Boyd
A Scottish surname traditionally linked to the Gaelic word for “fair” or “yellow-haired.”
The #176 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,012 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The name is usually explained from Gaelic boidh, interpreted by older surname writers as meaning “fair” or “yellow-haired.” In this view, Boyd began as a nickname for someone with light hair or a fair complexion. Some 19th-century writers also connect it with an early Scottish bearer, a nephew of Walter, first High Steward of Scotland.
History
Boyd became established as a notable Scottish family name, especially through the Lords Boyd, later Earls of Arran and Lords Kilmarnock. The clan name is prominent in Scottish history and spread beyond Scotland through migration. Modern bearers are widespread, including in the United States, where the surname remains common.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The Boyds were one of the historically important Scottish noble families, and older surname books often cite an early Boyd as a nephew of the first High Steward of Scotland.
From the historical record
“possessed by the family. BOYD. Gael, boidh. Fair or yellow- haired. A nephew of Walter, first liigli- steward of Scotland, circ. 11(30, was known by this appellation, and was ancestor of the lords Boyd, earls of Arran, and lords Kilmarnoch — a iiimily conspicuous in Scottish history, and now represented by the earl…”
— Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom