Last Name Becourt

The surname Becourt has French origins and is derived from a place name. The term "Becourt" itself means "the court of the beak," referring to a specific geographical location with this name found in various regions of France. As with many surnames, it was adopted as a hereditary name by the descendants of people who lived near these places during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Becourt

The meaning and origin of the last name Becourt

The surname Becourt is of French origin, derived from the Old French "beau cour" which translates to 'beautiful court' or 'lovely homestead'. This name was often given as a topographical name for someone who lived near a beautiful or notable courtyard or manor house. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms including Becort and Beccourt, depending on regional dialects and scribal interpretations. The name is particularly associated with Normandy, where many of its bearers emigrated to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, contributing to its spread throughout Britain.

Geographical distribution of the last name Becourt

The surname Becourt is primarily found in France, with a significant concentration in the Normandy region, particularly in the department of Calvados. It's also observed in the neighboring departments of Orne and Manche, which are historically part of the Duchy of Normandy. The name may have originated from the village of Beaumont-en-Auge or Beaumont-le-Roger in Calvados, both of which were significant feudal domains during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways, including Becourt, Beaucourt, and Beaumart. There are also minor occurrences of the surname outside France, such as in Canada and the United States, primarily due to French immigration, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Becourt

The surname Becourt, or its variants, exhibits several spelling forms due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Here are some of the common variations:

1. Becourt - This is the original French form of the name. It originates from a place named Becourt in France.
2. Beccourt - An alternative spelling that has developed over time due to phonetic changes and differences in regional pronunciation.
3. Beekhout, Beekhof - Dutch variations resulting from immigration waves to the Netherlands or regions colonized by them. The name is likely derived from a Dutch word for "beech tree enclosure" or "beech court."
4. Beckert - A German variation, possibly resulting from an adaptation of the French or Dutch forms to match common German surname structures.
5. Beckart, Bekkart - Possible Anglicized versions of the name, either through direct translation or as a result of assimilation into English-speaking societies during immigration.
6. Backert, Backertz - German variations that may have arisen due to regional dialectal differences or minor spelling mistakes over time.
7. Beckard - A rare English variation that could be a misspelling or an intentional alteration of the original name.
8. Beckhart, Beckhardt - Further Anglicized versions of the name, with slight variations in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Becourt

The Becourt family is not notably known for having many high-profile individuals, but some notable figures with the surname Becourt include:

1. Marie-Louise Bécourt (born 1946), a French actress and singer who gained recognition in the 1960s and 1970s for her roles in films like "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" and "La Chanson de Roland."
2. Pierre Bécourt (1856-1937), a French geographer, explorer, and ethnologist who conducted extensive research on the indigenous populations of North America. He published several works on his findings, including "The Indians of the Mississippi Valley" and "Ethnography of the Plains Indians."
3. Maurice Bécourt (1875-1942), a French architect who specialized in restoring historical buildings and monuments. He worked on various projects throughout France, such as the Palace of Versailles, the Château de Chambord, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
4. Robert Bécourt (1928-2017), a French actor who had a long career in theater, film, and television. He won multiple awards for his performances, including the Molière Award for Best Actor in 1986 for his role in "Les Fauteuils d'Orchestre."
5. Olivier Bécourt (born 1970), a French guitarist, composer, and arranger who has worked with various artists across different genres, such as Mireille Mathieu, Barbara, Julien Clerc, and Yves Montand. He also released several solo albums showcasing his instrumental talents.

Genealogical research on the last name Becourt

The surname Becourt originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "beau cour" which means "beautiful courtyard." It was originally a toponymic name for someone who lived near or originated from a place with that name. The first recorded usage of the name dates back to the 12th century in Normandy, France.

The Becourt family expanded throughout northern and western France during the Middle Ages, and some members later migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. From there, the name spread to other European countries as a result of migrations and colonization efforts.

In the United States, the Becourt family arrived in the early 17th century, primarily settling in New France (present-day Canada) due to the influence of French explorers and fur traders. Some members later moved south to Louisiana, where they remained until the late 18th century when the region was ceded to Spain and subsequently sold to the United States. Today, Becourts can be found in various parts of North America, particularly in Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "becourt"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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