Surname Boylen - Meaning and Origin

Boylen: What does the surname Boylen mean?

The surname Boylen is of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname "O'Baoighealláin," which is derived from the first name "Baoigheall," meaning "vain pledge" or "reckless pledge." This surname is mostly associated with families from the province of Ulster in the Northern part of Ireland. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved and has several variations such as Boylan, Boillen, and Boilon among others. It's essential to note that the exact meaning of surnames can sometimes be lost or diluted over centuries as languages evolve and cultures meld. Therefore, many meanings assigned to surnames are based on etymological research, regional interpretations, and historical or anecdotal evidence.

Boylen: Where does the name Boylen come from?

The surname Boylen originates from Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name O'Baoigheallain. During the 17th century, many Irish names were Anglicized, giving rise to the version "Boylen". It is considered an uncommon surname but slightly more prevalent in areas where Irish descendants are concentrated, like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

In terms of popularity, the surname does not appear among the most prevalent surnames, and is found less than a hundred times per million people, generally. In Ireland, the surname Boylen is still relatively uncommon, but its rate is significantly higher than in other countries due to historical and geographical associations. Still, it might be encountered more frequently in places with a strong Irish diaspora presence. It is however, considered as a somewhat rare last name in today's times.

Variations of the surname Boylen

The surname Boylen has several variants and spelling patterns influenced by different factors such as geographical location, dialect, and cultural adaptation. These include Boylan, Boyland, Boylin, Boilin, Boylann, and Boylen.

Some variants can be traced to the Irish Gaelic "Ó Baoighealláin", which translates as the "descendant of Baoigheallán". This name comes down through the centuries and is anglicized to the more modern versions. One of the most common adaptations is Boylan. This version is more common in Ireland, particularly in counties Cavan, Louth, and Monaghan.

Another spelling variant is Boyland; this seems to be more common in England, mainly in the Liverpool area. Boylin appears to be a less common variant but it is found in both Ireland and England.

Boilin and Boylann seem to be rarer spellings, possibly due to misinterpretation or misspelling of the surname in historical records.

It's important to note that spelling variations of the same surname were common, especially before the 19th century due to illiteracy and translation between languages. Consequently, it's possible to have a multitude of variations for the same family name, like Boylen.

Famous people with the name Boylen

• Jim Boylen: An American professional basketball coach who has served in the NBA for various teams, including as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 2018 to 2020.
• Grace Boylen: An Australia-based visual artist known for her contemporary artworks that explore human behavior and concepts of normality.
• Sally Boylen: An Australian actress prominent in the 1980s, known for appearing in TV series such as 'Sons and Daughters'.
• Becky Boylen: A reality TV personality who appeared on the UK show 'Shipwrecked'. Note: Famous individuals with surname 'Boylen' are relatively few or lesser-known to the world as the name is not particularly common. Some individuals may have achieved local or contextual fame, and this list may not include those who are notable within smaller communities or specific areas of expertise.

Other surnames

Boyle