There are two distinct branches of this family in Ireland. The first would be closely associated with the north of the country, in particular Co. Donegal where Boyle is the third most popular surname. The second branch of the family is connected to the province of Munster in the south of the country, and was begun by a Richard Boyle who became known as the first colonial millionaire. The name would be most closely associated with County Donegal. Boyle is one of the fifty most common surnames in Ireland. |