The surname Beals has origins in different regions and cultures. One possibility is that it is derived from the English surname Beale or Beal, which itself is derived from the Old English word "bealu" meaning "evil," "trouble," or "misery."
However, another possibility is that Beals could also have Scottish roots. In Scotland, the surname Beals may be a variant of the surname Beaton, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Bethad or MacBheatha.
Overall, the origin of the last name Beals can vary depending on the specific family history and geographical location. It is recommended to research deeper into their specific family history or consult with a professional genealogist for more accurate information.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Beals
The meaning and origin of the last name Beals
The surname Beals is of English origin and has at least two possible meanings. One possible origin is derived from a habitational name referring to someone who lived in a place called Beal or Beale. These places are found in various English counties, such as Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, and Devon. Another possible origin is a variant spelling of the surname Beale, which is derived from the Old English word "beo," meaning "bee," and "hyll," meaning "hill." This suggests that the name could have originated as a topographic name for someone living near a hill frequented by bees. Variations of the surname include Beale, Beall, Beale, and Bealefield, among others. The Beals surname can be found in various English-speaking countries today, with notable individuals carrying this name in fields such as art, literature, and academia.
Geographical distribution of the last name Beals
The last name Beals is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and England. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals carrying the surname Beals can be found in the northeastern states, with significant populations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Beals is a relatively rare surname, accounting for a small percentage of the overall population.
In Canada, the distribution of the last name Beals is more evenly spread out, with notable concentrations in the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. This distribution can be attributed to historical migration patterns and settlement of English-speaking populations.
In England, Beals is found across various regions as well, although it is not as common as some other surnames. Counties such as Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent have recorded instances of individuals with the last name Beals.
Overall, while the surname Beals is not widely distributed, its presence is significant in certain regions of the United States, Canada, and England.
Variants and spellings of the last name Beals
The last name Beals can have several variations and alternative spellings. Some common variations include Beal, Beale, Beall, and Beals. These variations may be regional or derived from different branches of the same family. The Beal spelling is more prevalent in England, while Beale and Beall are frequently found in the United States. Beals, on the other hand, can be seen as a simplified version of the name or a phonetic rendering. Throughout history, different spellings have emerged due to variations in pronunciation, regional accents, or clerical errors. This can make genealogical research a bit challenging, as the name could have been written in different ways in different records. Regardless of the spelling, the surname Beals, along with its variations, has a long and rich history, with many individuals proudly carrying on the name to this day.
Famous people with the last name Beals
One of the famous individuals with the last name Beals is Jennifer Beals, a renowned American actress. She gained immense popularity for her role in the iconic movie "Flashdance" (1983), where she portrayed the talented dancer Alex Owens. Beals' electrifying performance in the film propelled her to stardom and earned her critical acclaim. Throughout her career, she starred in various successful movies and TV series, including "The L Word" and "Chicago Code," showcasing her versatility as an actress. Jennifer Beals is not only an accomplished performer but also an advocate for social issues, actively raising awareness on several causes. Her profound impact in the entertainment industry and her commitment to making a difference have solidified her status as a much-loved and influential figure.
Genealogical research on the last name Beals
The surname Beals is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "bele," meaning beautiful or fair. The Beals family has a long and fascinating history, with its earliest known origins tracing back to the county of Lancashire in England. It is believed that the Beals name originated as a nickname for someone with a fair complexion, denoting their beautiful or attractive appearance.
In the United States, the Beals family has a significant presence, particularly in New England. Many Beals families can trace their roots to Simon Beals, who immigrated from England to Massachusetts in the mid-17th century. Over time, the Beals surname has branched out into various regions, with notable individuals making a mark in different fields such as politics, literature, and business.
Genealogical research on the Beals surname involves tracing the lineage of individuals with this last name, exploring family connections, and discovering ancestral origins to uncover a comprehensive family tree. Through thorough research and documentation, genealogists can help individuals understand their heritage and connect with their Beals relatives worldwide.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Bea" is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word "beau," meaning handsome or beautiful. It is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone w...
The surname Beaber is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "beber," meaning "beaver." It is likely an occupational surname for someone who worked as a beaver ...
The surname Beabout is believed to have originated from England. It is a locational surname derived from the Old English words "be," meaning "by" or "near," and "bot," meaning "bai...
The surname "Beach" has English and German origins. In English, it is a topographic name for someone who lived by a beech tree or beech-wood, derived from the Old English word "bec...
The surname "Beach" is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "bece" meaning beech tree. The addition of "brothers" suggests a family relationship or a shared sur...
The last name "Beach Road" is likely of English origin. It is a toponymic surname, derived from the geographical features of a beach and a road. Toponymic surnames were often used ...
The last name Beachan is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name Beathán, which means "life" or "vitality." It is believed to have originated from the area...
The surname Beachel is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "beche" meaning "beech tree" and the suffix "-el" indicating "little", denoting someone who liv...
The surname Beacher is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "bece," meaning "brook" or "stream," and is likely to have been a topographic name for someone who...
The surname Beachfest is of English origin. It is likely a combination of the word "beach" referring to a sandy shore by the sea or a lake, and "fest" which could be a variation of...
The last name Beachler is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "bücheler," meaning "bookseller" or "scribe." The name likely originated as an occupatio...
The surname Beachum is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "beo" meaning bee and "cumb" meaning valley or hollow. It is believed to have originally been a topogra...
The surname Beachy is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "bec", meaning stream or brook, and "leah", meaning woodland or clearing. This suggests that the or...
