Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Boyd

      Origin

      Irish

      Meaning

      Fair-haired, Blonde

      Variations

      Bode, Bodo, Bond
      The name Boyd, derived from its Irish roots, signifies Fair-haired or Blonde. Its origins can be traced back to medieval Ireland, a time when physical characteristics were often used as identifiers. The name Boyd emerged as a means to describe individuals with light-colored hair, specifically those of fair or blonde hues.

      Throughout history, the name Boyd has made notable appearances in various contexts. It gained prominence during the medieval era, particularly in Scotland, where it became linked with powerful clans and notable figures. The Boyd clan, originating from the western region of Ayrshire, played a significant role in Scottish history. Notably, the infamous Earl of Arran, Thomas Boyd, rose to prominence as a regent during the reign of King James II of Scotland.

      In modern-day usage, the name Boyd continues to exist as a testament to its historical significance. While its prevalence has diminished compared to previous centuries, it has persevered as a name and a given name. In some regions, it is more commonly found as a name, often linked to families who trace their ancestral roots to Scotland or Ireland. However, as a given name, Boyd has transitioned into a distinct choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctively Scottish name for their children. Despite its modest current usage, the name Boyd remains an enduring symbol of fair-haired heritage within the larger tapestry of Irish and Scottish names.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Boyd.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Boyd.
      Boyd

      Boyd

      This is the most common name for a child of a Boyd.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1916 is when there were the most people born with the first name Boyd.

      Explore the origins of another name.