Boswell is a Scottish surname derived from the Old Norse word 'búi', meaning 'dweller at the farmstead'. It likely originated as an occupational name for farmers who lived on land owned by the Bui family. First recorded in the 13th century, notable early bearers include Sir Alexander Boswell of Auchinleck, Sheriff of Ayrshire around 1296. Prominent figures associated with this surname include James Boswell (1740-1795), biographer of Samuel Johnson, and his son Alexander Boswell (1762-1840), a lawyer known for his wit and eloquence.