typical of rural England, such as farmers, labourers, and tradesmen. The surname has spread across the United Kingdom and can be found in different regions, including the Midlands and the South of England.

Notable individuals with the surname Bosley include the British politician and historian Sir Bernard Bosley (1881–1961), known for his contributions to public service and academic research.

The surname Bosley continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and has established a place in British heritage and genealogy. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Bosley may have undergone variations over time and in different regions, contributing to the diversity of the name's modern-day occurrences.

There are approximately 1,460 people named Bosley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,456th most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Bosley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Colin
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Steven
  • Stuart

Female

  • Anna
  • Caroline
  • Clare
  • Dawn
  • Elizabeth
  • Hannah
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.