Surname Floyd - Meaning and Origin

Detailed Insights into Ancestry and the Surname 'Floyd' through iGENEA DNA Test

Embarking on the journey with iGENEA to trace my roots through a DNA test opened up pathways to understanding my ancestry. Combining high technical expertise with commitment to accuracy, the service has amplified my knowledge of my lineage and notably, my surname, Floyd - with it's strong Welsh and Celtic roots.

F. Floyd

Floyd: What does the surname Floyd mean?

The surname Floyd is of Welsh origin and derives from the Welsh personal name Llwyd, which means 'grey'. Historically, the name has been given to individuals as a nickname based on their hair color, complexion, or perhaps even their clothing: it might historically refer to someone with grey hair or someone who often wore grey clothes. The 'F' at the beginning of the English version of the surname is the result of a common phonetic shift in the Welsh language, where the 'll' sound turned into an 'fl' or 'f' sound. The spelling of the name has been influenced over time due to literacy levels and changes in language, resulting in variations such as Lloyd, Floyd, and Flood. It's worth noting that the name's meaning and origin can differ based on geographical regions and family histories.

Floyd: Where does the name Floyd come from?

The last name Floyd is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh name "Llwyd," which means grey. It may have originally been a nickname for someone with grey hair or a grey beard. As surnames became hereditary, it evolved into Floyd. With the migration and spread of populations, the name has become prevalent in various parts of the world. However, it is particularly common in English-speaking countries, including the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. The spread of this surname in the United States can be largely attributed to Welsh immigrants during the colonial era and subsequent periods of immigration. Due to its Welsh origin, the surname also remains relatively common in Wales. Overall, the name Floyd reflects the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Welsh heritage and has been carried around the globe through the movement of peoples and societies.

Variations of the surname Floyd

The surname Floyd is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh name "Llwyd," meaning grey. The common variation includes Lloyd, which is seen typically in Wales and England. The process of Anglicization in different regions may give rise to other variants like Loyd, Flloyd, and Floid.

Some researchers also propose a linkage with the old Gaelic name O'Flaithbheartaigh, which was anglicized to O'Flaherty and later, possibly, to Floyd.

In terms of phonetic similarities, names like Flood and Freud may sometimes be mistakenly grouped with Floyd, though these names have different roots. The spelling ‘Ffloyd’ is occasionally seen in historical archives.

As a surname, Floyd may also be related to different families with no common ancestry due to naming customs or geographical location. Despite these different origins, the name Floyd and its variations carry significant historical and cultural meanings in different cultures and regions.

Famous people with the name Floyd

• Pink Floyd: This is not an individual person but a famous English rock band. Members include Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and David Gilmour.
• George Floyd: He became a symbol for the Black Lives Matter movement after his death during a police arrest sparked worldwide protests against racial injustice.
• Michael Floyd: An American football player who has played in the National Football League for teams like the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots.
• Eddie Floyd: An American soul-R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his work on the Stax record label in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Sharron Floyd: An international fitness presenter, instructor, and trainer from the UK.
• Leonard Floyd: An American football player who currently plays as an outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL.
• Carlton Floyd: An American actor known for his roles in movies and TV series such as A Mother's Revenge and Capital News.
• Preston Floyd: A well-known jazz musician and drummer.
• Keith Floyd: A British chef and television personality who hosted numerous cooking shows.
• Phillis Floyd: Former women’s basketball player and coach, recognized for her time at North Carolina State.

Other surnames

Floy