Boyer Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Boyer come from? What does the surname Boyer mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Boyer and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Boyer Origin: What does the last name Boyer mean?
Boyer is a French surname with origins traced back to regions along the Mediterranean, the Rhône valley, and the Southwest of France. The name is derived from the Occitan term for "ox" combined with a suffix meaning "driver" or "herder," suggesting a historical association with occupations like bullock driver or cowherd. Over time, the spelling has evolved to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words in French. Boyer ranks as the 55th most common surname in France as of 2021, with variants like Boyé and Bouyer also present in different regions.
YourRoots data supports Boyer's historical presence in France since the early 16th century, with a notable increase in records appearing in Canada during the 17th century. The surname continued to spread globally, with significant concentrations in the United States by the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Boyer can be found in various countries around the world, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread distribution across different cultures and regions.
Boyer Last Name History: Where did the last name Boyer come from?
Origin of Boyer Surname: Where does the last name Boyer originate from?
Our YourRoots database indicates that the surname Boyer traces its earliest known records back to France, with the first appearance in the early 16th century. This historical data reflects only the exact "Boyer" spelling in the YourRoots records and does not consider alternate spellings or different sources.
History of the Last Name Boyer: What does the Boyer surname history look like in the early days?
Initially, the "Boyer" surname was primarily linked to France in the 16th century. However, the frequency of Boyer surname records started to increase more prominently in Canada during the 17th century. Based on the YourRoots data, the Boyer surname became more frequent in other countries like the United States, indicating a consistent spread over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Boyer surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Boyer surname had grown significantly in the United States. This trend continued into the 19th century, with the United States surpassing other countries in the number of Boyer surname records. Today, the "Boyer" surname is still prevalent in the United States, according to the YourRoots data. However, it can also be found in other countries across the globe, including France and Canada, demonstrating its worldwide spread.
Explore Boyer last name heritage and Boyer surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Boyer Surame?
Charles Boyer
Charles Boyer (Aug 28, 1899 – Aug 26, 1978) was a French-American actor known for his captivating performances in over 80 films from 1920 to 1976. He gained fame in romantic dramas like "Algiers" and "Love Affair," as well as the mystery-thriller "Gaslight." Boyer received four Oscar nominations for Best Actor and appeared on the sitcom "I Love Lucy." Born in France, he started on stage before finding success in Hollywood during the 1930s. Boyer's deep voice and charm made him an international star, captivating audiences with his memorable roles.
Lisa Boyer
Lisa Boyer is a trailblazing basketball coach known for her historic role as the first woman to coach in the National Basketball Association. Born in Ogdensburg, New York, Boyer has an impressive coaching career, including stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team. With a Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Boyer has left a lasting impact on the world of women's basketball. She was inducted into the Ithaca College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.
Nikki Boyer
Nikki Boyer (July 22, 1975 - ) is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and executive producer known for her work on popular shows like "Dying for Sex" and "Daytime in No Time." She has also appeared in various TV series and movies, showcasing her talent as both an actress and musician. Boyer's podcast, "Dying for Sex," has gained significant recognition and is being adapted into a series for FX, demonstrating her versatility and creativity in the entertainment industry.
Miguel Boyer
Miguel Boyer (5 Feb 1939 - 29 Sep 2014) was a Spanish economist and politician who served as minister of economy, treasury, and commerce from 1982 to 1985. Born in France, Boyer graduated from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid with a degree in economics and physics. He worked in various banking and government roles, becoming known for his pragmatic approach to the economy. Boyer faced controversy in the 1990s but continued to be active in finance and sports management. He was married to socialite Isabel Preysler and had three children. Boyer passed away at the age of 75.
Jean-Pierre Boyer
Jean-Pierre Boyer (February 15, 1776 – July 9, 1850) was a prominent leader during the Haitian Revolution and served as the president of Haiti from 1818 to 1843. Born in Port-au-Prince to a French father and African mother, Boyer played a key role in uniting the country and annexing Spanish Haiti. He ruled for nearly 25 years, the longest of any Haitian leader, before being ousted in 1843. Boyer's military career was marked by his efforts against French forces and his role in securing Haitian independence. His legacy includes negotiating an indemnity treaty with France to secure Haiti's independence.
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