Last Name Beech

The surname "Beech" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "bece," which means "beech tree." It was used both as a topographical name for someone who lived near beech trees or a person who lived by a beech-covered area, and also as a locational name for someone who hailed from a place named after the beech tree. Over time, variations of the surname, such as Beach and Beecher, have also emerged.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beech

The meaning and origin of the last name Beech

The surname Beech is of English origin and derives from the Middle English word "bech" or "becche", meaning "beech tree". It is a topographic surname given to someone who either lived near a beech tree or worked with beech wood. The beech tree, native to Europe, is known for its smooth bark, delicate leaves, and strong timber, making it valuable for furniture making, carpentry, and fuel. Therefore, individuals with the surname Beech were likely associated with professions related to the beech tree or lived in areas where these trees were abundant. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have undergone variations, such as Beech, Bech, Beach, or Beeche. The Beech surname is found throughout England and can be traced back to medieval times, with records of individuals bearing this name dating back to the 13th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beech

The last name Beech has a relatively small geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the name Beech is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. It also has a notable presence in the midwestern states of Illinois and Ohio. Canada has a smaller concentration of individuals with the last name Beech, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. Outside of North America, the last name Beech is less prevalent, but can be found in certain regions in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. Overall, while the distribution of the surname Beech is relatively limited, it is predominantly found in North America, with the United States and Canada being the primary countries of residence for individuals with this last name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beech

The last name Beech may have a few variations and spellings depending on different regions or historical origins. One possible variation is "Beach," which is an alternate spelling that has arisen over time. Other variations may include "Beeche," "Beche," or "Beecha." Some of these variations might be the result of regional accents or dialects, while others could be the product of clerical errors during record-keeping processes. It is not uncommon to find variations in surnames due to the pronunciation or scribe's interpretation of the name. Furthermore, as families spread across different countries or continents, their names may have undergone further changes to adapt to local languages and customs. Despite these different variations and spellings, they all likely share a common ancestral origin and can be considered part of the Beech family name.

Famous people with the last name Beech

One notable figure with the last name Beech is Matt Beech. He is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada, born in 1969. Beech played as a forward in the National Hockey League (NHL) and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his career, he also played for other NHL teams such as the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and Vancouver Canucks. Although he did not attain superstar status, Beech left a mark in the world of ice hockey. Another famous Beech is Taylor Beech, an American soccer player. Born in 1991, Beech has played for prestigious clubs such as the Columbus Crew SC, Chicago Fire, and D.C. United in Major League Soccer (MLS). He is highly regarded for his versatility, being able to play both as a defender and a midfielder. Taylor Beech's presence on the field has made him a respected figure in American soccer circles. These are just a couple of examples of famous individuals with the last name Beech, each achieving recognition in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Beech

The surname Beech, derived from Old English origin, is a topographical name for someone who lived near a beech tree or in a beech wood. The roots of the name can be traced back to the pre-7th century era. Beech is considered a locational name, associated with places in various counties like Berkshire, Essex, and Bedfordshire in England. The name has seen several spelling variations over the years, including Beech, Beeche, Beach, Beche, and others. The first recorded instance of the name appears in 1260 with the mention of a Henry atte Beche in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire. Notable individuals with the surname Beech include John Beech, a famous 19th-century sculptor, and Robert Beech, a British Royal Navy officer. Beech genealogy reveals a wide distribution of the name across England, but further research is required to determine the specific family lineages and branches associated with the surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Beech"
• 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

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