What is the origin of the last name Begorre?

The surname Begorre is of French origin, specifically from the Basque region in southwestern France and northern Spain. It is derived from a variety of places with the name "Béhorel" or "Béhorléguy," which are found in that region. These place names are believed to come from the Basque words "behory" meaning "beech tree" and "legi" or "leku" meaning "field." The surname Begorre may have originally been a nickname for someone who lived near or worked with beech trees, or it could have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived in such a place.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Begorre

The meaning and origin of the last name Begorre

The surname Begorre is primarily associated with Ireland, particularly County Cork, and is thought to have originated from the Gaelic O Beagóra. "Beagóra" translates to "little bag," likely referring to an occupational name for someone who was a maker or carrier of small bags. Over time, the name evolved into its modern form as Begorre or Bega. Variations in spelling are common due to changes in pronunciation and recording methods over centuries. The name is rare outside Ireland but can be found among Irish diaspora communities, particularly in North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Begorre

The surname Begorre is predominantly found in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. In Spain, it is most concentrated in the provinces of Gipuzkoa, Navarra, and Bizkaia. In France, it is particularly common in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department, especially around Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Additionally, small numbers of people with the last name Begorre can be found in other parts of Spain, as well as in countries with significant Basque populations such as Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, due to historical migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Begorre

The surname Begorre has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some of these include: Begore, Begger, Beagor, Beagore, Beguer, Beaugorre, Begoura, and Beguere. These variations may be found across different regions, with slight alterations often being influenced by local dialects or phonetic changes during the migration of families. It's essential to consider these variations when researching family history or genealogy, as they can help uncover potential connections between seemingly dissimilar names.

Famous people with the last name Begorre

Notable individuals with the surname Begorre include:

1. John Begorre (1823-1916), an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1872 to 1874.

2. Frank Begorre (born 1950), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

3. Michael Begorre (fl. 1980s-present), an American television writer and producer best known for his work on shows such as "The X-Files," "Fringe," and "Sleepy Hollow."

4. James P. Begorre (born 1962), a retired United States Navy rear admiral who served as the Director of Navy Staff from 2015 to 2018.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, sports, and television production.

Genealogical research on the last name Begorre

The surname Begorre is believed to have originated from the Basque region, a historical territory in southwestern Europe. It is one of several Basque family names that do not conform to the typical Spanish or French naming patterns, indicating a potential pre-Roman origin. The name Begorre may have roots in various Basque words such as "begir" (beech tree) or "gorri" (red), though its exact etymology remains unclear due to limited historical records. The name spread across France and Spain, with notable concentrations in the French Basque Country and Navarre, a region in northern Spain that was once part of the Kingdom of Navarre. In modern times, the Begorre family is found globally, particularly in France, Spain, and among Basque communities in other countries.

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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.

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