Boyer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  France 
  Ireland 


The Anglo-Saxons of Britain first developed the name Boyer. It was a name given to someone who was a maker or trader of bows. A Bowyer's Company still exists in London. 1

Some sources claim that the name was derived from the French name Bouvier as the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Hugo Bouvier and John Bouvier were of Normandy, 1180-95. 2

Early Origins of the Boyer family

The surname Boyer was first found in Buckinghamshire but other branches of the family were also found in Berkshire, Staffordshire and Sussex. Buckinghamshire was the home to two baronetcies: Denham Court and in the twentieth century, Weston Underwood.

One of the first records of the family in Britain was William Bowyer who was listed in Sussex the the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. The same source lists William le Boghyere, but no county. 3

Early History of the Boyer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Boyer research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1558, 1588, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1623, 1641, 1642, 1644, 1649, 1653, 1659, 1660, 1666, 1679, 1681, 1691, 1699, 1761, 1767 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Boyer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boyer Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Boyer have been found, including Bowyer, Bowyers, Bowyere, Bowyear and others.

Early Notables of the Boyer family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir William Bowyer, Lord Mayor of London; Sir William Bowyer (c 1588-1641), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1614 and 1641; Sir Edmund Bowyer (1613-1681), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1679; and Sir John Bowyer, 1st Baronet (1623-1666) English soldier and politician. Sir William Bowyer, 1st Baronet (1612-1679), was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1659 and 1679...
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Boyer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boyer World Ranking

In the United States, the name Boyer is the 671st most popular surname with an estimated 44,766 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Boyer is ranked the 463rd most popular surname with an estimated 10,319 people with that name. 5 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Boyer is the 295th popular surname. 6 France ranks Boyer as 55th with 39,907 people. 7

Migration of the Boyer family to Ireland

Some of the Boyer family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Boyer migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Boyer, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were:

Boyer Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Boyer Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Boyer Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Boyer migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Boyer Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
Boyer Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Boyer migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Boyer Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Boyer (post 1700) +


The Boyer Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Contentment passe richesse
Motto Translation: Contentment surpasses riches.


Suggested Readings for the name Boyer +
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