The surname BOID has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period around the 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "bois," meaning "wood" or "forest," suggesting that the name's original bearers may have lived near or worked in wooded areas.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name BOID can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Staffordshire from the year 1195, where a certain William Boid is mentioned. This document, which recorded financial transactions and payments to the Crown, provides evidence of the name's existence during this time.
In the 13th century, the name BOID appeared in the Hundred Rolls, a census-like record of landowners in England. Specifically, a Robert le Boid was listed as holding lands in Hertfordshire in 1274. The use of the prefix "le" before the surname was a common practice at the time, indicating the person's occupation or place of origin.
During the 14th century, the BOID surname was found in various records, including the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire, where a John Boid was mentioned in 1317. This suggests that the name had spread to different regions of England by this point.
One notable historical figure bearing the BOID surname was Sir John Boid, a renowned English knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War during the late 14th century. He was born around 1350 and gained recognition for his valor and military prowess in battles against the French.
In the 16th century, the BOID surname underwent some variation in spelling, with records showing forms such as "Boyde" and "Boyde." A prominent individual from this period was Sir Robert Boyde, a landowner and member of the gentry in Gloucestershire, who lived from 1520 to 1592.
The 17th century saw the BOID surname continue to appear in various records, including parish registers and court documents. One notable bearer of the name was William Boid, a merchant and trader who was born in Bristol in 1635 and was involved in the lucrative transatlantic trade with the American colonies.
In the 18th century, the BOID surname gained further recognition with the birth of James Boid, a renowned Scottish philosopher and empiricist, who lived from 1740 to 1820. His works on epistemology and the nature of human understanding had a significant impact on the intellectual landscape of the time.
Another prominent figure with the BOID surname was Sir John Boid, a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Born in 1785, he played a crucial role in several battles against the French fleet and was honored for his bravery and leadership.
These examples illustrate the long-standing presence of the BOID surname in various regions of England and Scotland, as well as its association with individuals of notable accomplishments throughout history.