Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Begin

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Begin?

The origin of the last name "Begin" is primarily Jewish. It is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word "begin," which means "bezalel" or "gift." It is often associated with the tribe of Levi, especially in Eastern European Jewish communities.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Begin

The meaning and origin of the last name Begin

The surname Begin is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "begin," meaning "youth" or "youngster." It is an occupational surname that was likely given to someone who worked with or had a youthful spirit.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the surname Begin is derived from the Norman personal name "Begin," which was composed of the elements "beu" meaning "fair" or "beautiful," and "gin" meaning "race" or "kind." This suggests that the name could have been used to describe someone of noble or attractive lineage.

Another possible origin of the surname Begin is from the Alsace region of France. As the region changed hands between Germany and France multiple times throughout history, it is conceivable that the surname may have Germanic roots as well.

Overall, the surname Begin has multiple potential origins and its meaning can be associated with youth, beauty, nobility, or a Germanic heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Begin

The last name "Begin" is predominantly found in the countries of France and Canada, with significant populations also present in Israel, the United States, and Belgium. In France, the name is particularly concentrated in the region of Brittany, where it originated. The Canadian province of Quebec is home to a large number of individuals with the last name Begin, primarily due to French immigration and settlement in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name also holds importance in Israel, where it is primarily associated with individuals of Jewish descent. Some members of the Begin family migrated to the United States, primarily settling in states with significant French-Canadian populations such as Maine and Massachusetts. Additionally, a notable number of individuals with the last name Begin reside in Belgium, potentially stemming from historical migratory patterns or familial ties to France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Begin

The last name begin has multiple variations and spellings depending on cultural and regional backgrounds. Some common variations include Began, Beggin, Biggin, Beejhen, Bagin, Beginn, and Begun. These variations might arise due to accents, dialects, or historical changes in the family's language. For instance, Began might be a spelling more commonly found in Ireland, while Beginn could be of German origin. Additionally, these variations could also be influenced by transliteration or transcription errors when documents are being created or recorded. Some spellings may even be specific to certain time periods or branches of the family. It is essential to consider the specific context and individual family history when researching or tracing a last name like begin in order to account for its wide range of variations and spellings.

Famous people with the last name Begin

There are numerous famous individuals who have made a significant impact on various fields and professions, and their last names begin with 'Begin.' One prominent figure is Menachem Begin, an Israeli politician and Nobel laureate who served as the country's sixth Prime Minister. Begin played a crucial role in shaping Israeli politics, advocating for his country's security and peace with neighboring states. Another well-known individual is Zachary Begin, a talented Canadian actor recognized for his roles in popular television series such as "Rogue" and "Kim's Convenience." Beginning his career in theater, he later expanded his repertoire to include film and television, showcasing his exceptional acting abilities. Furthermore, Alisa Begin is a renowned interior designer and entrepreneur, celebrated for her exquisite designs and innovative concepts. Begin's unique style and meticulous attention to detail have made her a sought-after designer in the industry. These notable figures with the last name 'Begin' have left their mark and continue to inspire others in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Begin

Genealogical research on the surname Begin traces its origins back to France. The name is derived from the Old French word "begin" which means "to begin" or "to commence." It likely originated as a nickname for someone who was considered a newcomer or someone who began a new venture or occupation. The earliest documented records of the Begin surname date back to the 16th century in the regions of Normandy and Brittany in France. Over time, some individuals bearing the name migrated to other countries, including Canada where the Begin name is fairly common today. The Begin family has also dispersed to the United States, particularly to New England and the Midwest. Genealogical research on the Begin surname involves tracing various family lines, identifying notable individuals or branches, and connecting different family members across generations to create a comprehensive family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Bega

Last name • surnames > bega

The last name "Bega" is of Romanian origin and is derived from the name of a town in Romania called Bega. The town is located in the historic region of Banat in western Romania. Th...

#2 Begam pura

Last name • surnames > begam-pura

The origin of the last name Begam Pura is likely to be from India. Begam is a title used to address a female member of royalty or nobility in some South Asian countries, while Pura...

#3 Began

Last name • surnames > began

The surname "Began" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "begon," which means to give or to distribute. The name likely originated as an occupational su...

#4 Beganaj

Last name • surnames > beganaj

The last name "Beganaj" is of Albanian origin. It is a relatively rare surname that is mostly found in Albania and among Albanian communities around the world. In Albanian, the nam...

#5 Beganovic

Last name • surnames > beganovic

The surname "Beganovic" is of Bosnian origin. It is derived from the Bosnian word "beg," meaning "lord" or "chief," combined with the suffix "-ovic," indicating "son of." Therefore...

#6 Begashawo

Last name • surnames > begashawo

The surname Begashawo originates from Ethiopia. It is of Amharic origin and is a common surname among the Amhara people of Ethiopia. The name likely has a meaning or significance i...

#7 Begaum

Last name • surnames > begaum

The surname Begaum has origins in the Arabic word "begum," which means lady or noblewoman. It is often used as an honorific title for wives of high-ranking officials or royalty in ...

#8 Begawan

Last name • surnames > begawan

The last name Begawan is believed to have originated in Indonesia, where it is a common Malay or Javanese surname. In Malay and Javanese culture, "Begawan" typically refers to a re...

#9 Begay

Last name • surnames > begay

The surname "Begay" is of Native American origin, specifically associated with the Navajo people. In the Navajo language, it is spelled "Béégáy" and means "one who is always mis...

#10 Begaye

Last name • surnames > begaye

The last name Begaye is of Native American origin, specifically Navajo. It is derived from the Navajo word "biye" which means "his son."

#11 Begdade

Last name • surnames > begdade

The last name "begdade" is of Arabic origin, specifically deriving from the Arabic word "بقدادة" which may refer to a specific place or tribe in the Middle East.

#12 Begdekow

Last name • surnames > begdekow

The last name "begdekow" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with a specific regional or cultural backg...

#13 Begdouri

Last name • surnames > begdouri

The surname Begdouri is of Arabic origin and is derived from the Arabic name "Abu al-Dhūriy" which means "the father of the dwellers." It is a common surname among North African A...

#14 Begeal

Last name • surnames > begeal

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

#15 Begega

Last name • surnames > begega

The surname "Begega" is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the original surname Beggia, which is primarily found in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise in central Italy. The name ...