BOSWELL
Boswell
The surname Boswell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has been recorded in England since ancient times. The name is derived from the Old English words "boese" and "welle," which together mean "dweller by the bad-smelling stream."
Origins
The Boswell family can trace its roots back to various regions throughout England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent. Over the centuries, the surname has spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond.
Notable Figures
The Boswell surname is associated with several significant figures in British history and culture. One of the most famous bearers of the name is James Boswell (1740-1795), a Scottish biographer and diarist best known for his detailed account of the life of Dr. Samuel Johnson, titled The Life of Samuel Johnson.
Heraldry
The Boswell family has its own coat of arms, which typically includes symbols and imagery that represent the traits and values associated with the name. The coat of arms often features elements such as a lion, a shield, and a motto that reflects the family's heritage and ideals.
Modern Use
In modern times, the Boswell surname remains relatively common in the United Kingdom and is found in various professions and industries. Many individuals with the Boswell surname have continued to make significant contributions to their communities and fields of expertise.
Overall, the Boswell surname represents a rich historical and cultural heritage within the British Isles, with a legacy that continues to be celebrated and honoured to this day.
There are approximately 7,438 people named Boswell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,258th most common surname in Britain. Around 114 in a million people in Britain are named Boswell.
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
- Alan
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Lisa
- 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.