Boatright History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Boatright

What does the name Boatright mean?

The name Boatright is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a maker of bows. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word bowyere.

Early Origins of the Boatright family

The surname Boatright was first found in Sussex, where Richard Bordwreghte was registered in 1332. Early in the family’s history they branched to Yorkshire, where Johannes Bordwrygt and Robertus Burdewryth were both registered in 1379. 1

Boatright Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Boatright are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Boatright include Boardwright, Boardright, Bordwreghte, Bordwrygt and many more.

Boatright Ranking

In the United States, the name Boatright is the 4,677^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 2

 Boatright migration to the United States+

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief – conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute – these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Boatright or a variant listed above: