The name Floyd is an English given name derived from an Old English surname that referred to someone who lived near a stream or floodplain. It is thought to have originated from the Old English word "flod," meaning "flood" or "stream."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Floyd dates back to the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Flode," which was likely a nickname for someone living near a body of water.

Throughout history, the name Floyd has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Floyd Nolan (c. 1395-1468), an English nobleman and military commander who fought in the Hundred Years' War. Another early bearer of the name was Floyd Vaughan (c. 1560-1597), a Welsh politician and member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 19th century, the name gained popularity in the United States. One of the most famous individuals with the name was Floyd Mayweather Sr. (born 1952), an American professional boxer and the father of the legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. Another notable Floyd was Floyd Cramer (1933-1997), an American pianist and musician best known for his hit song "Last Date."

The name also has ties to the world of literature. One of the most famous literary figures named Floyd was Floyd Dell (1887-1969), an American novelist, playwright, and journalist who was a leading figure in the Chicago Renaissance literary movement.

In the realm of science and technology, Floyd Ratliff (1919-1998) was an American neurophysiologist known for his research on the visual system and the Ratliff equation, which describes the response of retinal neurons to light.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Floyd, a name with a rich heritage and a unique connection to the natural world.