This unusual name is of Irish origin and is a variant, probably an anglicised version of the name (o) Bogan or Boggan. The derivation is from the Irish adjective "bog" meaning "soft", and the surname is thus topographical, denoting someone who lived at or by the "soft" or "bog" lands. In Ireland, the name is found as "Bogtan" particularly in Co. Donegal and as "Boggan" or "Boggin" in Co. Wexford. The first recording of the name in England is in the mid 16th Century, as below, thereafter, the name development included "Bogham, (1601), Bogyn, (1605) and Bogan (1652). The marriage of Alice Boggon and John Jones is recorded at the Church of St. Annes', Westminster, on the 17th April 1785. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Boghynn, christened. which was dated 8th May 1545, St. Annes, Soho, London. during the reign of King Henry VIII, Bluff King Hal, 1509 - 1547. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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