Boyd is a Scottish surname that originated from the Gaelic word “buidhe,” meaning yellow. It was first recorded in the 13th century and was associated with the powerful Boyd family of Ayrshire. The Boyds played a significant role in Scottish history and politics, with notable members including the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock, who was executed for his role in the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Today, the surname Boyd is common in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, with famous namesakes including actor Brandon Boyd and astronaut Alan Boyd.
