Though not common, Byron is sometimes used as a given name for boys in the UK and US. This started in the early 19th century, and was due to the fame (or notoriety) of the poet Lord Byron, who died in 1824. Byron's own Christian names were George Gordon; he was a bestselling poet, known as much for his scandalous private life as for his writing. After a series of very public love affairs, and accusations of incest with his half-sister, Byron spent his later years travelling in Europe, and died fighting for the cause of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. His name is still honoured in Greece.
Ironically, considering its aristocratic history, the earlier meaning of the surname Byron comes from an Old English phrase meaning "at the byres or cowsheds." It indicated someone who looked after the cattle and also lived among them – perhaps the nearest modern equivalent is "cowman" or "herdsman."
Ironically, considering its aristocratic history, the earlier meaning of the surname Byron comes from an Old English phrase meaning "at the byres or cowsheds." It indicated someone who looked after the cattle and also lived among them – perhaps the nearest modern equivalent is "cowman" or "herdsman."
