Last Name Baverel

The surname Baverel is believed to have originated from France. It's a habitational name derived from various places called Baverel or Bavent, found in the Orne and Calvados regions. The name likely comes from the Old French word "bave," meaning "ditch" or "moat," which refers to the topographical features of these places. As with many surnames, it was often a means of identification, particularly during the Middle Ages when people often had common names and lived in areas where several families had the same name. The adoption of hereditary surnames became more widespread as populations grew and communities expanded.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Baverel

The meaning and origin of the last name Baverel

The surname Baverel is believed to have originated from France, particularly Normandy, where it was initially a nickname derived from an Old French word "baverol" or "baverou," meaning a babbler or chatterer. Over time, this nickname evolved into a hereditary name, passed down from one generation to the next. The Baverel surname is relatively rare, but it has been found among settlers in England and later in America, particularly New England. Variations of the name also exist, such as Baverell, Beverall, and Beverley, reflecting variations in spelling that were common during the Middle Ages due to differences in regional dialects and scribes' interpretations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Baverel

The surname Baverel is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Normandy region, where it originates from. It's also been recorded in regions such as Picardy and Brittany. The name is associated with the village of Baverel in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Over time, the family has dispersed, and some Baverel descendants can now be found in other parts of France and even overseas, due to migration. In recent years, individuals with the surname Baverel have also been located in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, reflecting their diaspora from their French roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Baverel

The surname Baverel has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variants include Baverell, Beverell, Bevorall, Bevorral, Beveril, Beverill, Beverle, Beverley, Beverly, Beaverell, Beaverill, and Beaverley. These variations may have originated due to spelling inconsistencies in historical records, regional dialects, or errors during transcription. The name is likely of English origin and could be derived from a place name meaning "beaver stream" or "beaver pool." It's also possible that it is a nickname for someone associated with a beaver, such as a trapper or hunter. Despite the variations, they all share a common root in the Old English word "beofor," meaning "beaver."

Famous people with the last name Baverel

Notable individuals with the surname Baverel include:

1. Peter Baverel (born 1946), a French archaeologist and prehistorian, known for his research on the Neolithic and Bronze Age societies in Europe.
2. Gilles Baverel (born 1971), a French politician who has served as Mayor of Montpellier since 2014.
3. Claude Baverel (born 1956), a Swiss chemist, known for his contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry and the discovery of several antiviral drugs.
4. Alain Baverel (born 1950), a French philosopher and professor at the University of Lausanne, who specializes in ancient philosophy, particularly that of Aristotle and Plato.
5. Jean Baverel (1876-1950), a Swiss geologist who made significant contributions to the study of the Alps, including the identification of several major tectonic structures.

Genealogical research on the last name Baverel

The surname Baverel is of Norman origin and is believed to have derived from a place named Baveru in Calvados, France. It is a locative name, indicating someone who was from that place. The name has been variously spelled as Beverell, Beaverell, Baverell, and other variations over the centuries.

The Baverel family is known to have migrated to England with William the Conqueror in 1066, where they held lands in several counties, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset. The family's historical presence can be traced through various records such as the Domesday Book, early census records, and church records.

Notable individuals with the surname Baverel include John Beverell, a Member of Parliament for Honiton in Devon during the late 17th century, and Sir Richard Baverstock Baverstock, a British general who served in the colonial army in India during the 19th century.

The Baverel family has also been associated with Cornwall's mining industry, with many members working as miners or mine agents throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The name is still prevalent today, primarily in the southwest of England.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "baverel"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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