Last Name Bejart

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bejart

The meaning and origin of the last name Bejart

The surname Bejart is believed to have French origins, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French "beah" meaning "beech tree," and the diminutive suffix "-art," which means little or small. This suggests that an early ancestor may have lived near a beech tree or was nicknamed for some characteristic resembling this tree, such as having a slender or tall stature. The name was brought to various European countries during the Middle Ages due to migration and conquests, and it has since become common in several countries, including Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bejart

The surname Bejart is predominantly found in French-speaking regions due to its origins in Belgium and Switzerland. In Belgium, it is most commonly found in the Wallonia region, particularly in the provinces of Liège, Hainaut, and Namur. In Switzerland, it is primarily distributed in the French-speaking cantons such as Vaud, Geneva, and Neuchâtel. The name has also spread to neighboring countries due to migration, with notable presence in France, particularly in the Ile-de-France region around Paris. Outside Europe, there are Bejarts in Canada, mostly in Quebec, and the United States, primarily in the states of California, New York, and Florida, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bejart

The surname Bejart can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include: Bejar, Beyart, Beyer, Béjart, Bayart, and Biart. These variations may stem from the original French name which means "farmer" or "farm owner." The name's origin can be traced back to various regions in France, particularly Normandy, where it was most prevalent. Other countries with known Bejart descendants include Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It's essential to note that these variations may also have different pronunciations depending on regional dialects and languages.

Famous people with the last name Bejart

Maurice Béjart (1927-2008) was a renowned Belgian choreographer and dancer who founded the Ballet du XXe siècle in Brussels, Belgium, in 1959. Often referred to as "the modernizing force of ballet," he introduced contemporary music and themes into traditional ballet, creating more than 200 original dance works during his career. His most famous pieces include "Boléro," "Le Sacre du Printemps," and "Carmen." In 1980, Béjart established the Béjart Ballet Lausanne in Switzerland, which continues to perform his work today.

Aurélie Béjart (born 1973) is a French film actress and model who has appeared in numerous films since her debut in 1998. She gained international recognition for her roles in "L'auberge espagnole" (2002), "The Adopted" (2006), and "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra" (2002). Her acting career has been characterized by her versatility, as she often portrays strong and independent characters.

Thomas Béjart (born 1987) is a Swiss racing driver who competes in various series, including the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the European Rallycross Championship. He has achieved multiple podium finishes throughout his career and was the runner-up in the Supercar category of the World Rallycross Championship in 2017. Béjart's racing career is marked by his dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit.

Genealogical research on the last name Bejart

The surname Bejart is believed to have originated from the French-speaking regions of Europe, particularly Belgium and France. It is a variant of the name Béjart, which comes from the Old French "beah" meaning "bee" or "buzzing," and "hard," meaning "brave."

The first recorded occurrence of the name Bejart was in the 16th century in France. Some early notable individuals with this surname include Jean Bejart, a French priest who lived in the 17th century, and Pierre Bejart, a French officer during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Bejart family later spread to other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, where they established the renowned Bejart Ballet Lausanne. Notable members of this branch include Maurice Béjart, who founded the ballet company in 1960 and became one of the most influential figures in modern dance.

In more recent times, there have been many individuals with the surname Bejart recorded across Europe and North America. The name's popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries, but it remains a relatively uncommon surname worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bejart"
• 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