Surname Loyd - Meaning and Origin

An Enlightening Journey into My Roots - Understanding the Surname Loyd through iGENEA DNA Test

Unraveling the rich, fascinating history behind my surname Loyd and its Celtic origins, my iGENEA DNA journey was a merge of science and ancestry. The comprehensive results from iGENEA unveiled several deeper connections to my past and enlighted me with a broader understanding of migratory patterns that my ancestors may have followed.

F. Loyd

Loyd: What does the surname Loyd mean?

The surname Loyd is a variant of the more commonly-spelled Lloyd, derived from the Welsh word 'Llwyd', which translates to 'gray' in English. The term was originally used as a nickname for someone with gray hair or someone who habitually wore gray clothing. Over time, it evolved into being used as a personal name and subsequently as a surname. Initially, it was widely used within Wales and has since spread to various parts of the world. The name is thus of Welsh origin and often indicates Welsh ancestry.

Loyd: Where does the name Loyd come from?

The surname Loyd is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh personal name Lloyd, meaning "grey”. This name was originally a nickname for someone with grey hair or perhaps for someone who habitually wore grey clothing. Over time the personal name Lloyd was adopted as a hereditary surname.

In the Middle Ages, when surnames originated, the name was often recorded as Lwyd, Floid or Floyd before becoming standardized as Lloyd. In the United States, it was common for immigrants to anglicize surnames, which resulted in the surname becoming Loyd.

Today, Loyd is a common surname in the United States, particularly in the southern states. Due to historical emigration, it's also found in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the original variation, Lloyd, remains more common in the United Kingdom, especially in Wales where the name originated.

Variations of the surname Loyd

The surname Loyd is primarily of Welsh origin and is a variant of the Welsh name Lloyd. The original Welsh name is "Llwyd" which translates to "gray". In medieval documents, it was often written in the Latin form "Lodovicus", leading to the English version "Lloyd". The change in spelling happened due to the difficulty of the English tongue to pronounce the Welsh double-L sound.

Some common variants or alternative spellings of Loyd include: "Loid","Loed","Loyed","Layd". These variations mainly arise due to pronunciation differences across regions. Due to anglicization, the surname is also often found with an additional "e", "Loyde".

As for related surnames, "Floyd" is thought to have evolved from the same Welsh root "Llwyd". Other possible related surnames could include "Boyd", "Bellloyd", "Lload", "Lllwyd", and "Clloyd", but the connection to these are less certain.

In America, particularly in the South, it wasn't unusual for the surname to be simplified to "Loy" or "Luy". The surnames "Loud" and "Lout" seen in some English-speaking countries might also share a common root with "Lloyd" or "Loyd".

Famous people with the name Loyd

• Al Loyd: Music producer, journalist and radio host from New Zealand
• Alan Loyd: British Army Major General
• Ava Loyd: American actress, artist, and nature buff
• Barry Loyd: American actor
• Ben Loyd-Holmes: British Actor
• Carol Loyd: British Actress
• Chuck Loyd: American politician
• Daniel Loyd: American experimental filmmaker
• Dan Loyd: American Meteorologist
• Emily Lloyd: British Actress
• George Loyd: British-American Nutritional Biochemist
• Harrison Lloyd: British Actor
• Henry Loyd: British Actor
• James Loyd: American Politician
• Jennifer Loyd: American yoga and dance instructor
• John Loyd, Baron Loughborough: British Naval Admiral
• John Loyd: British Actor, Comedian, Musician
• Lilian Loyd: British Actress
• Lloyd Vernet Bridges, Jr.,: American Actor
• Mark Loyd: American Politician
• Miffy Loyd: English Model and Actor
• Rachel Loyd: American singer-songwriter
• Rod Loyd: American Actor
• Shane Loyd: Australian Actor
• William Loyd, 1st Baron Lilford: British Naval Admiral.

Other surnames

LoyLoydallLoydellLoykanLoykans