Septs of Clan Boyd

Aird (and Variants: Air, Ayr, Ayrd)

Surname Origin & Association: Aird is a habitational surname from locations named Aird, meaning a high place. It originated in Ayrshire, overlapping with Boyd territories.

Historical Context: Aird families were present in Ayrshire by the 16th century. Their proximity to the Boyd stronghold of Kilmarnock and local interactions led to their association with Clan Boyd.

Assloss (and Variant: Auchinloss)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the Barony of Auchinloss in Ayrshire. The name means “field of hollows.”

Historical Context: The Auchinloss family became extinct in the late 15th century. Their lands were absorbed into Boyd holdings, and their remaining kin likely aligned with the Boyd chiefs.

Bankhead

Surname Origin & Association: A topographic surname referring to someone living at the head of a bank or ridge. Found in several parts of Scotland, including Ayrshire.

Historical Context: Bankhead families were tenants on Boyd lands and aligned with the clan as retainers or farmers, earning a place among Boyd’s associated names.

Blair

Surname Origin & Association: A territorial name from the Barony of Blair in Ayrshire. Derived from Gaelic blàr, meaning “plain” or “field.”

Historical Context: The Blairs intermarried with the Boyds and shared common political and religious goals. Their inclusion as a Boyd sept honors this longstanding alliance.

Boyd (and Variants: Boy, Boyde, Boyed, Boydston, Boyman, Boyte)

Surname Origin & Association: The primary clan surname, meaning “fair-haired” or possibly “of Bute.”

Historical Context: The Boyds rose to prominence in the 14th century and established themselves in Ayrshire. Variants developed through anglicization and diaspora.

Buidhe (and Variants: Buie, Bowie)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic buidhe, meaning “yellow” or “fair-haired.”

Historical Context: Buidhe was the Gaelic root of the Boyd surname. Families bearing the name Buie or Bowie are associated with Clan Boyd by linguistic and ancestral origin.

Borland (and Variant: Braland)

Surname Origin & Association: A habitational name derived from bordland, meaning land reserved for the lord’s table.

Historical Context: The Borlands lived in Boyd territory in Ayrshire and supported the clan as tenants or allied families.

Brisbane (and Variant: Bribane)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from Anglo-Norman roots, meaning “bone-breaker.”

Historical Context: The Brisbanes were neighbors of the Boyds in Ayrshire. Their support and local ties led to their inclusion as a Boyd sept.

Brown

Surname Origin & Association: A descriptive surname referring to hair or skin color. Common throughout Scotland.

Historical Context: Brown families in Ayrshire were tenants and close supporters of the Boyd family, with documented interactions in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Cassy

Surname Origin & Association: A rare surname with uncertain origin, possibly a shortened form of Casside or a place-based name.

Historical Context: Found in Ayrshire records. The name is associated with the Boyds through residence or marital ties.

Chrystal (and Variant: Crystal)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the personal name Christopher or Christian.

Historical Context: Chrystal families in Ayrshire served in clerical and civic roles. Their proximity to Boyd estates led to traditional association.

Conn (and Variants: Coon, Coonie)

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly a contraction of Pitcon, a Boyd cadet estate. Also linked to Gaelic Conn, meaning “chief.”

Historical Context: Conn families in Ayrshire and Ulster had ties to Boyd estates and are considered part of the Pitcon lineage.

Corshill (and Variants: Cosh, MacCosh)

Surname Origin & Association: From the place Corshill, near Stewarton. MacCosh derives from Gaelic, meaning “son of the footman.”

Historical Context: MacCosh families in Ayrshire were likely tenants or retainers under Boyd or Cunningham overlords. Corshill represents geographic loyalty.

Crawford

Surname Origin & Association: A well-known Scottish clan name, from the Barony of Crawford in Lanarkshire.

Historical Context: The Boyds and Crawfords intermarried and allied politically. Certain Crawford families, especially in Ayrshire, are associated with Clan Boyd.

Cunningham (and Variant: Cunninghame)

Surname Origin & Association: From the district of Cunningham in Ayrshire. Clan Cunningham is a major Lowland clan.

Historical Context: Boyd and Cunningham families shared alliances and marriages over centuries. Boyd lists Cunningham as a sept to honor mutual kinship.

Dick

Surname Origin & Association: A patronymic from the given name Richard.

Historical Context: Dick families in Ayrshire had connections to the Boyd family through marriage, tenancy, and shared military service.

Fairlie (and Variants: Fairley, Fairly, Farie, Faerie, Faery, Farnly)

Surname Origin & Association: A place-name from the village of Fairlie in North Ayrshire.

Historical Context: The Fairlies intermarried with the Boyds and supported them politically. Their local prominence in Boyd territory led to their sept designation.

Faulds (and Variants: Faul, Fauls)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the Scots word for field enclosures.

Historical Context: Faulds families were farmers and tenants on Boyd lands. Their service and proximity led to their inclusion among Boyd septs.

Fenwick

Surname Origin & Association: Habitational name from the parish of Fenwick in Ayrshire.

Historical Context: Fenwick was under Boyd influence, and local families bearing the name were considered part of the clan community.

Fullarton (and Variants: Fullerton, Fullton, Foulterton)

Surname Origin & Association: From the lands of Fullarton in Ayrshire.

Historical Context: The Fullartons intermarried with the Boyds and were close allies. They are recognized as a Boyd sept through shared land and kinship.

Gemmell (and Variant: Gammell)

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly from Old Norse Gamall, meaning “old.”

Historical Context: Gemmells in Ayrshire lived near Boyd estates and participated in regional conflicts alongside Boyd allies.

George

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the personal name George.

Historical Context: George families in Ayrshire had feudal and civic relationships with the Boyds, leading to their inclusion as septs.

Gorman (and Variant: Gurman)

Surname Origin & Association: From Irish Mac Gormáin, “son of Gormán.”

Historical Context: Gorman families in Ulster settled near Boyd planters and aligned with the clan, particularly during the Plantation era.

Hare (and Variants: Haire, Harshaw)

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly derived from Scots for hare or from Irish Ó hÍr.

Historical Context: Hare families in Ayrshire and Ulster became associated with the Boyds through proximity, military service, or Gaelic linguistic connection.

Hemphill

Surname Origin & Association: From the hamlet of Hemphill in Ayrshire.

Historical Context: Hemphill families in Stewarton and surrounding areas were tenants under Boyd influence, leading to traditional inclusion.

Lynn (and Variants: Lin, Lines)

Surname Origin & Association: From the lands of Lynn in Dalry, Ayrshire.

Historical Context: Boyd of Pitcon acquired Lynn lands in the 16th century. Local Lynn families were absorbed into the Boyd community.

Mac Giolla Bhuidhe (and Variants: MacGillabuidhe, MacGiollabuidhe)

Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic for “son of the yellow-haired lad.”

Historical Context: This is the original Gaelic form of the Boyd surname. Gaelic families retaining this form were historically part of the Boyd line.

MacLurg (and Variant: MacLorg)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Luirg, possibly “son of the shank” or footman.

Historical Context: Found in Galloway and Ulster. MacLurg families aligned with the Boyds in both regions through settlement and service.

Muir (and Variant: Moore)

Surname Origin & Association: From the Scots word for moor.

Historical Context: Muirs of Rowallan intermarried with the Boyds. Other Muir families lived on Boyd lands and supported their cause.

O’Boyd

Surname Origin & Association: Irish-style rendering of “descendant of Boyd.”

Historical Context: Used in Ulster for Boyd settlers who became Gaelicized. Recognized as a cultural variant of the main clan name.

Parris

Surname Origin & Association: From the city of Paris or a personal name meaning “from Paris.”

Historical Context: Rare in Scotland. Possibly added due to marriage, business, or diaspora connections with the Boyd family.

Pitcon

Surname Origin & Association: From the estate of Pitcon in Dalry, held by a Boyd cadet branch.

Historical Context: The Boyds of Pitcon were prominent landholders. Families connected to this estate were part of the Boyd lineage.

Raeburn (and Variants: Rayburn, Reburn, Reyburn)

Surname Origin & Association: From a place near a stream frequented by roe deer.

Historical Context: The lands of Ryburn in Ayrshire were near Boyd estates. Raeburn families were local tenants and supporters.

Rigg (and Variant: Riggs)

Surname Origin & Association: Topographic name from the Norse hryggr, meaning ridge.

Historical Context: Rigg families lived in Ayrshire and were closely associated with the Boyd community, often serving in civic or military roles.

Ross

Surname Origin & Association: From the Gaelic ros, meaning headland. Also a Highland clan name.

Historical Context: Ross families with Lowland roots or Ulster links may have allied with Boyds through settlement, marriage, or political support.

Speirs (and Variants: Spiers, Spires)

Surname Origin & Association: From Scots speir, meaning to ask or inquire.

Historical Context: Speirs families in Renfrewshire and Ayrshire worked with or under Boyd influence. Included due to civic and regional association.

Starrett (and Variants: Stirrett, Stiret)

Surname Origin & Association: From the lands of Stairaird in Ayrshire.

Historical Context: Starrett families moved to Dalry and Ulster, aligning with Boyd interests during military and settlement ventures.

Steen (and Variant: Stein)

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly from a diminutive of Stephen or from Scandinavian/Germanic roots.

Historical Context: Found in Ayrshire and Ulster. Steen families associated with Boyd settlers or tenants through proximity and migration.

Tannahill

Surname Origin & Association: From the place Tannahill near Kilmaurs.

Historical Context: Tannahill families in Kilmarnock and Kilmaurs lived under Boyd authority and are remembered for their loyalty and local contributions.

Tannock

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly a diminutive of Tam or from a place near Kilbride.

Historical Context: Tannock families were tenants and craftsmen in Boyd territory, recognized for their community involvement and service.

Templeton

Surname Origin & Association: From lands held by the Knights Templar. Several Templeton estates were in Ayrshire.

Historical Context: Templeton families near Prestwick were vassals or tenants of Boyd or Boyd-allied abbeys, integrating them into the Boyd domain.

Underwood

Surname Origin & Association: From English meaning “beneath the wood.”

Historical Context: Underwood families in North Ayrshire and Ulster lived on or near Boyd lands and served under their protection.

Vasser Surname Origin & Association: Possibly from French Levasseur or derived from a Dutch or Norman source.

Historical Context: Rare in Scottish records. Likely included due to a family connection in Ulster or colonial military service linked to the Boyds.

References (APA)

Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library.

Way, G. of Plean, & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins.

Clan Boyd Society. (n.d.). Septs and Surnames – House of Boyd Society. Retrieved from https://www.clanboyd.org

ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Boyd Profile. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com

Forebears.io. (n.d.). Surname Database. Retrieved from https://forebears.io