Origin & Meaning of the Boswell Surname
What does the last name Boswell mean?
The surname Boswell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 22,540 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Boswell ranks as the #1,591 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Boswell come from?
The Boswell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Boswell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Boswell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Boswell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,591 |
| US Count (2010) | 22,540 |
| Per 100K People | 7.64 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Boswell
According to the US Census, the Boswell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 22,540 Americans with the Boswell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.11% |
| Black | 16.31% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 1.37% |
| Two or More Races | 2.37% |
Popularity of Boswell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Boswell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Boswell surname increased by 613 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Boswell
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