Boswell
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Boswell
Boswell, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of French origin.
Meaning of Boswell
Forested town
The name Boswell is derived from the Old Norse name Bósi, meaning “dweller in the shelter” or “dweller by the spring”.
| Meaning | Forested town |
| Origin | French |
| Gender | Boy |
| Rarity (US) | Rare (Not in top 1000) |
Background & History of The Name Boswell
The name 'Boswell' has an interesting origin and historical significance. Derived from Scottish and English origins, 'Boswell' is a surname that has been documented since medieval times. It is a locational surname, meaning it was given to individuals based on the place they originated from or resided in. The name 'Boswell' is derived from the Old English words 'boese', meaning 'bush', and 'well', meaning 'spring' or 'stream'. This indicates that the name was likely given to someone who lived near a bush or a spring.
One of the notable aspects of the name 'Boswell' is its association with the Boswell family of Ayrshire, Scotland. The Boswells were a prominent Scottish family who held various titles and positions of authority throughout history. The most famous member of the Boswell family is undoubtedly James Boswell (1740-1795), a Scottish lawyer, diarist, and biographer. James Boswell is renowned for his extensive journals, particularly his biography of the renowned writer Samuel Johnson, titled "The Life of Samuel Johnson."
Over time, the surname 'Boswell' has spread beyond its Scottish and English origins and is now found in various parts of the world. As individuals migrated and settled in new territories, they carried the name with them, adding to its popularity and diversity. Today, 'Boswell' can be found in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The name 'Boswell' has also become a popular choice as a given name. People may choose to name their child 'Boswell' as a way to honor their family heritage, pay tribute to the influential figures associated with the name, or simply because they find it aesthetically appealing.
Similar French Baby Names
Check Initials
See what initials Boswell would create with your last name.
Nicknames
Common nicknames and short forms for Boswell.
Save This Name
Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.
Create Free Account