My maiden name is LINN...since my starting this genealogical research endeavor; the last name Linn has been a central name out of Scotland. I find that there is two places of origin of Linn name. This analogy is based on my DNA and Ged Match. What is interesting is how the Linn name changed over the generations. What is even more fascinating is the Linn name is considered a Sept of the Boyd clan out of Scotland. "Sept is a noun: A division of a clan, esp. in the ancient clans of Ireland. The definition says it is extended family of the Irish Clans; however, it appears that has been used by the Scots. Clan Boyd is a Scottish clan and is recognized as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.[3] Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 76 - 77. " There is two historians that have two different points of view on the Boyd name origin just like the Linn/Lynn (old English did use "Y" instead of "I", reference used is Metcalfs' English Grammar, Authors Robert and Thomas Metcalf, printed by American Book Company 1896. "'Vowels and Consonants are sounds...W and y are also called vowels, except when immediately followed by a vowel and the same syllable."') The two ethnic avenues is Norman and Saxon. The Gaelic belief is the BOYD clan is of Celtic origin. I encourage people to consider how over the generations and their migration paths surnames have been anglicized. Grammar is essentially words with sounds and how a native country would enunciate. Andrew Lynn (Linn) in Dalry (Dairy) was described in another charter as Lord of that Ilk, meaning lord of a property of the same name as his family name.[3] Shaw, M.S., W.S., Ed., Some Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston, Edinburgh (1925), pp. 3-4) The other component of the Linn/Lynn name it is associated with Loch Lynn; however, today the only Loch Linnhe in Scotland."Loch Linnhe (/lɒx ˈlɪni/) is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland. The part upstream of Corran is known in Gaelic as An Linne Dhubh (the black pool, originally known as Loch Abar), and downstream as An Linne Sheileach (the salty pool). The name Linnhe is derived from the Gaelic word linne, meaning "pool".[1] Omand (2004), p. 246. Omand, Donald (2004), The Argyll Book, Birlinn, ISBN 978-1-84158-253-5. The southern part of the loch is wider, and its branch southeast of the island of Lismore is known as the Lynn of Lorne. Loch Eil feeds into Loch Linnhe at the latter's northernmost point, while from the east Loch Leven feeds in the loch just downstream of Corran and Loch Creran feeds into the Lynn of Lorne." Wikipedia now under of Creative Commons Licensing is an online reference resource) This presents the rational/reasoning for the Linn/Lynn name per "'The name Boyd is said to be descriptive, being derived from the Scottish Gaelic buidh which means fair or yellow.[3] The progenitor is said to have been Robert, who was the nephew of Walter fitz Alan, the first High Steward of Scotland.[3] This theory however is challenged by genealogist, William Anderson, who points out that most of the friends and dependents of the High Stewards were of Norman origin and it is therefore unlikely that they would use a Celtic nickname for one of their own family.[3] Anderson believed the name to be of either Norman or Saxon origin.[3] The historian, George Fraser Black, asserts that the first Boyds were vassals of a Norman family, the de Morvilles, for their lands around Largs and Irvine.[3][4] Black also states that the surname Boyd may be derived from the Scottish Gaelic for the Isle of Bute which is Bod.[4] Black gives an example of the Marquess of Bute in Scottish Gaelic being Morair Bhoid.[4] Modern sources give the Isle of Bute in Scottish Gaelic as Eilean Bhòid.[5]

In 1205 Robert de Boyd (or Robertus de Boyd)[4] witnessed a contract between the Lord of Eglinton and the burgh of Irvine.[3][4] Robert de Boyte is listed on the Ragman Rolls, giving homage to Edward I of England in 1296.[3]
Resources-- Clan Boyd Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 4 November 2013. Jump up ^ Clan Boyd Septs clanboyd.org. Retrieved 26 November 2014. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 76 - 77. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Black, George Fraser. (1946). The surnames of Scotland, their origin meaning and history. p. 94.

Ragman Rolls refers to the collection of instruments by which the nobility and gentry of Scotland subscribed allegiance to King Edward I of England, during the time between the Conference of Norham in May 1291 and the final award in favour of Balliol in November 1292; and again in 1296. Of the former of these records two copies were preserved in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey (now in The National Archives (United Kingdom) at Kew), and it has been printed by Rymer (Foedera, ~i. 542). Another copy, preserved originally in the Tower of London, is now also in The National Archives. RAGMAN ROLLS also includes the name of Waultier De Lynne, who is coined as being the progenitor of Linn/Lynn name. This is still in question. The conflict in my family tree is paternal line does not lead back to Waultier De Lynne; however, my maternal line goes back to de Morvilles which is not related to the paternal line.