Last Name Beddiar

The surname Beddiar is of Cornish origin. In Cornwall, England, the name is derived from the Old Cornish term "bedhier," which means "bead-maker." It was a common occupational surname in medieval times and can be found among various populations that share Cornish ancestry or have been influenced by it, such as those living in the Isle of Man, Jersey, and certain parts of Wales. However, it's important to note that family names often evolved over time due to factors like spelling variations, migration, and cultural assimilation, so the origin may not always be straightforward or strictly limited to one region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beddiar

The meaning and origin of the last name Beddiar

The surname Beddiar is believed to have origins in Cornwall, England, where it has been traced back to the late Middle Ages. The name is thought to be derived from the Old Cornish "bedy" meaning 'bed' or 'grave' and "ar" meaning 'high place', suggesting an original location near a high ground with a grave or burial site associated with it. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, but its Cornish roots remain evident. Notable figures with the Beddiar surname include the Cornish poet Jack Clemo, who was born in 1909, and the rugby union player John Beddia, who played for England in the late 20th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beddiar

The surname Beddiar is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, where it originates from the Berber tribes. The name is also present in Algeria and Tunisia, due to historical migration patterns and cultural ties between these countries. In addition, there are notable Beddiar communities in France and Belgium, primarily among the Maghrebi diaspora. There are also instances of the surname in other parts of the world, such as Canada and the United States, where individuals with Moroccan heritage may have emigrated or immigrated from these regions. However, the highest concentrations of the Beddiar surname remain in North Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beddiar

The surname Bediarr has several variations and spellings, some of which include Bediar, Bedher, Bediah, Bedair, and Bedeer. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation over time. The origin of the name is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be of Arabic descent, potentially meaning "son of Bedi", although this is just one of several theories about its etymology. It's important to note that surnames can change and evolve throughout history due to factors like migration, cultural assimilation, and recording errors. As a result, there may be multiple families with different origins sharing the same or similar surname.

Famous people with the last name Beddiar

Notable individuals sharing the last name Beddiares include:

1. Rashid Beddiaf (born 1986), an Algerian footballer who played for various clubs in France, including Olympique Lyonnais and Montpellier HSC.
2. Albert Beddia (1930-2005), a French composer and pianist known for his work in contemporary classical music. His compositions include ballets, operas, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and film scores.
3. Moustapha Bedjaoui (born 1947), an Algerian politician who served as Foreign Minister of Algeria from 2006 to 2012. He previously held positions such as Ambassador to France and Belgium, as well as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
4. Djamel Beddiaf (born 1975), a French kickboxer and former world champion in full contact karate. He won numerous titles during his career, including the ISKA World Full Contact Heavyweight Championship and the WAKO European Championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Beddiar

The Beddiar surname is primarily found in the regions of Brittany and Normandy, France. The name has several variations including Bedier, Bédard, Bédarie, Beaudry, and Badier. It is believed to originate from the Old French "bede" meaning "pride" or "honor," and "d'Ar" meaning "from Ar." Some early records indicate that the name may have been used as a nickname for someone who was proud or had honor. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Beddiar family is in Normandy during the 14th century. Notable members include Jacques Beddar, a French Huguenot who emigrated to America and settled in New Amsterdam (present-day New York) in the early 17th century. The Beddiars have also been recorded as settling in Canada and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "beddiar"
• 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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