Last Names

Surnames / B

Boggs

What is the origin of the last name Boggs?

English originPatronymic (from a parent or ancestor)Rank #1,262 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Boggs is of English and Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Boge or the Gaelic name Boag. It is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Boge" or "son of Boag." Over time, the name evolved to become Boggs, and it has been recorded in various forms such as Boge, Bogg, Bogue, and even Boghes. The surname is primarily found in Scotland and northern England, with early recorded instances dating back to the 15th century. The Boggs name has since spread across the globe through immigration and migration, particularly to the United States.

The longer story

The last name Boggs is of English origin and is classified as a patronymic surname. It is derived from the medieval given name Bagge , which itself originated from the Old Norse name Baggi . The surname Boggs can be found predominantly in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the United States, reflecting the migration patterns of individuals with this name over time.

An interesting aspect of the Boggs surname is its potential connection to the Gaelic word "bog," which means soft or marshy. This association may suggest a connection to a geographic location or terrain that influenced the adoption of the surname by an individual or group.

The meaning of the Boggs surname can also be explored through an analysis of its etymology. The linguistic origins of the name can be traced back to the Old Norse name Baggi , which means "bag" or "soft." This semantic connection to the idea of softness or pliability may provide insights into the qualities associated with individuals bearing the Boggs surname. It might imply characteristics such as adaptability or resilience.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#1,262

Boggs was the 1,262nd most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 27,880 people, about 9.0 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)89.3%
  • Hispanic or Latino2.0%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)5.8%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.4%
  • Two or more races1.8%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.8%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Boggs.

Surnames like Boggs

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.