Last Name Beasley

The surname Beasley is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically either from the villages of Beasley in Staffordshire or Beasley near Royston in Hertfordshire, England. The name is believed to come from the Old English words "beo," meaning "bee," and "leah," meaning "woodland" or "clearing." Therefore, the name Beasley can be interpreted to mean "clearing or woodland frequented by bees." Over time, individuals who were associated with or lived near these locations adopted the surname Beasley, which eventually became hereditary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beasley

The meaning and origin of the last name Beasley

The surname Beasley has its roots in the Old English language and is of locational origin. Derived from the name of a place, it refers to someone who originally came from Beasley, which is believed to have been located in either the counties of Berkshire or Devon in England. The name Beasley is a combination of two elements: "beo," meaning "bee," and "leah," meaning "clearing or meadow." This suggests that the original location was a clearing or meadow where there were a considerable number of bees. Over time, individuals who resided in or near Beasley adopted the name as their own surname, passing it down through generations. The surname Beasley has variations such as Beazley and Beasly, but they all share the same origin and significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beasley

The last name Beasley has a fairly widespread geographical distribution, with concentrations primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the surname Beasley is most common in the southern states, particularly in Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina. These areas have historically been associated with large numbers of Beasley families, likely due to early settlers with the name and subsequent generations remaining in the region. Additionally, significant populations of Beasleys can be found in Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. In the United Kingdom, Beasley is primarily found in England, particularly in the central regions such as Oxfordshire and Staffordshire. Other countries also have smaller populations of Beasleys, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, likely as a result of migration patterns. Overall, while the surname Beasley exhibits a certain degree of geographical concentration, it also has a widespread presence in multiple countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beasley

The last name Beasley has a few variations and spellings that have developed over time. Some common variations include Baisley, Beesley, and Beazley. These variations have stemmed from different regional dialects, pronunciations, and spelling changes that have occurred through migration and genealogical lines. Additionally, there are occasional spelling alterations such as Beesly, Beesleigh, and Bezelie. These variations in spelling can be attributed to individual preferences or clerical errors throughout historical records. It is important to note that these variations do not alter the overall meaning or origin of the name Beasley, which is derived from Old English and means "Beaver meadow." Despite the various spellings and minor changes, families with these last names often share a common ancestral heritage and can trace their roots back to the original Beasley name.

Famous people with the last name Beasley

One famous individual with the last name Beasley is Michael Beasley, a renowned professional basketball player. Born in 1989, Beasley played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats before being selected as the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. Throughout his career, Beasley has played for multiple NBA teams, displaying his talent as a versatile power forward. Another well-known figure with the last name Beasley is Cole Beasley. Born in 1989 as well, Cole is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his speed and agility, Beasley has been an integral part of the Bills' offense since joining the team in 2019, and his exceptional route-running skills have earned him recognition as one of the league's top slot receivers.

Genealogical research on the last name Beasley

The Beasley surname has its roots in England. The earliest recorded instances of this surname can be traced back to the 13th century. The name is derived from the Old English words "beo," meaning bee, and "leah," meaning meadow or clearing. It is believed that this surname originally referred to someone who lived near a bee meadow or who had a connection to bees or beekeeping.

The Beasley family name spread to various parts of the world over time, with significant populations found in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the Beasley surname can be found dating back to the early colonial period, with individuals settling in Virginia, Georgia, and other southern states. Throughout history, the Beasley family has been involved in a wide range of occupations, including farming, fishing, mining, and even political leadership.

Genealogical research on the Beasley surname offers a fascinating glimpse into the lineage and history of this family name, providing valuable insights for those seeking to explore their ancestral connections to the Beasley name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Beasley"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends