This is a dialectually transposed locational name from Boyland, a place in Norfolk, mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Such locational names were given to inhabitants who moved either voluntarily or otherwise from their place of origin. The further away one moved the more the spelling was transposed. Alternate spellings have included 'de Boylaund' (Suffolk) and 'de Boylond' (Devon). The name derives from the Olde English pre 7th century personal name, Boi (recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086) and 'land' meaning 'land'. In Ireland Boyland, Boylan and Boylin are anglicized forms of the Gaelic name O Baoigheallain meaning 'descendant of the rash (baoth) pledge (geall) maker'. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard de Boyland which was dated 1292 The Hundred Rolls of Norfolk during the reign of King Edward 1 The Hammer of the Scots 1272-1307 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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