Boyds

Boyds is a name used for several places and as a surname. The best-known geographic use in the United States is Boyds, Maryland, a census-designated place in Montgomery County. Located in the western part of the county, it lies near the Potomac River within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Historically a rural crossroads, the community has experienced suburban growth while retaining rural character in parts of the area.

In addition to Maryland, the name appears in other toponyms and in the history of family names. Boyds is of Scottish origin as a surname and has been borne by notable individuals in politics, science, and the arts. Various places beyond Maryland, in North America and elsewhere, have been named Boyds, often in honor of people with the Boyd surname. The term also appears in business and cultural contexts as part of company names, brands, or organizations.

Because Boyds covers several distinct places and uses, the meaning depends on context. When encountered in writing or speech, it typically requires contextual clues to determine whether the reference is to a specific place, a person, or an organization.