Surname Boyett - Meaning and Origin

Boyett: What does the surname Boyett mean?

The surname Boyett is of Old French origin and is derived from a diminutive of the word 'bois' meaning 'wood'. This name was likely given to someone who lived or worked near a patch of woodland, indicating geographical location or occupation. Hence, the Boyett surname is linked to both topographical and occupational roots. It was often used to describe a young person who worked in the forests or woods, likely as a woodcutter. Less commonly, it can also be associated with a young warrior or a participant in a medieval tournament, presumably from its connection to the term "boy". The variation in spelling over the years has led to several versions of this surname including Boyet, Boyatt, Boycott, and others. Overall, it provides traces to a family's historical occupation and place of residence.

Boyett: Where does the name Boyett come from?

The last name Boyett is of English origin and is derived from the Old French name Boivet or Boevet, which is a nickname for someone who acts similarly to an ox in nature, physical strength, and stubbornness. This name is believed to have been brought to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The surname became more common in England and later spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is believed that variant forms such as Boyett, Boyatt, Boyt, and Boyet developed as the name spread across regions. Currently, in the United States, the surname Boyett is most likely to be found in Texas, followed by Alabama and Georgia. However, it is a relatively rare surname and less commonly found than other English-origin surnames. No significant presence of this surname is recorded in other nations, symbolizing its scarcity worldwide.

Variations of the surname Boyett

The surname Boyett is of English origin and has several variations and spellings. Though the exact name origins can vary, many are likely derived from an old French occupational name for a guard, or even an English occupational name for someone who worked in a wood, specifically a forest guard.

Some alternate spellings and variations of the surname Boyett includes Boyatt, Boyette, Boyet, Boyetts, Boyat, Boyott, and Boyiets. The -et and -att ending are particularly common in names of French origin.

Despite these variations, Boyett and Boyette are the most common forms of the name found in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia, and are prevalent in public records dating back several centuries.

There could also be phonetic variations that may not have been captured accurately in historic documents. For example, it could have been spelled Boyit, Boyut, or Boyyt, based on the pronunciation.

It is also a possibility that this surname may have absorbed others of similar sounding or spelling. Therefore, names like Boynton, Boyland, or Boyden could be of the same origin as Boyett.

Famous people with the name Boyett

• William Boyett: An American actor, known for his appearances in popular TV shows like "Adam-12" and "Highway Patrol".
• Thomas Boyett: An English drummer, popular for his association with the punk band "Subhumans" and folk-punk band "Culture Shock".
• Matt Boyett: An American filmmaker and animator, who has worked on several notable animated films and series.
• John Boyett: A former professional American football player who played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL).
• Ron Boyett: A record label executive particularly associated with the country music industry in the United States.
• Joe Boyett: An American professional wrestler infamous for his stints in Southeastern Championship Wrestling and NWA Mid-America.
• Lindy Boyett: An American actor and producer known for "Polaris" (2014), "The Farmers" (2019) and "Red Carpet Crash" (2009).
• Gary Boyett: Australian actor known for his roles in "Harrow" (2018) and "Paper Champions" (2020).

Other surnames

BoyetBoyette

Comments or additions to the name "Boyett"

13.03.2024
I am trying to find out who my great-grandparents were and where they were from. My grandfather was Dallas Boyett not sure when he was born but it's around the early 1900s. But these would be his parents and I think they lived somewhere around Sulfur, Louisiana. Not sure if Dallas had any siblings. Email me please. amy.caronna@yahoo.com