Boyer

♂ Boy

Pronounced BOY-ur /ˈbɔɪ.ər/Medium

Meaning: Boyer is a French occupational surname, from a word for a herdsman or carter (one who drives oxen). Its given-name use is modern and rare; it is also familiar via actor Charles Boyer.Low

In 30 seconds: A brisk surname name: Boyer is French for a herdsman or carter (said 'BOY-ur'). Modern and rare as a first name.

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Origin MediumFrench

MeaningBoyer is a French occupational surname, from a word for a herdsman or carter (one who drives oxen). Its given-name use is modern and rare; it is also familiar via actor Charles Boyer.

U.S. rank (2024)#12553 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 23

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Boyer is a French surname, occupational for a herdsman or carter. Its first-name use is modern and rare, its recognition helped by actor Charles Boyer. A short, brisk two-beat name (said 'BOY-ur').

It is very rare as a given name for boys in the U.S. Rare, surname-style, and brisk.

Did you know? Boyer is a French occupational surname for someone who drove oxen — a carter or herdsman — and it reached wide fame through actor Charles Boyer. As a first name it feels crisp and uncommon (said 'BOY-ur').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Boyer — French occupational surname; Charles Boyer

Variations

BoyceBoyd

Nicknames

BoyBo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Boyer mean?

Boyer is a French occupational surname, roughly 'herdsman; carter' (one who drives oxen).

How do you pronounce Boyer?

It's said BOY-ur /ˈbɔɪ.ər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Boyer a boy or girl name?

Here Boyer is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Boyer?

Boyer is very rare as a given name for boys in the U.S.