This interesting name is probably of Irish origin and was originally spelt as Mac Baoithin or O'Baoithin, being later partially anglicized to Boyheen, when it was listed as such in the 1659 All Ireland census. At the time it was a principle name in the baronies of Dromahare and Rosclogher, County Leitrim but over the centuries has become virtually extinct in Ireland. The name translates as 'the son of the wild one' and is first recorded in the modern spelling in London in 1682 when William Boynes was baptised at St. Sepulchre Church on the 5th of May. As Boyne (John Boyne), the earliest recording is 1642, also in London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Boyn, which was dated 1297, Outlawed in Co. Kildare. during the reign of King Edward 1, known as '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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