Summary

The surname Boswell has English and Scottish origins. It is derived from the combination of 'bos', meaning 'dweller by the woods' or 'dweller near the thicket', and 'well', meaning 'spring' or 'stream'. This indicates that the original bearers of the surname lived near a stream within or near a wooded area. Boswell is a fairly common surname with a rich history and can be found in various countries worldwide.
There are
22540
Boswells in the USA
Boswell is the
1591st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Boswell

JamesBoswell

James Boswell was a Scottish biographer and diarist, best known for his biography of Samuel Johnson, 'The Life of Samuel Johnson.' Boswell's work is considered a landmark in the genre of biography.

HenryBoswell

Henry Boswell was an English cricketer who played for the Kent County Cricket Club. He was known for his outstanding batting skills and made significant contributions to the sport.

LionelBoswell

Lionel Boswell was a British artist known for his landscape paintings and watercolor illustrations. His works captured the beauty of the English countryside and are highly regarded in the art world.

RachelBoswell

Rachel Boswell is a contemporary American sculptor known for her innovative use of materials and exploration of the human form. Her sculptures have been exhibited in major galleries around the world.

RichardBoswell

Richard Boswell was a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. He played a crucial role in several naval battles and was highly respected for his strategic skills.

SarahBoswell

Sarah Boswell is a British fashion designer known for her elegant and sophisticated designs. Her creations have been worn by numerous celebrities and have received critical acclaim.

ThomasBoswell

Thomas Boswell is an American sports columnist and author, known for his insightful and engaging writing about baseball. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to sports journalism.

WilliamBoswell

William Boswell was a Scottish poet and playwright, known for his lyrical poetry and witty plays. His works reflected the social and political issues of his time.

JaneBoswell

Jane Boswell was an English suffragette and women's rights activist, who played a significant role in the movement for women's suffrage in the early 20th century.

DanielBoswell

Daniel Boswell is an American entrepreneur and business executive, known for his success in the tech industry. He has founded multiple successful startups and is considered a thought leader in the field.

Boswell Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Boswell' is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English words 'bos' meaning 'woodland' and 'well(a)' meaning 'spring' or 'stream', indicating someone who lived near a stream in a wooded area.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Boswell' is found in both England and Scotland, with pockets of concentration in various regions. It is also present in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Boswell' include 'Boswald', 'Boswall', and 'Bosworth'. These variations may have different origins or regional associations.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Boswell' has been carried by individuals and families who migrated or immigrated to different countries over the centuries. This includes both voluntary migration for various reasons and forced migration such as during colonization and slavery.